As the MLB season rolls on toward the All-Star Break, it’s time for a quick rundown of each team in the AL Central.
More than half the games are behind all teams at this point in the schedule, including those in the AL Central. In this report, we will be breaking down each of the teams as we get ready for the second half of the year. The intent here is also to look at what lies ahead. Surprisingly, the AL Central is providing plenty of entertainment so far as we get to mid-July.
As of right now, it looks to be a three-team race for the crown, with the Cleveland Guardians having a healthy advantage at the beginning of July. But the Minnesota Twins and the surging Kansas City Royals are still within relative striking distance, and each are led by a number of All-Stars.
So, what is on tap for the AL Central heading into the Break? Here’s a more in-depth explanation…
Stats are through July 9.
AL Central Leader: Cleveland Guardians
Team Record: 57-33 (1st in AL Central, 5.5 Games Ahead of Twins)
First-Half Best Player: Steven Kwan (.363/.418/.531, nine home runs, 27 RBIs)
First-Half Underperforming Player: Gabriel Arias (.222/.255/.353, three home runs, 15 RBIs)
So far, it appears that the magic is back at Progressive Field. The Cleveland Guardians have started off hot and have kept a major wave of momentum going. As of now, they are only one of three teams with 55 or more wins in the American League. One of the big reasons why has been the sudden emergence of LF Steven Kwan. Overall, Kwan is not necessarily a power hitter. But through 64 games, he already has a career-high nine home runs. Considering he is also hitting above .350, he should be a major discussion topic in the AL batting title conversation.
If there’s really been anyone who has disappointed for Cleveland, it’s SS Gabriel Arias. The only reason why is because his lack of effort is a constant question mark. He’s producing a -0.4 WAR at the moment, and with a batting average that’s just barely above .220, his seat is one that is rather warm.
Second-Half Forecast
If the Guardians really want to hang with the big boys come September and October, they need to make a move or two at the deadline. Preferably, that move would be another rotation arm. They have a respectable one through five right now. But they need someone who can put them over the top. If they can find that person, could the longest drought between World Series titles end? Maybe.
Chicago White Sox
Team Record: 26-67 (5th in AL Central, 32.5 GB Cleveland)
Best Performer: Paul DeJong (.229/.280/.438, 16 HRs, 36 RBIs)
First Half Underperforming Player: Andrew Benintendi (.194/.248/.292, six home runs, 24 RBIs)
The first question to ask when looking at the Chicago White Sox this season: What hasn’t gone wrong already? Whether it’s been defensive miscues, plenty of offensive struggles at the plate, or the pitching not clicking, it seems like the 2024 campaign is already appearing to be a more destitute one than 2023. If there is any bright spot to really talk about, it’s SS Paul DeJong. He is posting a respectable .229/.280/.438 slash line while cranking out 16 home runs and knocking in 36. Conversely, the guy who is surprisingly underperforming is OF Andrew Benintendi. The nine-year pro is only tallying a .194/.248/.292 slash with six home runs and 24 RBIs. For a guy who is making as much money as he is, those are very disappointing numbers.
Second-Half Forecast
It looks like 2024 is the continuing of a rebuild process for the White Sox. The days of a World Series win appear to be a distant memory. Even their playoff appearance in 2021 feels like ages ago. Perhaps the ChiSox should start looking forward to the draft and the offseason already.
Detroit Tigers
Team Record: 39-43 (4th place in AL Central, 15 GB Cleveland)
Best Performer: Tarik Skubal (10-3, 2.37 ERA, 132 strikeouts against 20 walks)
First-Half Underperformer: Javier Baez (.182/.212/.250, one home run, 25 RBIs)
It once again looks like mediocrity will be the order of the year for the Detroit Tigers. While they are not out of the division chase yet, they’re not exactly on the same pace as last year. But that does not mean they aren’t going be a tough opponent. One of the reasons why is the emergence of SP Tarik Skubal. The 27-year-old lefty is quietly putting together a very nice season, compiling a 10-3 record with a 2.37 ERA, and 132 strikeouts against 20 walks. But on offense, one struggling guy is SS Javier Baez. Baez is only touting a .182/.212/.250 slash line with one home run and 25 RBIs. He is 31 and has battled with injuries, but his decline is one that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Second-Half Forecast
Honestly, the Tigers forecast looks rather murky. Do they want to compete? Or do they want to prep for the offseason? It is kind of hard to tell.
Minnesota Twins
Team Record: 52-39 (2nd place in AL Central, 5.5 games back of Cleveland)
Best Performer: Jose Miranda (.332/.373/.534, nine home runs, 43 RBIs)
First-Half Underperformer: Kyle Farmer (.192/.295/.269, no home runs, 15 RBIs)
Overall, it’s not a surprise to see the Minnesota Twins in the heat of the AL Central race. They were my prediction to be division champs at the start of the season. But 1B Jose Miranda was not someone who I expected to step up. Miranda, who just turned 26, is having a breakout campaign in 2024, to the tune of a .332/.373/.534 slash line, with nine home runs and 43 RBIs. But one guy who is not steeping up so far is UTL Kyle Farmer. In 59 games, Farmer is slashing .192/.295/.269, and he has yet to hit a home run while only driving in 15. He’s someone the Twins will need to see step up.
Second-Half Forecast
It does look rather promising for the Twins, as they will likely find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt until the end of the season. If they want to go big, they should pull the trigger to make a move for a #2 or #3 caliber starting pitcher, and they should also make a move for an outfield bat.
Kansas City Royals
Team Record: 49-43 (3rd place in AL Central, nine games behind Cleveland)
Best Performer: Bobby Witt Jr. (.324/.372/.564, 15 home runs, 61 RBIs)
First-Half Underperformer: MJ Melendez (.190/.256/.367, nine home runs, 25 RBIs)
Okay, let’s be honest, not many people projected the Kansas City Royals to turn things around this quickly. They find themselves right in the thick of the playoff hunt and have an exciting young core to boot. One of those players is their superstar, SS Bobby Witt Jr.
Through 92 games, Witt is proving he is deserving of being an All-Star. A slash line of .324/.372/.564 is nice, not to mention he’s gone yard 15 times and also swiped 22 bases. Meanwhile, a young player who is struggling is OF MJ Melendez. The 25-year-old is hitting below the Mendoza line at a .190/.256/.367 slash line, knocking out nine home runs and driving in 25. He will need to turn things around.
Second-Half Forecast
Things could get very interesting for the Royals down the stretch. They have a pretty solid rotation, but their offense seems to be lacking for outfielders. They could use a guy who could hit for average and a little bit of pop too. Currently, all three of the starting outfielders are hitting below .240.
Honestly, the AL Central is already providing plenty of surprises early in the season. Whether that stays the case remains to be seen. But it sure is fun to see a competitive Central division. For once.
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