As the Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series to win the first World Series in team history, the other 28 teams were focused on the upcoming free agency period. Each team has an offseason to-do list and players that they are interested in bringing in to join their team. You can see the to-do list for the AL East teams here.
The AL Central did not go according to plan in 2019. The Minnesota Twins surprised everyone last season winning 101 games and leading the MLB in home runs with an MLB record 307. The Cleveland Indians struggled to start the season and could not regain their footing in time to reach the playoffs. The Chicago White Sox are nearing the end of their rebuild and could be ready to contend for a playoff spot as soon as next season. The lowly Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers are in the midst of serious rebuilds and do not seem poised to contend in the near future.
Minnesota Twins
Led by a power surge never seen before in the MLB, the Minnesota Twins slugged their way to 101 wins and their first division title since 2010. The Twins were quickly dispatched from the playoffs in the ALDS by the New York Yankees however, leaving the Twins with questions heading into 2020.
The Biggest Need: Starting Pitching
The Twins got 20+ home runs from 8 of their 9 regular starters and 30+ from 5 of them. Almost all of their lineup will be back next season making the starting rotation number one on the offseason to-do list for the Twins. The Twins are projected to have a bottom 10 payroll to start 2020 and should use all their available funds to add a starter or two to help staff ace, Jose Berrios. While Gerrit Cole has most likely priced himself out of the Twins range, Madison Bumgarner, Zack Wheeler, and Cole Hamels are the next best options that the Twins should target.
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians won over 90 games for the fourth straight season in 2019 but failed to make the playoffs in a very competitive AL Wild Card. A horrible first half from Jose Ramirez and injuries to nearly everyone in their starting rotation put the Indians behind the 8-ball early and they were not able to recover.
The Biggest Need: Stay the course
With most of their team under team control for 2020, the Indians are set up to contend with the AL’s best teams again next season. Full seasons from Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco should stabilize the starting rotation and Brad Hand will continue to anchor a solid bullpen. Rumors have floated around that the Indians are looking to trade superstar Francisco Lindor which would seriously dent the playoff chances of the Indians.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox swung and missed on Manny Machado last season in free agency and are looking to be aggressive again this season. The young White Sox core struggled to 72 wins in 2019 but could use it as an important stepping stone to contention in the next couple of years. The debut of Eloy Jimenez and breakout seasons from Lucas Giolito and Yoan Moncada give the White Sox a strong core to build around as more young talent comes up through their farm system.
The Biggest Need: Big Name Signing
The White Sox were seen as the favorite for Manny Machado last offseason before he signed with the San Diego Padres. The White Sox should once again go big game hunting in the free-agent market. Jose Abreu needs to be resigned but Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon should be in the White Sox sights as they attempt to advance their timeline into contention.
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals won less than 60 games for the second straight year in 2019 as the franchise has dove headfirst into a rebuild. With young talent populating the roster and a deep farm system, the Royals are playing the long game with their team.
The Biggest Need: More time
Adalberto Mondesi and Jorge Soler are part of the current core while 4 of the Royals top 5 prospects are expected to make their debuts in 2020. The development of Brady Singer, Daniel Lynch, Khalil Lee, and Jackson Kowar are essential to the success of the next contending Royals team. In the meantime, the Royals will look for low-priced veterans to fill the gaps in their roster.
Detroit Tigers
With only 47 wins, the Detroit Tigers were far and away the worst team in baseball last season. Miguel Cabrera is on the last legs of his career while still making over $30 million/year, and the farm system is only starting to improve.
The Biggest Need: Lots and Lots of time
Like the Orioles, the Tigers are devoid of young talent on the MLB roster. Casey Mize could make his debut next season after being drafted #1 overall in 2018 but he will have very little help when he gets to Detroit. The offseason to-do list should be relatively short as the Tigers attempt to acquire more prospects in anticipation of the next contending team in Detroit. When that team will come, no one quite knows.
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