Over the next few weeks, we here at LWOS will be going from division to division and discussing a move that we believe each team MUST MAKE to improve the most. Today, we present the second of six MLB winter previews: the American League Central.
The AL Central is quite an appealing division to watch for the 2016 season, with an entertaining mix of teams whose farmhands are starting to mature into Major League-ready talent, and teams who spent major money last offseason and didn’t see it translate into on-field success. Oh, and they boast the back-to-back AL pennant winners and defending World Champions.
Chicago White Sox: Bring in an infield bat.
The South Side of Chicago went big last winter in free agency, picking up outfielder Melky Cabrera and first baseman Adam LaRoche while trading for ace Jeff Samardzija and signing closer David Robertson, making for a combined commitment of $105 million. This money spent resulted in the White Sox finishing only three games better than they did the season before with a below average offense and pitching staff.
The White Sox should look to add a viable option for their fourth or fifth rotation spot, with John Danks filling the other slot. However, their most pressing need is certainly for a bat, preferably in the infield, as they finished with the third-lowest run total in the majors last season. Their only two consistent options in the lineup are lead-off center fielder Adam Eaton and superstar slugger first baseman Jose Abreu, so the White Sox could use any free agent available to help create some more runs.
The White Sox declined shortstop Alexei Ramirez’s $10 million option for 2016, but that doesn’t mean they are ruling out bringing back the lifetime White Sock. Free agents Asdrubal Cabrera and Stephen Drew represent two cheap options for the White Sox, whether they bring back Ramirez or not. Another option could be former White Sox player, and MLB dugout favorite, Juan Uribe, who could play third base if they decide not to bring back Gordon Beckham. None of these players would require much money or years invested towards future seasons, and would add enough offensive firepower to compliment Eaton/Cabrera/LaRoche/Abreu.
Cleveland Indians: Bats for center field and first base.
If the 2015 season proved anything for the Cleveland Indians, it’s that they have an intriguing, young club, with solid pitching and defense. The problem, however, lies in theie lineup, which is why they are still too unbalanced to be playoff contenders, despite showing promise last season.
There are many short-term free agent upgrades Cleveland could use as a stopgap in front of top prospect Tyler Naquin, as he gets ready to ascend into the position in the coming years. The Indians were interested in Colby Rasmus before he became the first player in MLB history to sign a qualifying offer, but other options include Austin Jackson, Denard Span and Dexter Fowler.
Still, the biggest need would be a middle-of-the-order bat who can play first base. An interesting alternative might be recent playoff hero Daniel Murphy, who is more than likely choosing his next destination from among the teams that won’t make him play second base. The Indians could also use their stash of young pitching to trade for middle lineup hitter, eliminating the need to bring a free agent in.
Detroit Tigers: Pitching, pitching and more pitching.
The perennial division winning Tigers fell to last place in 2015, posting their worst record since 2008. To add to that, Dave Dombroski left to join the Boston Red Sox front office, leaving the Tigers with many decision to make this offseason.
There isn’t much to complain about in terms of the offense when it is healthy, with Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and J. D. Martinez comprising it’s core; but the pitching has to improve tremendously if the Tigers plan on making another October run. The Tigers have a lot of young talent to fill the end of the rotation in Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, and Michael Fulmer; however it would be smart for them to add pitching through free agency and let the young guns mature.
Detroit will always have the money available to go after big name free agent pitchers, such as Zach Greinke and Jordan Zimmerman, yet it would make more sense for the Tigers front office add two cheaper starters instead of one ace. Adding pitchers such as Wei-Yin Chen and Yovani Gallardo to go along with a healthy Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez would give the Tigers a solid rotation, and would be cheaper than going after the likes of Greinke and Zimmerman.
Bullpen help is also greatly needed in Motown. Bringing back Joakim Soria would work well, and rumors have been circulating around that the Tigers are inquiring about Rays closer Brad Boxberger.
Kansas City Royals: Solidifying the rotation.
It is hard to spot the weaknesses in a team whose core group has won consecutive AL pennants and the first World Championship for the franchise since 1985, but there are minor holes to be filled.
The shopping list for the offense relies heavily on whether the Royals plan on resigning outfielder Alex Gordon and infielder Ben Zobrist. If they sign at least one of the two, the lineup, which was arguably the best in the majors, would be set for the same success.
The rotation, however, is where the reinforcements are needed for the Royals. With Johnny Cueto planning to play elsewhere in 2016, the Royals should look for at least one cost-efficient starter to add to the rotation. Danny Duffy could plan on rejoining the staff next season, and an addition of either Mike Leake, Yovani Gallardo, or Scott Kazmir would be helpful. If Duffy does return to the rotation, the Royals will also need a left-handed bullpen piece. Tony Sipp would seem to be the best option there.
Minnesota Twins: Stay the course.
The Minnesota Twins were one of the biggest surprises in baseball last season, and are also an entertaining team to look at for 2016. Expect Paul Molitor’s young club to blossom even more than they did last season, with postseason aspirations deep in mind.
The Twins are, at their core, a work in progress, but don’t expect them to make too much noise on the free agent market. You will see most of their deals coming from trades.
Minnesota’s pitching staff is roughly set, with Ervin Santana, Phil Hughes, and Kyle Gibson at the top, and Ricky Nolasco and Tommy Milone rounding out the rotation. However, don’t count out a trade to acquire talent from the back end.
The Twins biggest trade clip is third baseman Trevor Plouffe. He had a career year last season, knocking twenty-two home runs and driving in eighty-six runs. Minnesota, however, would like for Miguel Sano, who had a stellar rookie season, to start getting comfortable with third base. That, combined with this being a walk-year for Plouffe, makes him a nice candidate for a trade to try and bring some young arms into the Twin Cities’ rotation.
What moves would you guys like to see someone in the AL Central make? Get in on the conversation in the comments below! Be sure to check back on Friday for the NL West division preview!
Previous installments in this series may be found here:
Main Photo:
