The American League Central was predicted to be the weakest division in baseball as the 2024 season approached, but it surprisingly produced three playoff teams – in fact, three of the four teams that reached the ALDS – along with four teams finishing above .500. Much of this success came from the significant victories over the historically poor White Sox, who suffered a modern record 121 losses. However, there were also notable improvements from teams like Cleveland, Kansas City, and a late rise from Detroit.
As we look ahead to 2025, this division has a wealth of star talent. Bobby Witt Jr. stands out as a top-five player in the league, with arguments made for him being the best player this year. Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal is regarded as a contender for the best pitcher, and Emmanuel Clase was the standout reliever last season. José Ramírez continues to be an undervalued superstar, and Cole Ragans might have a chance at winning the AL Cy Young award if Skubal doesn’t repeat his success.
This division is shaping up for a competitive four-team race. Last season, while the Guardians surged ahead as the Twins struggled, the Tigers eventually became competitive late in the season.
The Guardians have captured the division title five times in the past nine seasons, while the Twins have claimed it three times in the last six years. The White Sox last won in 2021, a distant memory now, and the Tigers dominated the division with four straight titles over a decade ago, though they haven’t won since 2014. The Royals have only won the division once, in 2015, with their previous victory in 1985 when they were part of the AL West.
Minnesota Twins
Projected starting lineup:
1. Matt Wallner, RF
2. Carlos Correa, SS
3. Byron Buxton, CF
4. Trevor Larnach, LF
5. Jose Miranda, DH
6. Ryan Jeffers, C
7. Willi Castro, 2B
8. Ty France, 1B
9. Brooks Lee, 3B
Projected rotation:
RHP Pablo López
RHP Joe Ryan
RHP Bailey Ober
RHP Simeon Woods Richardson
RHP Chris Paddack
Notable relievers:
RHP Jhoan Duran
RHP Griffin Jax
RHP Cole Sands
LHP Danny Coulombe
Biggest question: Can the Twins maintain health across their key players? While every team faces this issue, the Twins have seen significant injuries among essential personnel in recent seasons. Correa participated in only 86 games last year and has crossed 140 games played only twice in his career, with the last instance in 2021. Buxton managed to play 102 games last season, just the second time he reached triple digits. Lewis had a healthier season but still only participated in 82 games and is already experiencing hamstring issues in 2025.
