Each Teams Biggest Offseason Needs: AL Central
Cleveland Guardians: Starting Pitcher and Utility Bat
Cleveland had another great season. Not projected to win the division, the Guardians started the year extremely hot, cooled off a bit, but was still able to hold onto the division title. Cleveland has good bats at the top of the order, everyone from Ramirez, Kwan, J. Naylor and even All-Star David Fry had career years. But after that, its a steep drop off. Although their defense is impeccable, that bats at the end of the order struggled. Gimenez, B. Naylor, Tyler Freeman and company really bring down that lineup. Getting a good utility bat with good offense would help a lot, maybe shed some money and go get a Tommy Edman type player. The Guardians can always pitch it no matter what, the bullpen was arguably the best in baseball. But they could benefit from another quality starter. Tanner Bibee and Ben Lively were good, but then there’s nothing. Tristan Mckenzie was bad, and Logan Allen and Gavin Williams did not help. Maybe trading for a quality starter on an expiring contract would help.
Minnesota Twins: Pitching
The Twins offense was fine last year, even with some guys not living up to the hype. With Correa, Lewis, Wallner, Buxton, Jeffers and company, their offense was good. They need to keep Carlos Santana, who was very good this season. And then there is the pitching…. Pablo Lopez had a down year, Bailey Ober was very good but dropped off in the 2nd half. Other than Joe Ryan, they can’t rely on anyone. They need to sign some veteran arms who could eat innings and provide quality starts. Maybe a guy like Aaron Civale or Matt Boyd. The bullpen only needs 1 or 2 more good arms to be good. They had to bring Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran in way too early. Getting a piece or 2 to get them to the 8th and 9th innings would help.
Chicago White Sox: Fire everyone
The Chicago White Sox are a dumpster fire. Most of their starters would be bench players on most other teams. They need to get some front office help to turn this franchise around. They traded away Fedde and Kopech at the deadline, and got nothing back. They trade Dylan Cease and got back Drew Thorpe, who did not perform well, although I think he will be good. To keep it simple, they need help everywhere.
Kansas City Royals: Sign a proven outfielder
The Royals had an incredible season, beating the projections that they would finish 3rd in the Central. Their pitching was great. They got great production from Lugo, Singer, Wacha and the ace, Cole Ragans. Their bullpen was good as well, and adding Lucas Erceg at the deadline just made it even better. What the Royals need is a good outfielder. They took a risk on Hunter Renfroe, who was not good. Their offensive output offensively was bad. My hope for MJ Melendez is getting very low, Kyle Isbel is good in the field, bad at the plate. Nelson Velasquez can’t play defense at all and was bad at the plate, posting a .640 OPS. They didn’t have a guy in the bottom of the lineup that had higher than a 92 OPS+. Signing a guy like Tyler O’Neil would improve their team immensely.
Detroit Tigers: Offense, Offense, and more Offense
The Tigers absolutely surged in September to make the postseason, and took care of the Astros no problem. Their bullpen in that series was great, as well as their starting pitching. I think that they are going to be just fine on the mound, with the eventual Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson was good, and I think Jackson Jobe will crack the opening day roster. Bullpen guys like Justin Foley, Will Vest, Beau Brisk and Tyler Holton will hold down the ‘pen. The Tigers need offense bad. Riley Greene is a star, Parker Meadows will be good, Kerry Carpenter is the best platoon hitter in baseball. But thats about it. Matt Vierling is solid as well, but past him, there wasn’t much. Having to pay Javier Baez is like nails on a chalkboard. They need good bats. Signing a guy like JD Martinez on a cheap veteran contract, or signing Tyler O’Neil to a short term deal would also help. They need guys that can give Skubal, Olson, and Jobe run support.
Tomorrow we will cover the AL West, see you then
