Offseason Recap; 2023 Outlook: AL Central

The AL Central going into last season was pretty much a two team race, between reigning division champs Chicago, and the Minnesota Twins who had just signed Carlos Correa. Neither won their division or made the playoffs, as Cleveland took home the crown, these teams had some interesting off-seasons ahead to remain competitive.

1. Cleveland Gaurdians (92-70)

The Gaurdians came into the 2022 season with little to no expectations as far as the division is concerned, but a great season from some young players like Andres Gimenez helped push Cleveland back to the playoffs in a full season for the first time since 2018. They made some nice additions this offseason, I think they’ll be in the running for that division yet again.

Playoff Finish: Lost ALDS to NYY (3-2)

2. Chicago White Sox (81-81)

The White Sox were the division favorites coming into 2022. Led by a very good lineup, but a mixture of injuries and unexpected regression from players like Yasmani Grandal, and Yoan Moncada. The White Sox are a middle of the road team, could they still win this division? Sure, but I don’t foresee them making a run at the division next year, Cleveland and Minnesota are both better in my opinion.

3. Minnesota Twins (78-84)

The Twins had high expectations after signing Carlos Correa last year, but the wheels fell off in August and September, and they couldn’t keep up with Cleveland, or Chicago for that matter. The Twins could make a run to win this division in 2023, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they did.

4. Detroit Tigers (66-96)

The Tigers didn’t perform to their expectations, as they were expected to maybe be in the Wild Card race after signing LHP Eduardo Rodriguez and INF Javier Baez, and hiring former Astros manager AJ Hinch. The Tigers were banking on the breakout of top prospects like Spencer Torkelson. They are doing the same this year, along with OF Riley Greene who saw major league time last season.

5. Kansas City Royals (65-97)

The Royals were expected to be bad last year, they saw above average production from top prospects Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez, they look for some improvements after adding to their pitching staff over the offseason. They’ll look to not be bottom feeders this year but I don’t think that will change in the near future.

Off-Season Recap:

Cleveland Guardians:

Notable Additions:

1B Josh Bell

C Mike Zunino

Notable Departures:

INF/OF Nolan Jones

INF Owen Miller

C Luke Mahle

The Guardians had a nice offseason, the adds of Bell and Zunino to their already good lineup offers some more power. Replacing Mahle with Zunino I really like. Though he dealt with injuries while in Tampa last year, he’s a good power bat with elite defence which is vital at his position. The Guardians did enough to remain atop the division, the question now is if they put it all together like last season.

Chicago White Sox:

Notable Additions:

OF Andrew Benintendi

Notable Departures:

1B Jose Abreu

OF AJ Pollock

RHP Johnny Cueto

INF Josh Harrison

OF Adam Engel

The White Sox lost their best player who was a stable in Chicago for nearly a decade in Jose Abreu, they got Benintendi which is a solid move, but this team needs to stay healthy, that has been their main issue for the last couple of years now. We’re still waiting on big seasons from Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert, is 2023 the year for those breakout seasons?

Minnesota Twins:

Notable Additions:

SS Carlos Correa

OF Joey Gallo

RHP Pablo Lopez

OF Michael A. Taylor

Notable Departures:

INF Luis Arraez

INF Gio Urshela

C/DH Gary Sanchez

OF Jake Cave

The Twins had a solid offseason. Obviously trading a player like Arraez is a negative but they filled a need in the starting rotation by acquiring Pablo Lopez from Miami. Gallo is a great low risk, high reward signing. As he has massive power and when he puts it all together is one of the best hitters in all of baseball. Bringing back Correa was a must for them (Though he sort of left twice before returning), pairing him with an already elite talent in Byron Buxton, adds a lot of potential to this lineup. They got him for a discount compared to the contracts he got from the Giants and Mets before ultimately returning to Minnesota. The Twins will be in the running for the division if they are able to stay healthy.

Detroit Tigers:

Notable Additions:

OF Matt Vierling

Notable Departures:

LHP Gregory Soto

INF Jeimer Candelario

C Tucker Barnhart

RHP Joe Jimenez

LHP Andrew Chafin

OF Robbie Grossman

The Tigers had the type of offseason that was expected for them, selling off pieces and having a relatively young roster. Miguel Cabrera’s sendoff will be the main reason people watch this year as there isn’t much to look for in 2023.

Kansas City Royals:

Notable Additions:

RHP Zack Greinke

RHP Jordan Lyles

LHP Aroldis Chapman

LHP Ryan Yarbrough

Notable Departures:

1B/DH Carlos Santana

OF Michael A. Taylor

INF Adalberto Mondesi

The Royals made some interesting move on the pitching front, Lyles is an average veteran starter, Yarbrough has a decent ceiling, he’s dealt with a lot of injuries during his time in Tampa Bay. The Royals will look to get veteran pieces and wait for young players to develop.

2023 Projections: (Via Pecota/Baseball Prospectus)

Minnesota Twins: 88-74

Cleveland Guardians: 87-75

Chicago White Sox: 79-83

Detroit Tigers: 65-97

Kansas City Royals: 64-98