Chicago White Sox \u2014 Colson Montgomery<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nThe 2026 White Sox<\/a> are leaning into youth, and Montgomery<\/a> could be the face of that movement. With advanced plate discipline and emerging power, he has all the tools to break out in a big way. If he adjusts quickly at the MLB level, he could become one of the most exciting young players in the division.<\/p>\nCleveland Guardians \u2014 Gavin Williams<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/USATSI_22655487_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\")
Feb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWilliams<\/a> has ace-level stuff, and 2026 could be the year it all clicks. His fastball plays at an elite level, and if his command sharpens, he could find himself firmly in the Cy Young conversation. A true breakout here would elevate Cleveland<\/a> into serious contention.<\/p>\nDetroit Tigers \u2014 Spencer Torkelson<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nTorkelson<\/a> has long been viewed as a cornerstone bat, and this could be the year he proves it. A consistent approach could unlock 30+ home run power, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in the Tigers<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\nKansas City Royals \u2014 Vinnie Pasquantino<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nPasquantino<\/a>\u2019s elite plate discipline and steady production make him one of the most underrated hitters in baseball. If he stays healthy, he could quietly put together an All-Star-caliber season for the Royals<\/a>.<\/p>\nMinnesota Twins \u2014 Josh Bell<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nBell<\/a> is a classic bounce-back candidate. If he rediscovers his rhythm, he still can deliver 25+ home runs and anchor the middle of the Twins<\/a>\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\nNL Central Surprise Players<\/h2>\nChicago Cubs \u2014 Michael Conforto<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nConforto<\/a>\u2019s smooth left-handed swing and power potential make him a strong comeback candidate. If he stays healthy, he could be a major contributor in Chicago<\/a>\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\nMilwaukee Brewers \u2014 Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n![\"Brice](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/USATSI_26434797_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\")
Jun 12, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits an RBI single during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTurang<\/a> already brings elite defense and speed\u2014but if his bat jumps to a .300+ average, he could become one of the most complete players in baseball. The upside here is enormous.<\/p>\nSt. Louis Cardinals \u2014 Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\nWinn<\/a> has electric tools, especially defensively, but 2026 could test his offensive consistency. If his bat doesn\u2019t take a step forward\u2014particularly in terms of on-base ability and power\u2014he could struggle to meet expectations. A step back offensively would put pressure on the rest of the Cardinals<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\nCincinnati Reds \u2014 Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/09\/USATSI_27197256_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\")
Sep 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz celebrates after the Reds clinched a wild card spot after the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFew players are as electrifying\u2014or as volatile\u2014as De La Cruz<\/a>. If strikeouts remain a major issue and pitchers continue to adjust, he could endure a frustrating season despite his elite tools.<\/p>\nPittsburgh Pirates \u2014 Brandon Lowe<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nLowe<\/a>\u2019s left-handed power makes him an intriguing fit in Pittsburgh<\/a>. If he stays healthy, he has the potential to deliver 25+ home runs and provide much-needed thump in the lineup. He could easily outperform expectations.<\/p>\nWhy These Picks Matter<\/h2>\n
The Central divisions thrive on unpredictability. A breakout from Gavin Williams<\/span><\/span> or Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> could swing a division race, while inconsistency from players like Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> or Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> could open the door for another contender.<\/p>\nIn 2026, these divisions won\u2019t be decided by stars alone\u2014they\u2019ll be decided by surprises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The AL Central and NL Central head into 2026 as two of baseball\u2019s most wide-open divisions. There\u2019s no clear powerhouse,\u00a0which means individual player swings will decide everything. One breakout season or one unexpected regression could completely reshape the playoff picture. Here\u2019s one player from each team who could shock the league in 2026, whether it\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5710,"featured_media":84571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"654","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,10,28,9,11,2,12,27,13,1071,26,25],"tags":[28245,124,5042,4650,2905,51,2215,174,6372,168],"class_list":["post-116350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cubs","category-whitesox","category-reds","category-guardians","category-tigers","category-featured","category-royals","category-brewers","category-twins","category-mlb","category-pirates","category-cardinals","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-cincinnati-reds","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-cubs-featured","tag-detriot-tigers","tag-kansas-city-royals","tag-milwauke-brewers","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-pittsburg-pirates","tag-st-louis-cardinals"],"modified_by":"Eddie Lennon, Staff Writer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5710"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116350"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116368,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions\/116368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Cleveland Guardians \u2014 Gavin Williams<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nFeb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWilliams<\/a> has ace-level stuff, and 2026 could be the year it all clicks. His fastball plays at an elite level, and if his command sharpens, he could find himself firmly in the Cy Young conversation. A true breakout here would elevate Cleveland<\/a> into serious contention.<\/p>\nDetroit Tigers \u2014 Spencer Torkelson<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nTorkelson<\/a> has long been viewed as a cornerstone bat, and this could be the year he proves it. A consistent approach could unlock 30+ home run power, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in the Tigers<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\nKansas City Royals \u2014 Vinnie Pasquantino<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nPasquantino<\/a>\u2019s elite plate discipline and steady production make him one of the most underrated hitters in baseball. If he stays healthy, he could quietly put together an All-Star-caliber season for the Royals<\/a>.<\/p>\nMinnesota Twins \u2014 Josh Bell<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nBell<\/a> is a classic bounce-back candidate. If he rediscovers his rhythm, he still can deliver 25+ home runs and anchor the middle of the Twins<\/a>\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\nNL Central Surprise Players<\/h2>\nChicago Cubs \u2014 Michael Conforto<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nConforto<\/a>\u2019s smooth left-handed swing and power potential make him a strong comeback candidate. If he stays healthy, he could be a major contributor in Chicago<\/a>\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\nMilwaukee Brewers \u2014 Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nJun 12, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits an RBI single during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTurang<\/a> already brings elite defense and speed\u2014but if his bat jumps to a .300+ average, he could become one of the most complete players in baseball. The upside here is enormous.<\/p>\nSt. Louis Cardinals \u2014 Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\nWinn<\/a> has electric tools, especially defensively, but 2026 could test his offensive consistency. If his bat doesn\u2019t take a step forward\u2014particularly in terms of on-base ability and power\u2014he could struggle to meet expectations. A step back offensively would put pressure on the rest of the Cardinals<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\nCincinnati Reds \u2014 Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\nSep 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz celebrates after the Reds clinched a wild card spot after the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFew players are as electrifying\u2014or as volatile\u2014as De La Cruz<\/a>. If strikeouts remain a major issue and pitchers continue to adjust, he could endure a frustrating season despite his elite tools.<\/p>\nPittsburgh Pirates \u2014 Brandon Lowe<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nLowe<\/a>\u2019s left-handed power makes him an intriguing fit in Pittsburgh<\/a>. If he stays healthy, he has the potential to deliver 25+ home runs and provide much-needed thump in the lineup. He could easily outperform expectations.<\/p>\nWhy These Picks Matter<\/h2>\n
The Central divisions thrive on unpredictability. A breakout from Gavin Williams<\/span><\/span> or Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> could swing a division race, while inconsistency from players like Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> or Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> could open the door for another contender.<\/p>\nIn 2026, these divisions won\u2019t be decided by stars alone\u2014they\u2019ll be decided by surprises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The AL Central and NL Central head into 2026 as two of baseball\u2019s most wide-open divisions. There\u2019s no clear powerhouse,\u00a0which means individual player swings will decide everything. One breakout season or one unexpected regression could completely reshape the playoff picture. Here\u2019s one player from each team who could shock the league in 2026, whether it\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5710,"featured_media":84571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"654","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,10,28,9,11,2,12,27,13,1071,26,25],"tags":[28245,124,5042,4650,2905,51,2215,174,6372,168],"class_list":["post-116350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cubs","category-whitesox","category-reds","category-guardians","category-tigers","category-featured","category-royals","category-brewers","category-twins","category-mlb","category-pirates","category-cardinals","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-cincinnati-reds","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-cubs-featured","tag-detriot-tigers","tag-kansas-city-royals","tag-milwauke-brewers","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-pittsburg-pirates","tag-st-louis-cardinals"],"modified_by":"Eddie Lennon, Staff Writer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5710"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116350"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116368,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions\/116368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Williams<\/a> has ace-level stuff, and 2026 could be the year it all clicks. His fastball plays at an elite level, and if his command sharpens, he could find himself firmly in the Cy Young conversation. A true breakout here would elevate Cleveland<\/a> into serious contention.<\/p>\n Torkelson<\/a> has long been viewed as a cornerstone bat, and this could be the year he proves it. A consistent approach could unlock 30+ home run power, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in the Tigers<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\n Pasquantino<\/a>\u2019s elite plate discipline and steady production make him one of the most underrated hitters in baseball. If he stays healthy, he could quietly put together an All-Star-caliber season for the Royals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bell<\/a> is a classic bounce-back candidate. If he rediscovers his rhythm, he still can deliver 25+ home runs and anchor the middle of the Twins<\/a>\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n Conforto<\/a>\u2019s smooth left-handed swing and power potential make him a strong comeback candidate. If he stays healthy, he could be a major contributor in Chicago<\/a>\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n Turang<\/a> already brings elite defense and speed\u2014but if his bat jumps to a .300+ average, he could become one of the most complete players in baseball. The upside here is enormous.<\/p>\n Winn<\/a> has electric tools, especially defensively, but 2026 could test his offensive consistency. If his bat doesn\u2019t take a step forward\u2014particularly in terms of on-base ability and power\u2014he could struggle to meet expectations. A step back offensively would put pressure on the rest of the Cardinals<\/a>‘ lineup.<\/p>\n Few players are as electrifying\u2014or as volatile\u2014as De La Cruz<\/a>. If strikeouts remain a major issue and pitchers continue to adjust, he could endure a frustrating season despite his elite tools.<\/p>\n Lowe<\/a>\u2019s left-handed power makes him an intriguing fit in Pittsburgh<\/a>. If he stays healthy, he has the potential to deliver 25+ home runs and provide much-needed thump in the lineup. He could easily outperform expectations.<\/p>\n The Central divisions thrive on unpredictability. A breakout from Gavin Williams<\/span><\/span> or Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> could swing a division race, while inconsistency from players like Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> or Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> could open the door for another contender.<\/p>\n In 2026, these divisions won\u2019t be decided by stars alone\u2014they\u2019ll be decided by surprises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The AL Central and NL Central head into 2026 as two of baseball\u2019s most wide-open divisions. There\u2019s no clear powerhouse,\u00a0which means individual player swings will decide everything. One breakout season or one unexpected regression could completely reshape the playoff picture. Here\u2019s one player from each team who could shock the league in 2026, whether it\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5710,"featured_media":84571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"654","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,10,28,9,11,2,12,27,13,1071,26,25],"tags":[28245,124,5042,4650,2905,51,2215,174,6372,168],"class_list":["post-116350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cubs","category-whitesox","category-reds","category-guardians","category-tigers","category-featured","category-royals","category-brewers","category-twins","category-mlb","category-pirates","category-cardinals","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-cincinnati-reds","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-cubs-featured","tag-detriot-tigers","tag-kansas-city-royals","tag-milwauke-brewers","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-pittsburg-pirates","tag-st-louis-cardinals"],"modified_by":"Eddie Lennon, Staff Writer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5710"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116350"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116368,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116350\/revisions\/116368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Detroit Tigers \u2014 Spencer Torkelson<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Kansas City Royals \u2014 Vinnie Pasquantino<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Minnesota Twins \u2014 Josh Bell<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
NL Central Surprise Players<\/h2>\n
Chicago Cubs \u2014 Michael Conforto<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Milwaukee Brewers \u2014 Brice Turang<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
St. Louis Cardinals \u2014 Masyn Winn<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
Cincinnati Reds \u2014 Elly De La Cruz<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
Pittsburgh Pirates \u2014 Brandon Lowe<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Why These Picks Matter<\/h2>\n