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After being out of town for the better part of the last two weeks, we’ll get back on track with our forecast for the American League Central. These predictions were made at the start of the year, and we’re still resisting the urge to amend them after a fifth of the season has been played. So here we go:
Detroit Tigers - This team started winning late last season to power their way into the playoffs, and I see no reason they won’t continue to be strong in 2025. They have very strong starting pitching, led by Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, who returned to the team after spending some time last year as a Dodger to pick up a World Series ring. They have a solid lineup which seems to find a way to win consistently. Add the projected success of the Tigers to the recent performance of the Lions and Pistons and it’s a good time to be a Detroit Sports fan. As a side note, Detroit catcher Jake Rogers should step in for the late, great Wilford Brimley and do commercials for Quaker Oats.
Kansas City Royals - I’ve gone back and forth between KC and Cleveland for this pick, but I’m going with the Royals due to their superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who is one of the best all around players in the game. Witt has become my favorite player not with the Rangers due to his overall performance and the way he conducts himself on and off the field. Kansas City has excellent starting pitching featuring veterans Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, and Cy Young candidate Cole Ragans. Old pro Sal Perez and slugger Vinnie Pasquantino provide support for Witt, but the rest of the offense is a little lacking to predict more than Wild Card contention for the Royals this year.
Cleveland Guardians - As already mentioned, I feel good about this team being in the mix. Somehow the Guardians remain near the top of this division every year despite not appearing especially strong on paper. As the old saying goes, they don’t play the game on paper, and the Indians OOPS Guardians culture is strong. They also have one of baseball’s very best players in Jose Ramirez, who flies under the radar playing in Cleveland. This franchise also has a tremendous record developing pitching, so you can never count them out.
Minnesota Twins - If this team could ever keep its players healthy they would be one of the top teams in the AL, but it’s not going to happen. Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis are superstars when they play, but the trio spends more time in street clothes than in uniform. Strong starting pitching, good bullpen, unhealthy offense. Pun intended.
Chicago White Sox - Some of the best blues music in the world comes out of Chicago. White Sox fans have plenty of reasons to sing the blues. Last year this team was historically bad. Surely they won’t be that bad this season, but don’t bet on it. They are hoping some of their players will have individual performances stron enough to attract trade partners, as their hope for the future is acquiring prospects from other organizations and getting good draft picks to totally rebuild.
This leaves one division to predict. Look for the next post to see if the Old Coot will pick his favorite team to win the West.
That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?