Post-Lockout: AL Central Offseason Transactions
Will the AL Central be the hardest division? Many signings and young talent shows that there could be an argument made. Here’s all you need to know on the competitiveness in the AL Central!
There was a lot of uncertainty this year for free agents and possible trade targets in the AL Central this year. Some came from the White Sox with Kimbrel trade talks, Jose Ramirez a possible trade target for the blue jays, and even twins shipping off a lot of veteran stars and players to create a new team of veteran star players. The AL Central was action-packed this offseason!
MINNESOTA TWINS:
Key Additions:
Carlos Correa three years $105 million
Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela via trade
Sonny Gray via trade
Key Subtractions:
Josh Donaldson traded to the Yankees
Andreton Simmons signed by the Cubs
Mitch Garver traded to the Rangers
The Twins made it an interesting offseason after what seemed like they became sellers until they received trade offers for positions they needed. Not to mention the signing that came from left field Carlos Correa. Not to mention the extension of Byron Buxton as well. The Twins are going to be a team to watch out for.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX:
Key Additions:
Josh Harrison one year $5.5 million
Joe Kelly two years $17 million
Vince Velasquez one year $3 million
Key Subtractions:
Ryan Tepera was signed by the Angels
Billy Hamilton signed by the Mariners
Cesar Hernadez was signed by the Nationals
The White Sox will remain one of the best teams in the entire league and will most likely take the division as well. The amount of bullpen they have, is backed up by a powerful offense with some great starters in the rotation. The White Sox are a scary team and made some key additions that may give them that extra step to go far in the playoffs.
DETROIT TIGERS:
Key Additions:
Michael Pineda one year $5.5 million
Eduardo Rodriguez five years $77 million
Javier Baez six years $140 million
Andrew Chafin two years $13 million
Tucker Barnhart via trade
Key Subtractions:
Matthew Boyd signed by the Giants
The Tigers had a very strong offseason this year. Major signings of star talents in the league, along with some solid signings and trades that will allow them to replace the bottom end with some stronger players. The Tigers managed 77 wins with a very average team last year, I can’t wait to see what they will do this year with this VERY well improved offense and pitching. Watch out for the Tigers this year, they will be a sneaky team that will creep up the division leaderboard and possibly sneak into the playoffs.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS:
Key Additions:
Minor League acquisitions
Key Subtractions:
N/A
A very disappointing offseason by the newly named Cleveland Guardians. Had some luck signing some players to minor league contracts but nothing special. Nothing that will improve their team in the slightest. The Guardians spent only $900k this year, ranking themselves second to last in offseason spending only in front of the A’s.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS:
Key Additions:
Zack Greinke one year $13 million
Amir Garret via trade
Key Subtractions:
Wade Davis retired
Mike Minor was signed by the Reds
The Royals have made slight improvements if any, this year. Zack Greinke was a solid signing, but it doesn’t make too much sense for a team like the Royals, who don’t have too much defense, power, and pitching staff to back up a star like Greinke. Although they started last year off hot maybe these extra signings can lead them to be a competitive team to beat not only in the division but the league as a whole.
Reference Page
Contract information courtesy of Spotrac