The AL Central has not gone the way anyone expected. The teams that everyone expected to win the division have struggled. The teams no one thought had a shot are currently in playoff spots. This shake-up has affected not only the standings but also the trade market. Sure, they may not have as many buyers as the AL East, but all of these teams should be very active over the next month. Here is what each AL Central team’s goal should be at the deadline.
What Each AL Central Team Should Target at the Deadline
Chicago White Sox, Rotation Help: The White Sox have been the best story in baseball this season. After years as a historically bad baseball team, they are currently leading the Central with a 44-39 record. The White Sox will look to make the most out of this success by being buyers at the deadline. Despite the success, the White Sox’s starting rotation is an AL-worst 4.59. If they want to keep this success up for the rest of the season, they will need better performances from their starters. Their main target should be Reid Detmers or Jose Soriano. Both of them have been solid starters for the Los Angeles Angels this season. Not only can they help the White Sox this year, but for the next few seasons, as both are under club control until 2028.
Cleveland Guardians, Impact Bat: Although the White Sox lead the division, the Guardians are right on their tails. They have a 44-41 record and are one game behind Chicago for first in the Central. They also own the second wild card spot in the AL. If they want to jump the Sox or at least stay in a playoff spot, they need another bat in their lineup. One player they can target is Wilson Contreras. He has a 155 OPS+ and has hit 18 home runs this season. This would provide great protection for Jose Ramirez when he returns. Another option is Lars Nootbaar. Sure, he’s dealt with injuries this season and would not be much of a power threat, but he’s having a great season contact-wise and could be a good table setter.
Minnesota Twins, Make Room for Young Players: While the Twins may be only two games out of a playoff spot, there is no guarantee that ownership will give the front office the payroll flexibility to make moves. With not that many sellers out there, it might be smart of their part to pivot and make room for young prospects in their system. With guys like Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Kendry Rojas knocking on the big league door, the Twins should make room for them and have their focus set on 2027. Joe Ryan and Ryan Jefferies are the most appealing assets. They could easily land the Twins several intriguing prospects. They could also look to move Trevor Larnach, although he may be an offseason move with one year of control left.
Detroit Tigers, Move Some Of Their Pitching: All the talk around the Tigers and the trade deadline is what are they going to do with Tarik Skubal. With a record of 36-49 and little hope of retaining Skubal past this season, the best thing to do is trade him and get a return that could turn them into contenders next season. But Skubal is not the only pitcher on the trading block. Casey Mize has pitched to a 2.63 ERA over 65 innings this season. This is a pitcher any contender wants, and can bring a solid package back to the Tigers. Nothing like Skubal but still something that will help them. It’s not just starters, as Kenley Jansen can be a closer that a contender needs during the postseason.
Kansas City Royals, Re-Stock the Farm System: Despite strong play for guys like Bobby Witt Jr and Jac Caglianone, the Royals find themselves in the basement of the AL Central. Not only are they last, but they also have the worst record in the American League. It’s clear that they will not be competitive in the near future, and with the 24th-overall farm system, they need to sell pieces to replenish it. Their most valuable asset is Kris Bubic. Sure, he is currently rehabbing from left elbow soreness, which could give teams some pause. But he has proven to be a solid middle-to-back-of-the-rotation starter. We also could see them move guys like Michael Wacha, Lane Thomas, and Daniel Lynch IV.
