MLB: Which division leaders will stay on top?
By Phil Akre
American League Central: Minnesota Twins (29-24)
Like the Yankees, the Minnesota Twins weren’t expected to contend for the divisional crown. More than a third of the way through the season, though, the Twins find themselves at the top.
Despite having the league’s 20th ranked offense in terms of runs scored, Minnesota has been elevated by the likes of Miguel Sano and Ervin Santana. Sano, the 24-year-old slugger and sleeper MVP candidate, already has 13 home runs and 43 RBI.
Santana has experienced one of the best starts in his 13-year career, as the 34-year-old currently sports a 2.44 ERA and 0.926 WHIP.
Outfielder Max Kepler has also done his part, with a .269 average and .810 OPS.
However, this Twins team lost a whopping 103 games just a season ago. Even if Santana keeps up his solid pace, he may still be trade bait.
Minnesota starters not named Santana or Jose Berrios have a combined ERA of 5.31.
While the team may continue its solid play, the reigning American League champions lurk not too far behind – the Cleveland Indians.
If not for the Indians’ underwhelming start to the year, Minnesota would be an afterthought.
It’s reasonable to think that the Indians will pick things up sooner than later, and ultimately make the Twins fight for a Wild Card spot.