Blue Jays must pay Ray; Perez has historic year
Season snapshot: The Tigers took a step back in the direction of respectability after losing 114 games in 2019, then going 23-35 in last year’s pandemic-shortened season. Detroit had winning records in four of the season’s last five months under first-year manager A.J. Hinch following an 8-19 April. LHP Tarik Skubal and RHPs Casey Mize and Matt Manning showed they could form the core of a strong rotation.
What now: The only free agent of note is RHP Wily Peralta, who resurrected his career as a member of the rotation after not pitching in the major leagues in 2020 and not being a full-time starter since 2016.
Prospects to watch: 1B/3B Spencer Torkelson and OF Riley Greene are considered two of the best prospects in baseball. They are on the doorstep of the big leagues after playing at Class AAA Toledo (Ohio) this season.
Kansas City Royals
Season snapshot: C Salvador Perez is still going strong at age 31 – the seven-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner flirted with 50 home runs and had one of the best offensive seasons at the position in major league history. The Royals started out 16-9 but then faded while spending a second consecutive season sorting through a gaggle of young pitchers.
What now: Three veteran relievers – RHPs Wade Davis, Greg Holland and Ervin Santana – can become free agents, but all could be back if the price is right.
Prospects to watch: Two key pieces are worth watching. IF Bobby Witt Jr., considered a potential superstar., hit 33 home runs and stole 29 bases in 123 games between Class AAA and AA. 1B Nick Pratto homered 36 times and had 98 RBI between the two clubs.
Season snapshot: It was a steep fall as the Twins finished in last place in the AL Central after winning the division each of the previous two seasons. The Twins were 10 games out of first place by mid-May, then traded two top players, DH Nelson Cruz and RHP Jose Berrios.
What now: The Twins will try to re-sign RHP Michael Pineda, but SS Andrelton Simmons likely will be allowed to walk. RHP Alex Colome has a $5.5 million mutual option.
Prospects to watch: SS/CF Austin Martin, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft, was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline and provides positional flexibility. SS Royce Lewis, the top overall selection in 2017, is expected to be recovered from Tommy John elbow surgery by the start of spring training.
AL WEST Houston Astros
Season snapshot: It what might be the final season for some key Astros, they seized control of the AL West in the second half as manager Dusty Baker won a division title with his fifth different team. SS Carlos Correa, in his walk year, had a stellar season, as did 2B Jose Altuve and 1B Yuli Gurriel. OF Kyle Tucker emerged as a force, and rookie RHP Luis Garcia was a revelation.
What now: With seven players remaining from the controversial team that won the 2017 World Series and with the Astros advancing to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons, they have the experience and talent for a deep playoff run. That quest for another title starts in the AL division series against the Chicago White Sox.
Prospects to watch: C Korey Lee, a power hitter, should contribute soon. Ditto for IF/OF Pedro Leon.
Season snapshot: The Angels’ hopes of reaching the playoffs were derailed by shoddy starting pitching and injuries to key offensive players. With three-time MVP CF Mike Trout (calf) out for more than half the season and 3B Anthony Rendon (leg) and LF Justin Upton (back) missing significant time, LA put too much pressure on an overwhelmed pitching staff. The rotation – save RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani, the AL MVP favorite – was in flux.
What now: The Angels’ urgency to get Trout to the playoffs is only intensified with Ohtani able to flee after two seasons. The Angels again need to bolster their rotation with proven talent.
Prospects to watch: With an unsettled outfield, several youngsters got playing time. The Angels are encouraged with the progress and upside of OFs Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh.
Oakland Athletics
Season snapshot: The Athletics missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 because they were unable to produce their trademark second-half run. 1B Matt Olson had an AllStar season, and CF Starling Marte was a solid acquisition. But RHP Chris Bassitt’s career year was interrupted when he was hit by a line drive, and CF Ramon Laureano was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for performanceenhancing substances.
What now: Marte, a free agent, is likely too pricey for the A’s. The bullpen’s shortcomings and the middle of the lineup need to be addressed. This offseason won’t require an overhaul, but the Athletics’ weaknesses were exposed.
Prospects to watch: SS/2B Nick Allen, a defensive whiz, is primed to joined the club. RHP Daulton Jefferies looks promising, too.
Seattle Mariners
Season snapshot: Despite 42 come-from-behind wins, the Mariners fell just short of earning the AL’s second wild card and still have not made the playoffs since 2001. RF Mitch Haniger recaptured his All-Star form, 3B Kyle Seager set career highs in homers (35) and RBI (101), IF Ty France became a solid contributor and RHP Chris Flexen (14-6) broke through.
What now: The M’s have contract decisions to make on LHP Yusei Kikuchi and Seager. General manager Jerry DiPoto said the team will be active in the free agent market. After years of getting the right youngsters in place, signing a proven offensive player to boost a tepid attack seems reasonable.
Prospects to watch: The M’s are eager to pair OF Julio Rodriguez with CF Jarred Kelenic, which they hope gives them two well-rounded, impact players for years to come. RHP Emerson Hancock is advancing quickly in the minors.
Texas Rangers
Season snapshot: The Rangers knew they weren’t going to compete for the playoffs, but a 102-loss season this deep into the team’s rebuild is jarring. CF Adolis Garcia could be the AL Rookie of the Year. OF DJ Peters showed a skill set that reminded some of OF Joey Gallo after being acquired on waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in early August.
What now: Manager Chris Woodward will return, and so will many of the youngsters Texas is hoping are improved after a year of experience. Growth needs to be seen in LHP Taylor Hearn and RHPs Dane Dunning, Glenn Otto and Spencer Howard.
Prospects to watch: 3B Josh Jung could make the team next season, and RHP Cole Winn, selected as the organization’s top minor league pitcher, is knocking on the door, too.