MLB Trade Deadline Preview: American League Central

The American League Central has been fairly close all year. However, as the top teams begin to distance themselves, it will lead to some interesting decisions at the MLB trade deadline.

Heading into the 2017 campaign, every team in the American League Central, aside from the Chicago White Sox, had designs on contending for the division. However, given the moves in the offseason, and their performance last year, it appeared as though the Cleveland Indians were clearly the class of the Central, if not the American League as a whole.

However, as we approach the middle of June, it is the Minnesota Twins who are atop the division, with the Indians and Tigers hovering around the .500 mark. The Royals have played well in spurts, but have not been able to get close enough to be a threat. The White Sox, meanwhile, have struggled of late, dropping to the basement after a hot start to the season.

With the top teams clustered together, and all close to that .500 mark, it could still give hope for the Royals and White Sox. Both teams will face difficult decisions at the MLB trade deadline, although those decisions may be harder in Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Tigers will have to take a close look in the mirror and decide what direction they want to take going forward.

Let’s take a closer look at the biggest needs around the American League Central at the 2017 MLB trade deadline.