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The Twins Looking to Repeat in Baseball’s Weakest Division

March 4, 2024

There is no question the AL Central is the weakest division in baseball. If you look at last

season, the only reason the Twins made the playoffs is because divisional winners are

automatic for the postseason. In fact, the Mariners actually missed the playoffs but had a better

record overall. There’s a really good chance the Twins run away with the Central after winning

by a comfortable nine games in 2023.

Minnesota Twins (-120)

The Twins are the class of this division and it's almost by default. They advanced past the Wild

Card round before eventually being eliminated by the Astros in the ALDS. Minnesota didn’t do

much to make its roster better but likely has enough talent to compete in this division. The

Twins have a deep starting rotation and the bullpen was very productive in 2023. They’re win

total for 2024 is set at 86.5 and if they reach that mark, that should be enough for back-to-back

division titles.

Detroit Tigers (+325)

The Tigers added a lot of depth during the offseason bringing in Gio Urshela, Mark Canha, and

Jack Flaherty just to name a few. The roster does boast some talent including Spencer

Torkelson and Tarik Skubal could compete for a Cy Young if he’s able to avoid injuries. Still,

bookmakers have the Tigers at 80.5 wins, so they would have to overachieve to challenge

Minnesota for that top spot.

Cleveland Guardians (+340)

The Guardians will look different this coming season after Terry Francona’s run as manager

came to an end. Could rookie manager Stephen Vogt come in and make a difference right out

of the gate? Possible. Cleveland finished third in the division last season and will look to avoid

consecutive losing seasons since 2009-2010. The Guardians are strong on the mound with

Shane Bieber, Tanner Bibee and Triston McKenzie. There should be enough to at least get to

the .500 mark, anything more than that would be gravy.

Also Eligibles: Royals (+850), White Sox (+2200)

The Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox should be in a battle for the bottom two spots

in the division. Kansas City did go after a couple of names, Michael Wacha and Hunter

Renfroe, but that might not be enough for them to win the division. Meanwhile, Chicago added

Erick Fedder, KBO MVP to help solidify its pitching staff but there is much work left to do on the

South Side. Except more growing pains in these cities in 2024.

Odds to Win the 2024 AL Central

Minnesota Twins -120

Detroit Tigers (+325)

Cleveland Guardians +340

Kansas City Royals +850

Chicago White Sox +2200

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