As Opening Day approaches, let’s take a look into the crystal ball and see what is in store for the AL Central.
Chicago White Sox | Record prediction: 55-107 (last in AL Central)
Miguel Vargas finally lives up to his potential: Vargas had a disastrous first impression with the White Sox.
The infielder was part of the return in the trade that sent reliever Michael Kopech to the Dodgers. He imploded after joining the White Sox, posting a horrific .104/.217/.170 batting line in 157 plate appearances, hitting two homers and three doubles. That production was bad enough for Vargas to be the White Sox’s third least valuable player despite being with the team for two months.
Thus far, the 2025 season looks like it will be different. Vargas reported to spring training stronger and with a revamped swing. The results were there in spring training as he posted a .341/.423/.523 batting line in 52 plate appearances, hitting a pair of homers and two doubles. Vargas was a consensus top 100 prospect in 2022 and 2023 — a breakout season may be on tap.
Cleveland Guardians | Record prediction: 92-70 (first in AL Central)
Travis Bazzana makes major-league debut before All-Star Break: The Guardians essentially had an open competition to be the Opening Day second baseman. In reality, that battle was to keep the seat warm for top prospect Bazzana.
The first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Bazzana is regarded as one of the game’s best all-around prospects. He had a solid debut in High-A, posting a respectable .238/.369/.396 batting line in 122 plate appearances, hitting three homers and seven doubles while stealing five bases.
Bazzana is already projected to make his debut sometime in 2025. When he does, he will add another impact bat in the Guardians lineup, joining third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Steven Kwan as building blocks for the future.
Detroit Tigers | Record prediction: 90-72 (second in AL Central)
Jack Flaherty makes Cy Young push: The Tigers have the defending AL Cy Young winner in Tarik Skubal. Another Tigers’ starter will make a push to dethrone Skubal this year.
After three years of injuries and ineffectiveness, Flaherty was finally healthy again in 2024. He posted a 3.17 ERA and a 1.068 WHiP in his 162 innings between the Tigers and Dodgers, striking out 194 batters with 38 walks. Flaherty won a World Series ring with the Dodgers and signed a two-year, $35M contract to return to Detroit.
The Tigers are expected to contend for a playoff spot, and Flaherty will be a key part of their success. A Cy Young-caliber season may be in store.
Kansas City Royals | Record prediction: 86-76 (third in AL Central)
Jonathan India earns his first All-Star nod: The Royals acquired India from the Reds in hopes that he can be the answer atop the lineup.
He looked the part during spring training. India posted a .404/.491.617 batting line in 57 Cactus League plate appearances, hitting two homers and four doubles. India also drew six walks while striking out just five times. While India is not likely to get on base at a 40% rate, he does have a career .352 on-base percentage.
Should India continue to get on base at his career norms, he would be a game changer atop the Royals’ lineup batting in front of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. That performance should lead to an All-Star-caliber season.
Minnesota Twins | Record prediction: 80-82 (fourth in AL Central)
Byron Buxton appears in more than 100 games for the second consecutive season: Buxton is a familiar face on the injured list. The outfielder has only appeared in over 100 games twice in his 10 years in the majors due to a myriad of injuries.
However, one of those years was 2024, when Buxton appeared in 102 games. He entered spring training with a different mindset, as he was able to have a normal offseason, one where he did not need to rehab yet another injury. This allowed him to run, hit the weight room and get reps in the batting cage as he enters the upcoming season in better shape than he has been in years.
That normal offseason could make a difference for Buxton heading into 2025. Reaching the 100-game plateau again is entirely possible.
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