2016 MLB Picks and Predictions: American League Central Expert Predictions & Forecast

2016 MLB Picks and Predictions: American League Central Expert Predictions & Forecast: Top to bottom, the American League Central is easily the deepest division in baseball heading into 2016. A legit argument can be made for all five teams winning taking the title, and that is saying something when you consider the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals call the AL Central home. However, offseason moves an intriguing young prospects have strengthened Kansas City’s competition, and the battle for the division crown will likely come down to the wire, and several teams could be in the mix.

2016 MLB Picks & Predictions: American League Central Expert Predictions & Forecast

1. Kansas City Royals

The lineup doesn’t have a superstar, but Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Kendrys Morales and Salvador Perez are all rock solid, and Kansas City’s core has shown their ability to pound out big hits. Edinson Volquez and Yordano Ventura are the closest thing the rotation has to an ace, but closer Wade Davis headlines a solid bullpen. Not to mention that experience plays a big factor, and with a majority of the key players still around from the team that has reach back-to-back World Series, the Royals will have an edge if the division is decided by big games in September.

2. Cleveland Indians

You will be hard pressed to find any team with a stronger top of its rotation. Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco are both legitimate Cy Young contenders, and Danny Salazar isn’t that far off of being on that level. The bullpen is also solid with Cody Allen closing the door in the ninth inning. Meanwhile, news that Michael Brantley will be back sooner than expected will only help an offense that tends to be streaky thanks to all-or-nothing hitters like Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana.

3. Chicago White Sox

The offseason addition of Todd Frazier gives slugger Jose Abreu some protection, and with Adam Eaton, Austin Jackson and Melky Cabrera, the White Sox have options at the top of their lineup. The X-factor is Avisail Garcia, who has the power to hit 30-plus homers. Chicago also has a solid 1-2 punch at the top of its rotation with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, and second-year starter Carlos Rodon has ace-caliber stuff. All the pieces are in place for a run at the division crown.

4. Detroit Tigers

Detroit made some solid offseason moves, bringing in Justin Upton to gives the lineup a power boost, adding depth to the rotation by adding Jordan Zimmerman, and anchoring the bullpen with closer Francisco Rodriguez. Health will likely be the determining factor for the Tigers’ playoff hopes, but if Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Victor Martinez avoid the injury bug, this team will be dangerous. That being said, betting on a tram relying on so many veterans that are coming off injuries is also dangerous.

5. Minnesota Twins

The Twins overachieved in a big way last year, but they are going to need a lot of things to fall in place to win the AL Central. Joe Mauer has to have one more decent year, Miguel Sano has to build on his impressive debut season, Byung Ho Park’s power needs to translate to the majors, and Byron Buxton has to live up to the hype. Minnesota also needs an average rotation and bullpen to overachieve a bit. It is a lot to ask for, especially in a loaded division.

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