2019 MLB Preview: AL Central

We're halfway through the MLB preview series for 2019! Thursday everyone except the Mariners and A's open the season (since they played a pair in Japan already), so I'm working my way through the league early this week to be ready for Opening Day.

Earlier today I touched on my home division in the NL Central, so this afternoon we flip leagues and head over to the American League to see how the Central shapes up.


AL Central
Interleague pairing: NL East

1. Cleveland Indians
2018: 91-71 (1st in AL Central), 1 win below COAS prediction; lost ALDS
I don't know who this says more about: the Indians or the rest of the division. Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis will both miss the start of the campaign, and they're still the runaway favorite in the Central. If anything, the Indians got worse in the offseason, but they're still the best team here. Carlos Santana and Jose Ramirez can hold down the fort until those two get back, and the rotation is still good with Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer at the top. I've got this team winning a couple more games than last year, but arguably that's more a function of their division than anything else.
2019 Prediction: 93-69

2. Minnesota Twins
2018: 78-84 (2nd in AL Central), 7 wins below COAS prediction; missed playoffs
Minnesota retooled its infield this offseason with Joe Mauer retiring and Brian Dozier getting dealt at the deadline last year, but guys like Jonathan Schoop and Marwin Gonzalez are decent pieces, but the big addition was getting Nelson Cruz in free agency to get a big bat in the middle of the lineup. The outfield remains the same with the "Nothing falls but raindrops" group of Kepler, Buxton, and Rosario, though the big question is if Buxton can get his hitting figured out. The pitching is okay, but nothing to really write home about, though Jose Berrios is pretty good. The Twins will be okay, but I don't think have enough to catch Cleveland.
2019 Prediction: 84-78

3. Chicago White Sox
2018: 62-100 (4th in AL Central), 14 wins below COAS prediction; missed playoffs
I may be a little too bullish on the White Sox, but I see them on their way up. Eloy Jiminez will make his debut fairly early in the year alongside a decent outfield of Adam Engel, Jon Jay, and Daniel Palka, while Jose Abreu will continue to anchor the middle of the lineup. Yoan Moncada is something of a question mark, but he's young. It's the rotation that's a problem; Michael Kopech is gone until next year while he recovers from Tommy John, but there are some other decent pieces in Carlos Rodon and Lucas Giolito. I see this a 2014 Cubs-type year for the Sox. Their time is coming, and this season will likely be a sign of growth.
2019 Prediction: 79-83

4. Detroit Tigers
2018: 64-98 (3rd in AL Central), 1 win below COAS prediction; missed playoffs
I originally had the Tigers last, but Miguel Cabrera seems poised for a resurgent year. Unfortunately I'm not sold on really anyone else on this roster. Guys like Josh Harrison, Jeimer Candelario, and Nick Castellanos are okay, but not great. And outside of Jordan Zimmermann, I'm not sold on the pitching, either. Could be another long year in the Motor City.
2019 Prediction: 72-90

5. Kansas City Royals
2018: 58-104 (5th in AL Central), 24 wins below COAS prediction; missed playoffs
I went through a number of revisions here, but ultimately really had to knock the Royals down a peg with Salvador Perez out for the year due to Tommy John surgery. The rest of their lineup is intriguing as they nabbed Billy Hamilton to wreak havoc on the basepaths and in the field, while Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler stay in the middle of the lineup. The rotation isn't ideal, especially with top guy Danny Duffy out to begin the year. This could be a rough one in KC.
2019 Prediction: 67-95