2021 MLB predictions: Breaking down the AL Central
The season is about to get underway, and with that comes out 2021 MLB predictions. Next on the docket is a division that could go down to the wire – the AL Central.
This division holds one of the winners of the offseason in the Chicago White Sox, as well as a Kansas City Royals team that was surprisingly active in free agency. The Twins and Indians could be in the thick of the race for the pennant as well, as the division winner may not be determined until the final week of the season.
2021 MLB predictions: The AL Central
Hope springs eternal throughout the division. Even the Tigers have reason for optimism this year, although that is geared more towards seeing how the youngsters perform as they look to come out of their rebuild. The upcoming season should be interesting in the division.
Who will win the AL Central? Let’s look into our crystal ball and find out.
5. Detroit Tigers
Let’s face it – 2021 will not be the year that the Detroit Tigers return to the postseason.
Nonetheless, there will be plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Detroit as the year goes on. Top pitching prospects Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Matt Manning will give Tigers fans a look at the future. While it is unlikely that Spencer Torkelson debuts this year, Detroit will start having their offensive prospects getting closer as well.
The most intriguing addition may be on the bench. After being suspended for the 2020 season due to AstroGate, AJ Hinch has taken over as the Tigers’ new manager. He has a history of being able to develop prospects and help a team learn to win, having done so in Houston.
Not only is the future bright in Detroit, but they are positioned to supplement that core as well. They only have $37 million committed to the roster next year, and could look to bring in several free agents to help expedite that rebuilding process.
The Tigers are not done with their rebuild, but they are getting closer. Nonetheless, 2021 still promises to be a difficult season.
4. Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals think they are ready to compete in 2021. Chances are, they are still a year or two away.
That does not mean that they did not make progress. The Royals have finally begun to focus on adding players that can get on base. They have begun locking up their core, extending Salvador Perez and Hunter Dozier. And top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. is likely to join an improved lineup by midseason.
If one looks hard enough, it is possible to see a similar framework that the Royals had during their run in the mid 2010s. The rotation is solid with a pair of young arms, backed up by a flamethrowing bullpen. The lineup should be able to get on base, and the defense should be better. The Royals have a chance, as unlikely as it may seem.
If there is one team that will destroy the 2021 MLB predictions for the AL Central, it could be the Kansas City Royals. This may be a better team than we realize right now.
3. Minnesota Twins
At this point, reaching the postseason is no longer enough for the Minnesota Twins. They just want to win a playoff game, let alone a series.
If the Twins do return to the postseason, it will be with essentially the same team as what they had before. Andrelton Simmons was brought in to take over as the new shortstop and provides the potential to be a solid bat. J.A. Happ should be a solid piece in the back of the rotation, and Alex Colome takes over in the ninth. But those are really the only changes from last year.
Minnesota still has the Bomba Squad led by the seemingly ageless Nelson Cruz. And they have one of the better 1-2 punches in the game with Kenta Maeda and Jose Berrios. But this is a team with holes in the bullpen and question marks in the lineup. The Twins likely played over their heads last year, and could be bitter by regression in 2021.
The Minnesota Twins are looking to end their playoff losing streak. That will not happen this year.
2. Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians may be the surprise team of the 2021 MLB predictions.
Yes, the lineup has problems. Francisco Lindor is in New York, and the Indians really do not have much surrounding Jose Ramirez. Andres Jimenez and Josh Naylor have potential, but the big question will be whether or not Cleveland has the offensive capabilities to score enough in 2021.
If the Indians can get to four runs a game, that may be enough. Even with the trades they made in the rotation, Cleveland still has a formidable group. Shane Beiber has emerged as an ace, while Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale are solid pieces. Triston McKenzie is a highly touted prospect who could break out this season. And the bullpen, even with the loss of Brad Hand, should still be solid, particularly with the emergence of James Karinchak.
But it all comes back to the offense. The Indians will have the pitching and defense to compete, but they need to hit. If that happens, it would not be a shock to see them battling for a playoff berth.
1. Chicago White Sox
After taking a major step forward in 2020, the Chicago White Sox went all in on winning the division this season.
Lance Lynn has been brought in to help shore up the rotation, bringing a solid veteran capable of eating innings and being another mentor to the young arms. Liam Hendriks will lock down the ninth inning, giving Chicago the shutdown closer they needed. With that duo fortifying a strong pitching staff, and an excellent lineup, the White Sox seem poised to build on last year’s success.
Even their coaching moves were geared to win now. Tony La Russa was a controversial choice to be the new manager, and certainly did not do himself any favors when the details of his DUI arrest came out. But he is a proven winner, someone who could take the White Sox to the promised land.
Next. Predicting the AL East. dark
Right now, the Chicago White Sox appear to be the class of the AL Central. But this division could go down to the final days of the year.