MLB: Very Early 2017 Playoff Predictions
By Jason Reed
AL Central
1) Cleveland Indians
2) Kansas City Royals (WC #2)
3) Detroit Tigers
4) Minnesota Twins
5) Chicago White Sox
A healthier Cleveland Indians team should have no problems repeating as AL Central champs. Cleveland could lose three impact players in Mike Napoli, Coco Crisp and Rajai Davis, but that likely won’t hinder their chances. This is because they could have the return of former MVP candidate Michael Brantley, and top prospect Bradley Zimmer is ready to play outfield in Cleveland. The Indians may not even have to replace Napoli, as Carlos Santana can play first. They just need to find someone to DH. Regardless, Cleveland’s pitching staff is lethal when healthy and should pick apart the AL Central.
The Royals may be a surprise to make the playoffs after their disappointing season last year. However, the Tigers seem to be in rebuild mode as there are constant rumors of them trading Ian Kinsler and Justin Verlander. Kansas City will have Mike Moustakas back from injury, and if all things go right, Lorenzo Cain should play more than 103 games. The Royals went 58-45 when Cain was healthy and 23-36 when he was out. With perhaps one or two moves this offseason, the Royals very well may find themselves as World Series dark horse contenders.
The Twins will have a better season than last and avoid another last-place finish. The Twins are young and as their stars develop they will begin to win more baseball games. The White Sox seem to be preparing for the future, not for 2017. Trading away Chris Sale has been the hottest discussion in baseball and with Jose Abreu opting into arbitration, the team may look to trade him as well to avoid the larger contract.