Offseason grades: Everything you need to know about the AL Central
Welcome to theScore's MLB offseason grades, in which we break down each team's outlook heading into the 2022 season. Payroll is calculated by AAV for competitive balance tax purposes. Record projections courtesy of FanGraphs.
AL EAST I NL EAST I NL CENTRAL I AL WEST I NL WEST
Chicago White Sox
Projected 2022 record: 87-75
Projected 40-man payroll: $206M
Key departures: Zack Collins (TOR), Brian Goodwin (FA), Cesar Hernandez (WSH), Craig Kimbrel (LAD), Carlos Rodon (SF), Ryan Tepera (LAA)
Key additions: Johnny Cueto, Kendall Graveman, Josh Harrison, Joe Kelly, Reese McGuire, AJ Pollock, Vince Velasquez
Key injuries: Garrett Crochet, Joe Kelly, Lance Lynn, Yermin Mercedes, Andrew Vaughn
Grade: B
Projected lineup
| Order | Player | Pos | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Anderson | SS | 28 |
| 2 | Luis Robert | CF | 24 |
| 3 | Jose Abreu | 1B | 35 |
| 4 | Yoan Moncada (S) | 3B | 27 |
| 5 | Eloy Jimenez | LF | 25 |
| 6 | Yasmani Grandal (S) | C | 33 |
| 7 | AJ Pollock | RF | 34 |
| 8 | Gavin Sheets (L) | DH | 26 |
| 9 | Josh Harrison | 2B | 34 |
The top six hitters in the batting order provide a fearsome combination of average, power, speed, and on-base prowess. Sheets had a solid rookie campaign, hitting 11 homers with an .830 OPS over 54 games in 2021, while the Pollock trade gives Chicago solid outfield depth when the injured Vaughn returns to full health. Harrison adds a nice veteran presence at the keystone position but the club could end up making a move during the season to upgrade.
Projected rotation
| ROLE | PITCHER | THROWS | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucas Giolito | R | 27 |
| 2 | Dylan Cease | R | 26 |
| 3 | Michael Kopech | R | 26 |
| 4 | Dallas Keuchel | L | 34 |
| 5 | Vince Velasquez | R | 30 |
The White Sox own arguably the best rotation in the American League when at full strength. Chicago's starters accrued an AL-high 19.3 fWAR last season, thanks in large part to a Cy Young finalist campaign from Lynn and a breakout year for Cease. This year's version has the potential to be even better despite Rodon's departure with Kopech joining the mix. The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 13.4 K/9 with a 2.97 FIP over 69 1/3 innings (four starts) in 2021. The bullpen also looks strong with Liam Hendriks, Graveman, and Kelly getting the ball late in games. However, losing Kimbrel and Crochet could hurt if injuries continue to become an issue.
Cleveland Guardians
Projected 2022 record: 77-85
Projected 40-man payroll: $71.5M
Key departures: Blake Parker (STL), Roberto Perez (PIT), Harold Ramirez (CHC), Wilson Ramos (FA)
Key additions: Luke Maile, Bryan Shaw
Injuries: James Karinchak, Maile, Josh Naylor
Grade: C
Projected lineup
| Order | Player | Pos | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myles Straw | CF | 27 |
| 2 | Amed Rosario | LF | 26 |
| 3 | Jose Ramirez (S) | 3B | 29 |
| 4 | Franmil Reyes | DH | 26 |
| 5 | Bobby Bradley (L) | 1B | 26 |
| 6 | Andres Gimenez (L) | SS | 23 |
| 7 | Yu Chang | 2B | 26 |
| 8 | Bradley Zimmer (L) | RF | 29 |
| 9 | Austin Hedges | C | 29 |
Ahead of Opening Day, the Guardians reportedly locked up Ramirez to a five-year, $124-million extension. The move bolsters what has otherwise been a disastrous offseason for a club that failed to upgrade the roster in any meaningful way. Cleveland finished in the bottom third of the Junior Circuit in batting average and accrued the second-worst on-base percentage in 2021. Ramirez and Reyes are the only big bats in a weak lineup with many holes. The club will go through a lot of growing pains with the youngsters unless improvements are made at first base, in the outfield, and behind the plate. Retaining Ramirez is a start; ownership must keep spending to build around him.
Projected rotation
| ROLE | PITCHER | THROWS | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane Bieber | R | 27 |
| 2 | Zach Plesac | R | 27 |
| 3 | Cal Quantrill | R | 26 |
| 4 | Aaron Civale | R | 27 |
| 5 | Triston McKenzie | R | 24 |
Cleveland continues to produce good homegrown hurlers, so it doesn't need to make a move to fortify the rotation. Four of the projected five starters were developed in the Guardians' minor-league system, while the club acquired Quantrill in the Mike Clevinger trade. The key to success will be keeping Bieber healthy. The 2020 Cy Young winner only made 16 starts last season due to a shoulder injury. McKenzie might have the best stuff out of the other starters. The lanky right-hander recorded 178 strikeouts over 153 1/3 innings across two years in the majors.
Detroit Tigers
Projected 2022 record: 75-87
Projected 40-man payroll: $151M
Key departures: Matthew Boyd (SF), Niko Goodrum (HOU), Derek Holland (BOS), Nomar Mazara (SD), Julio Teheran (FA), Jose Urena (MIL)
Key additions: Javier Baez, Tucker Barnhart, Andrew Chafin, Austin Meadows, Michael Pineda, Eduardo Rodriguez
Key injuries: Chafin, Riley Greene, Derek Hill, Pineda, Jake Rogers, Spencer Turnbull
Grade: A
Projected lineup
| Order | Player | Pos | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akil Baddoo (L) | CF | 23 |
| 2 | Robbie Grossman (S) | RF | 32 |
| 3 | Javier Baez | SS | 29 |
| 4 | Austin Meadows (L) | LF | 27 |
| 5 | Miguel Cabrera | DH | 39 |
| 6 | Jeimer Candelario (S) | 3B | 28 |
| 7 | Jonathan Schoop | 2B | 30 |
| 8 | Spencer Torkelson | 1B | 22 |
| 9 | Tucker Barnhart (S) | C | 30 |
The Tigers are poised to make another jump in 2022 thanks to some external and internal additions after a surprising 77-win campaign. Detroit's biggest move came via a six-year, $140-million deal with Baez. The star shortstop brings a lot of pop to the lineup and is a highlight reel defensively. Torkelson's arrival could end up being the biggest difference-maker. The former No. 1 pick should make an immediate impact after belting 30 round-trippers in the minors during 2021. Another rookie to keep an eye on is Greene, who's ranked right behind Torkelson among baseball's top prospects but will start the season in the IL.
Projected rotation
| ROLE | PITCHER | THROWS | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eduardo Rodriguez | L | 29 |
| 2 | Casey Mize | R | 25 |
| 3 | Tarik Skubal | L | 25 |
| 4 | Matt Manning | R | 24 |
| 5 | Tyler Alexander | L | 27 |
The Tigers have the makings of a solid rotation. Rodriguez's five-year, $77-million pact could end up being a steal if the left-hander returns to the form that saw him finish sixth in 2019 AL Cy Young voting. Meanwhile, the homegrown trio of Mize, Skubal, and Manning should improve with some experience under their belts. Adding Chafin goes a long way to improving a bullpen that amassed the third-worst fWAR in the AL last season.
Kansas City Royals
Projected 2022 record: 75-87
Projected 40-man payroll: $111M
Key departures: Wade Davis (Retired), Jesse Hahn (FA), Greg Holland (TEX), Jakob Junis (SF), Mike Minor (CIN), Ervin Santana (FA)
Key additions: Taylor Clarke, Amir Garrett, Zack Greinke
Injuries: Tyler Zuber
Grade: C-
Projected lineup
| Order | Player | Pos | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whit Merrifield | RF | 33 |
| 5 | Bobby Witt Jr. | 3B | 22 |
| 3 | Salvador Perez | C | 32 |
| 4 | Andrew Benintendi (L) | LF | 28 |
| 5 | Carlos Santana | 1B | 36 |
| 6 | Hunter Dozier | 1B | 30 |
| 7 | Adalberto Mondesi (S) | SS | 26 |
| 8 | Michael A. Taylor | CF | 31 |
| 9 | Nicky Lopez (L) | SS | 27 |
The group features a nice combination of power and speed. Merrifield has stolen 159 bases over his six-year career, including an AL-high 40 in 2021. Lopez added another 22 steals last season and Mondesi collected 39 over 94 games between 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, Perez - whose 48 homers tied for the MLB lead - and Witt are expected to provide the thump in the lineup. The latter went deep 33 times with a .936 OPS in the minors last season, and the top prospect is expected to compete for Rookie of the Year honors.
Projected rotation
| ROLE | PITCHER | THROWS | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zack Greinke | R | 38 |
| 2 | Brad Keller | R | 26 |
| 3 | Kris Bubic | L | 24 |
| 4 | Carlos Hernandez | R | 25 |
| 5 | Brady Singer | R | 25 |
Bringing back Greinke in the twilight of his career probably won't do much for a young rotation that finished 2021 with a collective 4.64 ERA, which ranked 20th in the majors. A lot of the same hurlers are coming back, which means the club will have to depend on internal growth. Keller is coming off the worst season of his career, posting a 5.39 ERA over 26 starts. Singer showed flashes during his first full season and has the highest ceiling out of the current starters.
Minnesota Twins
Projected 2022 record: 83-79
Projected 40-man payroll: $155M
Key departures: Alex Colome (COL), Josh Donaldson (NYY), Mitch Garver (TEX), Michael Pineda (DET), Matt Shoemaker (Japan), Andrelton Simmons (CHC)
Key additions: Chris Archer, Dylan Bundy, Carlos Correa, Jharel Cotton, Sonny Gray, Gary Sanchez, Joe Smith, Gio Urshela
Key injuries: Kenta Maeda
Grade: A-
Projected lineup
| Order | Player | Pos | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Byron Buxton | CF | 28 |
| 2 | Jorge Polanco (S) | 2B | 29 |
| 3 | Carlos Correa | SS | 27 |
| 4 | Miguel Sano | 1B | 29 |
| 5 | Max Kepler (L) | RF | 29 |
| 6 | Gary Sanchez | C | 29 |
| 7 | Luis Arraez (L) | DH | 25 |
| 8 | Alex Kirilloff (L) | LF | 24 |
| 9 | Gio Urshela | 3B | 30 |
The Twins have put together a formidable lineup. Correa brings his clutch bat and Platinum Glove to the infield. The All-Star shortstop owns a career .837 OPS during the regular season and .849 OPS in the playoffs. Keeping Buxton on the field could take this group from good to great. He's elite when he's healthy but hasn't played more than 87 games in a season since 2017. Sanchez could be another X-factor for the club if he can regain the form that made him one of the best slugging catchers in the majors from 2016 through 2019.
Projected rotation
| ROLE | PITCHER | THROWS | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Ryan | R | 26 |
| 2 | Sonny Gray | R | 32 |
| 3 | Bailey Ober | R | 27 |
| 4 | Dylan Bundy | R | 29 |
| 5 | Chris Archer | R | 33 |
Minnesota's front office added Gray, Bundy, and Archer to help out a rotation that accumulated the sixth-worst fWAR last season and posted a 5.18 ERA. Gray, a two-time All-Star, will help but the two other hurlers come with performance concerns and health questions. Bundy authored a 6.06 ERA in 2021 after finishing ninth in Cy Young voting during the shortened campaign, while Archer hasn't pitched more than 148 1/3 innings in a season since 2017. The Twins surprised everybody by naming Ryan - a 25-year-old rookie with five career starts - as their Opening Day starter.