Chicago White Sox
2025 Recap
Final record: 60-102
Division finish: 5th
Biggest Strengths
How many strengths can a 102-loss team really have? The White Sox did have a couple. Their rotation ranked 21st in ERA, which qualified as a relative positive, and their group of catchers combined to finish eighth in wins above average.
Biggest Weaknesses
An 88 wRC+ tells the story. Beyond catcher, Chicago’s next-best position groups, shortstop and center field, both ranked just 20th in WAA. The additions of Munetaka Murakami and Austin Hays should help boost production at first base and in the corner outfield spots.
Key Additions
Murakami and Hays are two bats that should elevate the lineup. Luisangel Acuña was a worthwhile flier, though he currently projects as a backup infielder. Anthony Kay and Erick Fedde round out the rotation behind Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and Sean Burke.
Despite finishing 18th in bullpen ERA last season, the White Sox overhauled the relief corps with the arrivals of Seranthony Domínguez, Jordan Hicks, and Sean Newcomb.
Prospects Likely to Contribute
Braden Montgomery, Tanner McDougal, David Sandlin, and Noah Schultz headline the White Sox prospects most likely to play meaningful roles in the big leagues this year. All four could be major contributors.
Sam Antonacci, a versatile infielder who put up strong offensive numbers in Double-A last season, is a non-roster invite to spring training and could play his way onto the big-league roster.
William Bergolla Jr. could also reach the majors if his bat takes a step forward. As for top prospect Caleb Bonemer, it is still uncertain after he logged just 11 games at High-A in 2025.
Key Losses
Luis Robert Jr. was finally traded, and Mike Tauchman departed in free agency. Chicago likely could have commanded a much stronger return had it traded Robert earlier, but Truman Pauley and Luisangel Acuña are an acceptable haul given Robert’s recent production.
Projected Lineup
Chase Meidroth
Colson Montgomery
Munetaka Murakami
Kyle Teel
Miguel Vargas
Austin Hays
Andrew Benintendi
Brooks Baldwin
Edgar Quero
Projected Pitching Staff
Rotation
Shane Smith
Sean Burke
Davis Martin
Erick Fedde
Anthony Kay
Bullpen
Seranthony Domínguez
Jordan Hicks
Sean Newcomb
Jordan Leasure
Grant Taylor
Mike Vasil
Brandon Eisert
Biggest Question Mark
How much of the offensive burden can the young core realistically carry? Montgomery, Meidroth, Teel, and Quero all project to be around league average at the plate. If the White Sox are going to push past 70 wins, at least two of them likely need to produce at a 110 wRC+ level or better.
Breakout Candidate
Murakami doesn’t really qualify as a breakout candidate since this is his first major league season. Miguel Vargas, however, fits the bill. He makes sound swing decisions and took a clear step forward in 2025. He posted the best barrel rate of his career and has pulled the ball in the air in more than 23% of his plate appearances over the past two seasons.
Projected record: 68-94
Cleveland Guardians
2025 Recap
Final record: 88-74
Division finish: 1st
Biggest Strengths
Does defying logic count as a strength? Cleveland won eight more games than its Pythagorean win-loss record. The bullpen was elite, ranking third in both ERA and xERA, and the rotation once again outperformed its reputation.
Biggest Weaknesses
To the surprise of anyone who has followed the Guardians over the last decade, the offense was the issue. Only the abysmal Pirates and Rockies posted a worse wRC+. A league-worst BABIP offers some explanation, but the lineup still needs to be better.
Key Additions
It was another quiet winter at Progressive Field. A late minor-league deal for Rhys Hoskins was the only addition to the lineup, while Shawn Armstrong and Connor Brogdon add depth to the bullpen. Cleveland enters 2026 ranked 29th in player payroll.
Prospects Likely to Contribute
Chase DeLauter projects as a middle-of-the-order bat on Opening Day. Ranked as the 26th overall prospect, he should step in as an above-average hitter right away.
Travis Bazzana, Kahlil Watson, and Angel Genao are all within striking distance of the majors. Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, has the upside to be a transformative piece for the Guardians.
Cooper Ingle is close to the big leagues after 28 games at Triple-A in 2025. He makes elite swing decisions and offers versatility at right field or catcher. Ralphy Velazquez, ranked No. 56 by Baseball America, could reach the majors this season if his current development continues.
On the pitching side, Parker Messick headlines a group of big-league-ready arms, joined by Daniel Espino and Austin Peterson.
Key Losses
Lane Thomas and Jakob Junis were the most significant departures. Cleveland didn’t lose any of their core players, but a lack of arrivals frustrated fans.
Projected Lineup
Steven Kwan
George Valera
José Ramírez
Kyle Manzardo
Chase DeLauter
Bo Naylor
David Fry
Gabriel Arias
Brayan Rocchio
Projected Pitching Staff
Rotation
Gavin Williams
Tanner Bibee
Logan Allen
Joey Cantillo
Slade Cecconi
Bullpen
Cade Smith
Connor Brogdon
Shawn Armstrong
Hunter Gaddis
Tim Herrin
Matt Festa
Erik Sabrowski
Biggest Question Mark
Can DeLauter and the rest of the near-ready prospects do enough to elevate this offense? Cleveland has lived near the bottom of the league offensively for years and needs to at least get closer to league average. DeLauter, Bazzana, and Watson all have the potential to be difference-makers, but that is a lot to ask from rookies right away..
Breakout Candidate
No one is going to be circling Joey Cantillo’s name heading into 2026, but maybe they should.
The southpaw featured two elite pitches last season, a changeup and a curveball that produced .216 and .206 xwOBA marks, respectively. His fastball allowed too much hard contact, so expect its usage to drop from the 42% range. If Cantillo leans more heavily on the change and curve, he has the tools to become a solid mid-rotation starter.
Projected record: 80-82
Detroit Tigers
2025 Recap
Final record: 87-75
Division finish: 2nd
Biggest Strengths
Aside from Tarik Skubal winning his second Cy Young Award, the Tigers did not have any singular, headline-grabbing strengths in 2025. They were simply a solid team across the board, with a top 10 rotation, an above-average lineup, and minimal holes on offense.
Biggest Weaknesses
The bullpen finished 17th overall, but it became a clear weakness in the second half. From July 1 on, Detroit’s relievers ranked 23rd in ERA and 26th in FIP. Shortstop was another issue, with only Colorado and Minnesota getting less production from the position.
Key Additions
The pitching staff was the clear focus for Detroit’s front office over the winter. It took some time, but the Tigers landed Framber Valdez to slot in behind Skubal and brought Justin Verlander back on a one-year deal for a fairytale reunion. A bullpen that faltered late last season now adds veteran stability with Kenley Jansen.
Drew Armstrong, coming off a 2.25 ERA season in the KBO, projects as the long man out of the bullpen to start the year. If that success carries over, he is likely to make multiple starts as the season progresses.
Prospects Likely to Contribute
Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark are the headliners in Detroit’s pipeline. Shortstop and center field were the Tigers’ two most obvious weaknesses last season, and both prospects could step into those roles within the first couple months of the year.
Max Anderson and Thayron Liranzo provide depth options for the infield and at catcher, respectively. On the mound, keep an eye on Ty Madden, who should get another opportunity in the majors after missing all of 2025 due to injury.
Key Losses
With a young position player group and Gleyber Torres re-signed, Detroit didn’t lose any of their core pieces. Chris Paddack became a Marlin, Paul Sewald went to the Diamondbacks, and Tommy Kahnle is still unsigned.
Projected Lineup
Colt Keith
Gleyber Torres
Kerry Carpenter
Riley Greene
Spencer Torkelson
Wenceel Perez
Zach McKinstry
Dillon Dingler
Parker Meadows
Projected Pitching Staff
Rotation
Tarik Skubal
Casey Mize
Framber Valdez
Justin Verlander
Jack Flaherty
Bullpen
Kenley Jansen
Drew Anderson
Will Vest
Tyler Holton
Kyle Finnegan
Brenan Hanifee
Beau Brieske
Biggest Question Mark
Which version of Jack Flaherty shows up in 2026? In 2024, he posted a 3.17 ERA, good for a 130 ERA+ across 28 starts. In 2025, that dipped to an 89 ERA+, with more walks per nine and a similar strikeout rate.
If Flaherty looks like his 2024 self, Detroit has the makings of a top five rotation. If he’s closer to the 2025 version, the Tigers will be leaning on Justin Verlander more than they would like.
Breakout Candidate
Colt Keith is a strong candidate to take another step after posting a 107 OPS+ in 2025. He had an elite launch angle sweet spot rate, and his xwOBA was 15 points higher than his actual wOBA. He also walked more than 10% of the time and produced an above-average barrel rate. There is a clear path here to a 25 home run season.
Projected record: 90-72
Kansas City Royals
2025 Recap
Final record: 82-80
Division finish: 3rd
Biggest Strengths
Kansas City was seventh in rotation and bullpen ERA. The pitching staff as a whole excelled, though it’s notable they were only middle of the pack in xERA.
Biggest Weaknesses
The corner outfield spots were the least productive in baseball. Kyle Isbel’s work in center was the only thing keeping the Royals from fielding the worst outfield in the majors.
Key Additions
Isaac Collins arrived from the Brewers in a trade and Lane Thomas was picked up in free agency. It’s a new-look bullpen with Alex Lange, Matt Strahm, and Nick Mears being acquired over the winter.
Prospects Likely to Contribute
Carter Jensen, the organization’s top prospect, is projected to break camp with the big-league club and handle most of the DH duties.
The upper levels of the farm system are relatively thin. Ben Kudrna struggled in 2025 and needs to show he can get Triple-A hitters out before strutting onto a big-league mound. Luinder Avila was effective in relief last season and should factor back into the bullpen mix in 2026.
Key Losses
Maikel Garcia’s extension was the biggest positive of KC’s offseason. Mike Yastrzemski signed elsewhere, Angel Zerpa was dealt in the trade that brought in Mears and Collins, and Michael Lorenzen agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies. Hunter Harvey also departed, signing with the Cubs in free agency.
Projected Lineup
Maikel Garcia
Bobby Witt Jr.
Vinnie Pasquantino
Salvador Perez
Jac Caglianone
Carter Jensen
Jonathan India
Kyle Isbel
Isaac Collins
Projected Pitching Staff
Rotation
Cole Ragans
Seth Lugo
Kris Bubic
Noah Cameron
Michael Wacha
Bullpen
Carlos Estévez
Matt Strahm
Lucas Erceg
Nick Mears
Alex Lange
Daniel Lynch IV
John Schreiber
Biggest Question Mark
Is Cole Ragans back to being elite? The hard-throwing lefty posted a 4.76 ERA despite a 2.50 FIP in 2025. Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha both project as league-average arms, while Noah Cameron has upside but remains an unknown heading into his second season.
The ceiling of this rotation hinges on Ragans delivering 25+ starts at an ace level.
Breakout Candidate
It’s a no-brainer: Jac Caglianone is Kansas City’s obvious breakout pick. He showed elite bat speed and posted a 12 percent barrel rate in 2025. With Kauffman Stadium’s fences moved in, a full offseason to adjust to big-league pitching, and underlying metrics that far outpaced his .532 OPS, there’s a clear path for a big step forward.
Projected record: 84-78
Minnesota Twins
2025 Recap
Final record: 70-92
Division finish: 4th
Biggest Strengths
Only 11 teams produced more outfield value than the Twins in WAA. Center field, driven largely by Byron Buxton, was the most productive spot, while a rotating group in left field also provided steady contributions.
Biggest Weaknesses
Minnesota finished 26th in bullpen ERA, and what had been a talented group was dismantled at the trade deadline, with Louis Varland, Jhoan Duran, and Griffin Jax all dealt. The left side of the infield was also an issue, as the Twins ranked in the bottom five in WAA at both shortstop and third base.
Key Additions
Underwhelming is the best way to describe the Twins’ offseason. Josh Bell and Victor Caratini were the primary free-agent additions on the position-player side, with Ryan Kreidler picked up off waivers. The bullpen saw a full reset, bringing in Taylor Rogers, Andrew Chafin, Anthony Banda, and Eric Orze.
Prospects Likely to Contribute
Infielder Tanner Schobel should get some big-league reps if he makes an impression in Triple-A. Kaelen Culpepper hit 20 homers and stole 25 bases in the minors last year and has a chance to show what he can do in spring training.
Walker Jenkins is the crown jewel of the farm system. If everything goes to plan, he should reach Minnesota before the All-Star break. Emmanuel Rodriguez and Gabriel Gonzalez also provide outfield depth and upside.
On the pitching side, keep an eye on young arms getting a look. Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp, and Andrew Morris are all expected to see time in the majors this season.
Key Losses
After a fire sale at the trade deadline, the Twins didn’t have many notable departures this winter. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey has moved on, and Pablo López has been ruled out for the season due to injury.
Projected Lineup
Byron Buxton
Luke Keaschall
Matt Wallner
Josh Bell
Trevor Larnach
Royce Lewis
Ryan Jeffers
Victor Caratini
Brooks Lee
Projected Pitching Staff
Rotation
Joe Ryan
Simeon Woods Richardson
Taj Bradley
Zebby Matthews
Bailey Ober
Bullpen
Taylor Rogers
Andrew Chafin
Anthony Banda
Cole Sands
Kody Funderbunk
Justin Topa
Eric Orze
Biggest Question Mark
Does the teardown continue? This current Twins group is unlikely to contend for a playoff spot, but there is enough talent here to avoid a 100-loss season. That outlook could change quickly if Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, or other veterans are moved for additional prospects.
Breakout Candidate
Luke Keaschall made elite swing decisions in 2026. His walk rate was 14%, plus he had a knack for launching the ball. It would be good to see him pull the ball in the air more frequently, and he’s going to be tested with breaking balls, but he showed solid power in the minors.
Luke Keaschall made elite swing decisions in 2026. He posted a 14% walk rate and showed a real ability to lift the ball with authority. The next step is pulling the ball in the air more consistently, and he will be tested with more breaking stuff, but the raw power is there. There’s a world where Keaschall hits 20+ bombs with a .380 OBP.
Projected record: 72-90
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