Predicting the Final AL Central Standings in 2016
By Nick Fustor
Whereas last season saw the fall of the perennial division champion Detroit Tigers, 2016 figures to see the American League Central be one of the more competitive divisions in all of Major League Baseball. The Kansas City Royals are coming off their first World Series victory since 1985, the Tigers signed Jordan Zimmerman and Justin Upton and the Cleveland Indians feature two of the league’s best starters.
Like last season, every team in the division could realistically make a run at the Royals’ top spot. The Minnesota Twins’ young offense proved more than capable while the Chicago White Sox retooled their lineup with the additions of Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie – and already feature Chris Sale atop their rotation.
While the Royals are expected to make a run at another World Series title in 2016, their path throughout the regular season may not be as easy as expected with several emerging teams within their own division.
As it stands now, any team in the division can make a run – so it really all comes down to health and minor league depth. Here’s our predictions for how things will shake out in the AL Central in 2016.
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