Lincoln Zdunich
Detroit Tigers
Expectation: Skubal will make history for Detroit. He will win his third consecutive Cy Young award and will join the likes of Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson in doing so. Barring injury, Tigers fans can be excited to see him take the mound every five games.
Concern: Can the offense keep up? Offensive breakouts from Javier Báez and Kerry Carpenter may not be able to return for the Tigers. Their pitching is fantastic, but the offense is seriously lacking if they plan to run the AL Central.
Cleveland Guardians
Expectation: After signing a contract extension this offseason, José Ramírez will return to the hot corner for Cleveland, building on season after season of great performances. One of these days he seems primed to nab the American League MVP away from perennial superstar Aaron Judge.
Concern: The Guardians are consistently undervalued in the AL Central but they have their work cut out for them this year. The rotation is surprisingly solid but the offense is rough outside of Ramírez and Steven Kwan. If they can keep up the “Guards ball” from last year maybe they can keep up the magic in Cleveland.
Kansas City Royals
Expectation: Bobby Witt Jr. could seriously win the MVP award. He continues to put up great offensive numbers but his ceiling is so much higher. And Kansas City could return to the playoffs on his back alongside World Baseball Classic stars like Maikel Garcia and Jac Caglianone.
Concern: Injuries hurt the elite starting rotation deeply last year. If that can’t be solved this season then the Royals will be stuck saddled to an abysmal bullpen.
Minnesota Twins
Expectation: There isn’t much hope for a Twins team that gave up most of its top players at last year’s Trade Deadline. They’ve got outfielder Byron Buxton who will seek to follow up a tremendous 2025 with an even better 2026.
Concern: The rotation was dealt a major blow with Pablo López out for the season. They’re missing much beyond ace Joe Ryan with Bailer Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson filling out the back end.
Chicago White Sox
Expectation: It would be difficult for the White Sox not to build on 2025. After the historically awful 2024 season, they improved by 19 wins and are seeking to go even further. Offseason acquisition Munetaka Murakami figures to be a breakout candidate for the team after the slugger signed a surprise 2-year deal with the club.
Concern: The rotation is awful. Truly. There’s not many good things to say about them aside from the high upside of the younger arms. Sorry Chicago fans.
