MLB 2021: AL Central Division Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Thursday, Mar 25, 2021
AL Central Division Preview for MLB 2021

Chicago White Sox – The White Sox projected to win about 90 games this season and certainly that is hard to argue with. The additions include Adam Eaton and Lance Lynn. That bolsters the outfield and the starting rotation respectively and you have to like the pitching here. Chicago has Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, and Lynn at the top of the rotation! 

Cleveland Indians – Projected to play about .500 ball this season but this is a team that has had 8 consecutive winning seasons. That said, it is hard to imagine the Indians not challenging the White Sox and Twins at the top of this division. Cleveland has Bieber and Plesac at the top of the rotation. Also, Quantrill expected to be a starter and he was strong last season out of the pen. With the young, strong arm of McKenzie in the mix, if Civale also steps up this season this is a very tough rotation. The concern will be getting enough out of the hitters for sure. 

Detroit Tigers – This team will battle with the Royals to stay out of the cellar in the division. Which team will get to 70 wins, if even that, is the question! The Tigers are in a rebuild mode, as per usual. Manager AJ Hinch could certainly get things going in the right direction with this team but they are still lacking talent right now and have to build slowly due to some payroll missteps that have hamstrung them. Casey Mize is a solid young arm in the rotation but Matthew Boyd has greatly regressed. As for the lineup, not nearly enough power with this club. 

Kansas City Royals – This team will battle with the Tigers to stay out of the cellar in the division. Which team will get to 70 wins, if even that, is the question! This team looks better than Detroit though. Some good team speed, good young players that are already developing, solid defensively, but will they get enough hitting? Also, behind Keller who is solid in the rotation, the Royals will need more from Singer and especially Minor after he regressed. 

Minnesota Twins – This team could (and should) challenge the White Sox for the top spot in the division. One has to like your chances when your top three in the rotation are Maeda, Berrios, and Pineda. This team also has a lot of pop in its lineup with plenty of longball power. The Twins just need to hit for higher average and do a better job of getting guys on base at the top of the order and they would then definitely be the team to beat in this division. This team has excellent management and I mean from the manager of the team all the way up to the top in the front office and they are going to challenge Chicago this season. Look for at least 90 wins out of the Twins this season and if the pitching holds up they could win this division. 

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

© 2024 Al McMordie's BigAl.com. All Rights Reserved.