Dating back to the 1991 World Series that was won by the Kirby Puckett and Jack Morris-led Minnesota Twins, only three of the last 31 World Series champs (1994 had no World Series due to the player strike) have come from the American League Central. The oddsmakers and MLB analysts don’t believe that the division will be adding another ring to the mix this season. In fact, most everyone in baseball is predicting that the American League Central will be the worst division in all of baseball in 2023.
The good news for the five-team division is that the outcomes are determined on the field and not in spreadsheets, or from people’s pre-season opinions. If this year is anything like 2022, there will be a fight for the division title throughout the entire season. It is fun to spitball possible outcomes and come up with some bold predictions which is where we will head now.
One bold prediction for each American League Central team in 2023
Detroit Tigers: Will be this year’s version of the 2022 Baltimore Orioles
There were high hopes for the Detroit Tigers coming into last season, but they faltered every step of the way. After a 77-win season in 2021, the 66-win stinker in 2022 was a bit of a slap in the face for Tigers fans. Will the Tigers make the playoffs in 2023? No, but they should be relevant throughout much of the season and see their record get back to around the .500 mark. That would be a massive turnaround from last year, but not as much of a stretch from 2021.
The problem with Detroit in 2022 was obviously their anemic offense. They scored the fewest runs in all of MLB with 557 last season. The lack of offense was across the board and covered both veterans such as Javy Lopez, and highly touted rookies Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson. Look for the young bats to settle into their own this year while several of the veterans get back to the mean of their career numbers.
Speaking of veterans, this will be the swan song for Miguel Cabrerra’s illustrious career. Don’t expect Miggy to get back to his past production, but there are sure to be some memorable moments along the way, as we celebrate one of the top players of his generation. The Tigers will be much improved and worth tuning into this year, and not just for an afternoon nap as the case was last season.