Oh, spring is almost here which means BASEBALL! Continuing our series here, we will now break down potential 2020 AL Central Breakout candidates. Picking two from each team, we’re looking for players that could take the jump to the next level. Hopefully, players that you weren’t expecting.
SIDE NOTE: Bet the White Sox to win the division.
2020 AL Central Breakout Candidates
Chicago White Sox:
Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech was the flame thrower that was included in the Chris Sale trade. Boston internally compared him to Noah Syndergaard. After sitting out most of the year for TJ surgery we now get to see what Chicago has.
Nomar Mazara
Hey, Nomar, it’s time. I’m tired of watching Mazara hit .260 with 20 homers. I’m over it. It’s time. Take the next step. Hit 30 homers. Drive in over 100. Something has to give. This is either who he is or 2020 is the year.
Cleveland Indians:
Zach Plesac
Zach Plesac really flew under the radar considering his dad works for MLB Network and pitched in the majors for a long time. Zach really did an incredible job as a rookie. In 21 starts, Plesac had an ERA of 3.81. He was never a big time prospect. Now his FIP number was way worse and never struck out a ton of guys. 2020 is a big year for Plesac.
Franmil Reyes
They just don’t make humans that look like Franmil Reyes. I know the NL doesn’t have a DH, but I can’t believe the Padres traded him. It’s really not fair they had to because Reyes is scary. Did you know that Reyes hit 37 bombs last year? You probably didn’t because he got dealt at the deadline. If Reyes can become an all around hitter, look out. The power is already unreal.
Detroit Tigers:
Casey Mize
Feed us, Casey Mize. The Tigers need a spark. Mize is going to lead the charge for what should be some exciting pitching in a few years.
Daz Cameron
I went deep here. The Tigers just don’t have any players. Mike Cameron’s son feel like a good bet. The bat is a question mark but he should be a good defensive minded center fielder for a long time.
Kansas City Royals:
Chance Adams
Adams was nothing short of awful during his time with the Yankees. Not everybody is built for big markets. Adams was picked up by Kansas City this offseason. No pressure, dude. Adams was a former top prospect. Now it’s time to live up to it.
Maikel Franco
Another buy low guy from the Royals. One of them has to pop. I think Franco needed a change of scenery. There’s too much talent here to outright fail.
Minnesota Twins:
Zack Littell
An overlooked bullpen piece that really put together a great season. 6-0 with an ERA of 2.68 in 29 games. Now we get to see if he can do it over a full season. Giving up 34 hits in 37 innings isn’t a bad number. His 87 MPH slider is tough to hit.
Willians Astudillo
Who doesn’t love a catcher that can play all over the field? Astudillo had a great March – April hitting .327. Later in the year, he cooled off and eventually got demoted. Astudillo hit .281 in the second half during limited playing time. Does anybody know what the Twins have here? I want to find out.
