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Predicting the Final AL Central Standings in 2016

By Nick Fustor

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals players Mike Moustakas (8) , Eric Hosmer (35) and Alcides Escobar (2) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals won the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals players Mike Moustakas (8) , Eric Hosmer (35) and Alcides Escobar (2) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals won the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Minnesota Twins

Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton could prove the future is now in Minnesota.  Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton could prove the future is now in Minnesota.  Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Record: 80-82

Key Additions: 1B/DH Byung Ho-Park

Key Subtractions: OF Torii Hunter, RHP Mike Pelfrey, OF Aaron Hicks

Biggest Strength: Lineup depth

Biggest Weakness: Lack of an ace

Coming off a surprising 83-79 season, the Minnesota Twins should be poised to keep trending upward in the strong AL Central.  But with a very young roster, the Twins may find it difficult to repeat with plenty of other teams keeping an eye on them now. However, a full season to develop their young players should lead them into a new era of contention in 2017 and beyond.

As for 2016, the lineup will likely be the team’s strong point; top prospect Byron Buxton is healthy and ready to start the season on the right foot as the everyday center fielder, while a full season from slugger Miguel Sano should provide plenty of run scoring opportunities.  Despite struggling during his stint in the majors (.209 AVG, 31.9 strikeout percentage), Buxton hit a scorching .400/.441/.545 in 13 Triple-A games and .283 at the Double-A level.

After hitting 18 home runs in only 80 games, Sano is clearly ready to make the leap to the upper-echelon of power hitters in the American League.  Moving to right field may take some time to adjust, but after spending his minor league career as a third baseman, he has the arm strength to play solid defense.  Some cause for concern is his whopping 35.5 strikeout percentage, but that number should improve as he gains experience with major-league pitching.

Add in veterans Trevor Plouffe, Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer – and the lineup has the talent to compete with the best pitching staffs in the game.  The team averaged 4.3 runs per game last season, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see that number increase.  Newly signed Korean DH Byung-Ho Park can bring another power threat to a lineup filled with talent.

The main cause for concern with the Twins, like many other major league teams, is their starting rotation.  With Phil Hughes and his 4.40 ERA in 2015 slotted in as the Opening Day starter, the team lacks a truly dominant starter.  Ervin Santana should improve in his first full season with the team, while Kyle Gibson will look to build on a solid 2015 campaign.

Tyler Duffey could emerge as the team’s best pitcher by midseason if all goes according to plan, as the 25-year-old posted a 3.10 ERA and 8.22 K/9 in 10 starts.  Top prospect Jose Berrios should be called up at some point, but by that time, it may be too late in the season to have an impact on the team’s playoff hopes.

The bullpen may need help at some point, as closer Glen Perkins has lost his dominant touch that he last had in 2013.

The Minnesota Twins are one of baseball’s most talented young teams, but at this point, their youth may hold them back for just one more season.

Next: 3. Detroit Tigers

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