detroit tigers
Expectation: Skubal would make history for Detroit. He would win his third consecutive Cy Young Award and join the likes of Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson in doing so. Barring injuries, Tigers fans can be excited to see them earn a lead in every five games.
Worry: Can the crime continue? The offensive breakouts of Javier Báez and Kerry Carpenter may not be able to bounce back for the Tigers. Their pitching is great, but the aggression is seriously lacking if they plan on making an AL Central run.
cleveland patron
Expectation: After signing a contract extension this offseason, Jose Ramirez will return to the hot corner for Cleveland, following up season after season with stellar performances. One of these days, he looks poised to take the American League MVP away from perennial superstar Aaron Judge.
Worry: The Guardians have consistently been underrated in the AL Central, but they have their work cut out for them this year. The rotation is surprisingly solid but the offense is tough outside of Ramirez and Steven Cowan. If they can maintain last year's "Guards Ball" maybe they can keep their magic going 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 very high. And Kansas City could return to the playoffs with World Baseball Classic stars like Maikel Garcia and Jack Caglianone.
Worry: Injuries deeply hurt the elite starting rotation last year. If this cannot be resolved this season, the Royals will be in a very bad situation.
minnesota twins
Expectation: There aren't many expectations for a Twins team that gave up most of its top players at last year's trade deadline. They have outfielder Byron Buxton who will look to have an even better 2026 after a tremendous 2025.
Worry: The rotation suffered a major blow with Pablo Lopez opting out for the season. They are sorely missing ace Joe Ryan filling out the back end with Baylor Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson.
chicago white sox
Expectation: It would be difficult for the White Sox not to move on to 2025. After a historically terrible 2024 season, they have improved to 19 wins and are looking to go even further. Offseason acquisition Munetaka Murakami is being considered a breakout candidate for the team, as the slugger signed a surprise 2-year deal with the club.
Worry: The rotation is terrible. Really. There aren't a lot of good things to say about Young's arm other than his lofty presence. Sorry Chicago fans.
