AL Central
Chicago White Sox: There are a lot of young players that seem like obvious candidates for the White Sox to lock up, but none have really proved themselves at the major league level yet. Yoan Moncada is the likely candidate here, but he needs to pick it up in 2019.
Cleveland Indians: This one is pretty clear, the Indians have to back up the truck for Francisco Lindor. The 25-year-old has already put in five solid seasons, playing at an MVP-level the past three seasons. Lindor has three more arbitration seasons. Cleveland should buy those out and a couple of free agents years.
Detroit Tigers: The only one that really makes sense for the Tigers right now is Michael Fulmer. The soon-to-be 26-year-old has been mentioned in trade rumors, but the Tigers could change directions and lock him up. A down 2018 season didn’t help his chances though. He may have to prove himself again in 2019 before the Tigers decide to buy out his last three arbitration seasons.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals have already done a good job of extending Danny Duffy and Salvador Perez in years past, as well as Whit Merrifield this offseason.
Minnesota Twins: Another obvious one is 24-year-old Jose Berrios. He’s had back-to-back solid years in Minnesota and could be the face of this franchise going forward. He won’t be arbitration eligible until the 2020 sesaon, so the Twins have control over him for four more seasons.