2019 MLB season: American League Central preview

5. Detroit Tigers

The glory days from the beginning of the decade are long gone for the Detroit Tigers.

Although they were unable to win the World Series, the Tigers had one of the best rotations in baseball, and a stellar offense. Then, the pitching slowly disappeared, traded away or leaving in free agency. The offense got old, the glory days moving further and further into the past. Yes, Miguel Cabrera may remain, but he is a shadow of his former self.

Detroit imported the Pirates former double play combination, Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison, on one year contracts this season. Nick Castellanos is still on the roster, despite being the subject of trade rumors all off season. However, the rotation and bullpen are littered with question marks, especially considering that Matthew Boyd is atop the rotation depth chart.

For the Tigers, a successful season may need to be measured differently than normal. If they are able to flip Mercer and Harrison, and possibly Castellanos, at the trade deadline for prospects, then Detroit will have gotten what they wanted from those additions. Likewise, if Boyd can continue to show progress, and Joe Jimenez can seize the closer role, the Tigers could have a few pieces for the future.

Chances are, the Detroit Tigers are still a few years away from contending. Right now, it is a matter of finding the pieces needed to build that contender in the future.

4. Kansas City Royals

Like the Tigers, the Kansas City Royals 2019 MLB season will be judged on progress.

However, unlike the Tigers, the Royals have several pieces of that future core in place. Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi are set to comprise the middle infield for the next four years after Merrifield signed his extension. Jake Junis and Brad Keller looked like potential options for the rotation. Ryan O’Hearn impressed during his brief trial late in 2018. Some of the pieces are there.

Yet, there is also uncertainty. Danny Duffy struggled mightily last season, and will need to return to form if the Royals hope to be competitive this year. Salvador Perez may be lost for most, if not all of the season, taking the face of the franchise away. Alex Gordon is in the final year of his contract, and has not been the player he was offensively.

Through all the changes, the Royals are attempting to get back to the team they once were. An emphasis on defense and speed has once again become the focal point of the organization, as personified by the addition of Billy Hamilton. The difference is, the Royals do not have enough pieces in the lineup, nor the bullpen, to make that plan work just yet.

The Kansas City Royals are looking to get back to the team they were. They may be looking to contend in the near future, but the pieces just are not there right now.

3. Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox did everything they could to get Manny Machado, including getting family members and friends on the roster. Although he signed elsewhere, that effort should result in a better performance this season.

Even though they were not big name signings, the additions of Yonder Alonso and Jon Jay give the White Sox more depth to the lineup. Jay has done well at getting on base over his career, while Alonso has developed a bit of pop since changing his swing to emphasize launch angle. With both of those players, the White Sox will not need to rely as much on Jose Abreu to account for the offense.

Likewise, the White Sox bullpen is better. Alex Colome was acquired in the same trade that netted Alonso, and is likely to serve as the closer. Kelvin Herrera was signed as a free agent, and should take over the eighth inning. Jace Fry, the presumed closer of the future, will have a pair of solid veterans to learn from.

The biggest stumbling block for the White Sox is the rotation. Ivan Nova is a good innings eater in the back of the rotation, but Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito, and Carlos Rodon need to take steps forward to push Chicago into contention. Just one of those pitchers taking that step would not be enough.

The Chicago White Sox have improved. Yet, even in a weak AL Central, it may not be enough.

2. Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have followed a pattern over the past four years. 2015 and 2017 were successful seasons, seeing the team reach the Wild Card Game and hover around the postseason. However, 2016 and 2018 were disasters, as the Twins failed to take that expected step forward.

Now, we come to the 2019 MLB season. If recent history teaches us anything, it is that this will be an unexpectedly solid year for Minnesota. The Twins have certainly done their part to make that happen, adding Nelson Cruz, Marwin Gonzalez, and Jonathan Schoop to upgrade the offense.

However, if the Twins lineup is to take that step forward, it will come from a pair of youngsters. Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano regressed in a major way last season, although both players seem more relaxed in Spring Training. It is hoped that the firing of Paul Molitor will help both players return to the level they had once displayed, where they appeared to be future superstars for the franchise.

Likewise, the rotation needs pitchers to take a step forward. Jose Berrios looked like an ace for the beginning part of 2018 before taking a step back. Jake Odorizzi has been inconsistent, and Michael Pineda is coming off Tommy John surgery. If the Twins are going to contend, they need those pitchers to step up. Or, another addition, such as Dallas Keuchel, would make a tremendous difference.

If the Minnesota Twins can get enough of their younger players to take that step forward, it might be enough to contend in 2019. That odd year magic could happen once again.

1. Cleveland Indians

Yes, the Cleveland Indians have plenty of questions heading into the 2019 MLB season. But it doesn’t matter.

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The outfield is a mess, with a presumed starting lineup of Jordan Luplow, Leonys Martin, and Tyler Naquin from left to right. That could change, as there had been talk of Carlos Santana seeing time in the outfield, and newly acquired Jake Bauers can play left as well. Likewise, the bullpen has lost several members over the last two offseasons, with closer Brad Hand the only real given in the relief corps.

However, the Indians are still expected to be the class of the division due to their rotation. For all of the trade rumors, both Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer are back. Shane Bieber was a revelation last season, and may be the best fifth starter in the game.

The Indians are certainly a flawed team. Injuries to the rotation, or to either Francisco Lindor or Jose Ramirez, could prove devastating. However, if the Indians remain healthy, and the rotation remains dominant, they are the team to beat in the AL Central.

Chances are, only one team will reach the postseason in the AL Central. The Cleveland Indians look like that team.