Cleveland Indians
What should you do after you’ve won three straight American League Central names?
If you’re the Cleveland Indians, you reduce payroll by shedding stars through free agency and the trade marketplace. Factor in Francisco Lindor’s strained calf, as well as the ice under Cleveland’s toes is the thinnest it’s been in years.
Yet it might be worse. The rotation is still led by Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger, who became the first 200-strikeout foursome ever final year. Lindor will eventually reteam with Jose Ramirez to form arguably the very best celebrity offensive duo in MLB.
Apart from that, the Indians only have one challenger for excellence within the branch.
Playoff opportunities: 70 percent
Minnesota Twins
After a disappointing 78-win season, the Minnesota Twins have treated Cleveland’s cost-cutting as a window of opportunity.
A crime that scored a strong 4.6 runs per game last year is deeper now as a result of the improvements of Nelson Cruz, Marwin Gonzalez, Jonathan Schoop and C.J. Cron. The pitching team, meanwhile, should benefit from Martin Perez and Blake Parker plus a healthy Michael Pineda.
However the big question is if Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano can push the Twins on the top by getting themselves back on their various paths to stardom. This can go is really anyone’s guess.
If all goes well, the Twins will challenge the Indians for the AL Central title. Otherwise, they are likely a .500-ish team which will have trouble surviving a tough race to the second wild-card spot.
Playoff opportunities: 40 percent
Chicago White Sox
There is a parallel universe somewhere in which the Chicago White Sox are a serious contender in 2019 despite their 100 losses in 2018.
In that universe, the White Sox have signed either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. To boot, flame-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech includes a wholesome elbow.
In this world, but the White Sox have lost out on Machado, and they appear to be out on Harper as well. What is more, Kopech is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
South Siders can still look forward to the coming of high prospect Eloy Jimenez and the further maturation of this White Sox’s other kids. But hopes for a playoff berth are booked for 2020.
Playoff opportunities: 5 percent
Kansas City Royals
Despite losing 104 games last season, the Kansas City Royals don’t look interested in a top-to-bottom rebuild.
For what it is worth, there are some fantastic pieces in the lineup (Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi) and pitching staff (Danny Duffy and Brad Keller). These can ensure that the Royals are watchable in 2019.
However great? Nah. And if they like it or not, they might need to contemplate employing the transaction market to construct their own No. 24 farm strategy.
Playoff chances: 5 percent
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers lost”just” 98 matches in 2018, but they do not seem any better equipped to take on 2019 compared to White Sox or Royals.
In theory, a healthy Miguel Cabrera and fresh faces such as Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer and Christin Stewart ought to improve an offense that scored 3.9 runs per game in 2018. Nevertheless the offense will suffer with the inevitable death of Nicholas Castellanos. There isn’t much hope for the club’s pitching team either.
Detroit does have a great farm system, but it has more quantity than quality. Until that changes, it is difficult to use the power of positive thinking to the Tigers’ playoff chances.
Playoff opportunities: 5 percent
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