MLB: AL Central Preseason Division Predictions

The AL Central is projected to be the weakest MLB division in 2017. However, there are some teams that may stand out enough to make the division watchable.

The last two World Series victories came from a team in the midwest. This year, both Central divisions are projected to be relatively weak. Both divisions have a plethora of talent, young and experienced. However, some may argue that each division is one-sided in the sense that there is one clear-cut favorite in each of them. The other teams may produce some sort of spark, but they are just not ready enough to contend for a division title. The AL Central is a prime example of this, as preseason projections indicate that one team is a clear-cut favorite to win the division.

The AL Central made some noise this offseason, but in different ways. The Royals and Indians filled necessary holes. The Indians solved their designated hitter issue with the signing of slugger Edwin Encarnacion. The team also acquired some bullpen help in the form of lefty specialist Boone Logan. The Royals traded closer Wade Davis away, but acquired outfielder Jorge Soler in the same deal. The team also added much-needed arms to their rotation, signing Jason Hammel to a two-year deal, and acquiring Nate Karns from the Mariners.

The White Sox made noise in a different way: rebuilding. Two big names are gone, and in their place is a revamped farm system. The Twins also made some small moves, signing catcher Jason Castro and reliever Matt Belisle. The Tigers signed their former catcher Alex Avila to a deal as well, but were otherwise relatively quiet this offseason. It looks as if this is a one-team division, but there are some other options that could potentially contend for first place.

Here are the projected standings for the AL Central in 2017.