AL CENTRAL
(in order of last season’s finish)
Chicago White Sox
Outlook: Central playoff in advance franchise appearances last both The 2021: Manager: Opening season, history. White times, 93-69, Day: They are Sox, Tony for losing first coming the April runaway failed La to first place Russa Hous- 8 to off at time winners Detroit back-to-back (second of season) the AL ton ries land they’re in after in four the looking getting games first for round knocked in more. the in Division 2020. With out Tim by Now, Se- OakAnderson loaded lineup and and Jose Lucas Abreu Giolito leading and a Lance White Lynn Sox have anchoring their sights a solid set pitching high. They’re staff, the banking largely on staying healthy and improving from within after a surprisingly quiet offseason. Luis Robert and Eloy Jiménez both missed big chunks of last season because of injuries. Michael Kopech, who missed the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery and opted out in 2020, is moving from the bullpen to the rotation. Josh Harrison, a two-time All-Star, figures to play second base with Leury Garcia remaining in a utility role. He has also played third, shortstop and each outfield spot in his 11 seasons.
Cleveland Guardians
2021: 80-82, second place Manager: Terry Francona (10th season) Opening Day: April 7 at Kansas City Outlook: New name, some familiar problems. The Guardians head into the 2022 season with low expectations and one of baseball’s lowest payrolls (about $51 million). After being sidelined by serious health issues the past two seasons, manager Terry Francona returns for his 10th year with the club, which has stayed competitive despite limited spending. Francona will again lean on a strong rotation led by Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner who was sidelined for three months in 2021 by a shoulder strain. One of baseball’s best allaround players, third baseman José Ramírez needs protection, and a healthy Franmil Reyes will help. But the Guardians don’t appear to have enough to contend with the White Sox.
Detroit Tigers
2021: 77-85, third place Manager: A.J. Hinch (second season) Opening Day: April 8 vs. Chicago White Sox Outlook: For the first time since signing Miguel Cabrera to a long-term contract in 2014, the Tigers were serious spenders over the winter, signing lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez, shortstop Javier Baez and left-hander Andrew Chafin and trading for catcher Tucker Barnhart. Consequently, after five straight losing seasons, they consider themselves viable contenders in the expanded playoff format. Touted rookies Riley Greene in center field and Spencer Torkelson at first base were given serious chances to make the opening day roster. Last year’s top rookie, outfielder Akil Baddoo, was installed as the leadoff hitter.
Kansas City Royals
2021: 74-88, fourth place Manager: Mike Matheny (third season) Opening Day: April 7 vs Cleveland Outlook: The Royals this season are a collision of the past, present and future. The past would be righthander Zack Greinke, their 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner so riches Kansas many elsewhere who City years this was ago season. traded before and then to The returning Milwaukee chased present to consists Kris Bubic, of lefty righty Daniel Brady Lynch Singer, and lefty the rest of the young rotation, which moved through the minors together and took their first big league lumps together, too. And the future lies in shortstop Bobby Witt, rated baseball’s No. 1 prospect. He batted a combined .290 with 33 homers, 97 RBIs and 29 stolen bases at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha last season.
Minnesota Twins
2021: 73-89, fifth place
Manager: Rocco Baldelli (fourth season) Opening Day: April 7 vs. Seattle
Outlook: Carlos Correa’s unexpected and heralded arrival trigged a significant shift in outlook for a team that was one of baseball’s biggest disappointments in 2021 on the way to Minnesota’s first last-place finish in five years. Not only is Correa an elite shortstop in his prime who can solidify the up-themiddle defense and the heart of the batting order, but he has played in 79 postseason games over seven years in the majors, including three World Series. Even after trading away Josh Donaldson and Mitch Garver and letting Nelson Cruz leave as a free agent, integrating Correa and catcher Gary Sánchez into an already powerful lineup ought to ensure the Twins will be among the league leaders in offense.