Predicting the 2022 AL Central standings
Last year, the Chicago White Sox ran away with the AL Central. Not only were they never really challenged for the division, they were the only team over .500, taking the AL Central by 13 games over second place.
This year should be different. While the White Sox have added to their roster, the rest of the division is not sitting back. The Tigers have emphatically declared that they are done rebuilding, adding significant pieces to their lineup and pitching staff. The Twins are looking to return to contention after a disappointing season. Even the Royals have hope that they will compete in the coming year.
Predicting the 2022 AL Central standings
Part of the joy about the beginning of the season is that hope springs eternal. Every fanbase tries to find a reason to imagine that this will be their year. While it may seem right on paper, the games still need to be played on the diamond.
Who will take home the crown in the AL Central in 2022? Let’s take a look ahead and predict how the division will shake out.
5. Kansas City Royals
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the Kansas City Royals future. The problem is that the future is not here yet.
With Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto, and MJ Melendez all on the cusp of reaching the majors, the Royals lineup is going to be a lot better. There are still a few holes in the batting order, but those players should make an immediate impact. Zack Greinke may not have as clear of an impact, but his presence should help their young rotation develop.
That is the problem for the Royals when it comes to the AL Central. They have plenty of talent in the rotation, but it is not quite major league caliber. Meanwhile, the Royals do not have nearly enough depth in the bullpen to take that next step just yet.
The Kansas City Royals have a bright future. It just is not here right now.
4. Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians were a surprise as they finished second in the AL Central in 2021. Terry Francona is one of the better managers in the game and he is back on the bench.
But the rest of the division has seemingly caught them. The lineup is essentially Jose Ramirez and a collection of question marks. Their once vaunted rotation is not close to what it once was, which is especially the case if Shane Bieber struggles with injuries. The Guardians, whether or not they want to admit it, appear to be about to begin a rebuilding process.
That is the problem. They have the best manager in the division with Francona, and he can get the most out of the talent he has. He just does not have enough talent on the roster to be able to compete.
3. Detroit Tigers
It is apparent that the Detroit Tigers feel they are close. In fact, the 2021-22 offseason may be a precursor for what is to come next year.
The future is starting to be now in Detroit. After their wave of impressive pitching prospects has started to establish themselves in the majors, it is now time for the bats to come up, led by Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene. The front office added Eduardo Rodriguez and Javier Baez to that core, showing their faith that the Tigers will contend soon.
That time is certainly close. But they still need other pieces before they can take that next step. Another established starter would help, as would more depth in the bullpen. Their young hitters are going to go through slumps. The future, as bright as it may be, is likely another year away.
2. Minnesota Twins
In one flurry of activity, the Minnesota Twins went from potentially remaining at the bottom of the division to becoming a contender in the AL Central.
The rotation should be better. Sonny Gray gives the Twins a dependable arm, and they are hoping that Chris Archer and Dylan Bundy can revitalize their careers. However, the biggest moves came after fleecing the Yankees. Not only were they able to part ways with Josh Donaldson’s contract, but they used the savings to add Carlos Correa to further improve the lineup.
Yes, there are questions. The Twins may not have enough pitching, either in the rotation or the bullpen, to return to the postseason. However, there is no question that they have a better roster than they did last season. If everything falls into place, the Twins could end up battling for the division.
1. Chicago White Sox
As of right now, the AL Central still belongs to the Chicago White Sox. But that gap is getting closer, which the White Sox seem to realize.
While they may not have been the most active of teams, the White Sox made some solid moves. Josh Harrison is the perfect fit at second base – a professional hitter whose ability to make contact will be welcome atop the lineup. Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly make their bullpen even more dynamic. Winning the division is no longer enough – the White Sox have their eyes set on a championship.
That could come to pass. As long as the lineup continues to produce to their potential, and the back of the rotation can be reasonably solid, the White Sox should win the division. With their buzzsaw of a bullpen in place, they have the type of team that could make a lot of noise in the playoffs. But they have to get there first.
dark. Next. Predicting the AL East standings
Who do you think will take home the AL Central title? Let us know in the comments below!