The AL Central is no longer the “Comedy Central” of the big leagues. Entering 2026, it has transformed into a gritty, high-variance division where the Detroit Tigers are looking like a budding dynasty, the Chicago White Sox are conducting a fascinating international experiment, and the Kansas City Royals are desperate to prove that 2025 was just a fluke.
Here is your deep-dive 2026 Spring Training Preview for the AL Central.
Detroit Tigers: The “Skubal & The Kids” Era
After Tarik Skubal secured his second consecutive AL Cy Young in 2025, the Tigers officially graduated from “rebuilding” to “contending.” With the core of the lineup maturing and a farm system that is currently the envy of baseball, Detroit enters Lakeland as the division favorites.
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Key Additions: Michael King (SP), Kenley Jansen (CL), Gleyber Torres (2B – accepted Qualifying Offer).
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Key Losses: Casey Mize (Non-tendered), Jack Flaherty (FA).
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Spring Storyline: The Kevin McGonigle Arrival. The #2 prospect in baseball is knocking on the door. If he hits in spring, the Tigers might move Colt Keith to DH to make room for McGonigle at second base. Between him, Max Clark, and Riley Greene, the Tigers’ ceiling is suddenly “World Series or bust.”
Chicago White Sox: The “Godzilla” Reset
The South Side is the most intriguing camp in Arizona this year. After years of organizational drift, the White Sox landed the “White Whale” of the international market.
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Key Additions: Munetaka Murakami (3B – 2yr/$34M), Seranthony Domínguez (RP), Anthony Kay (LHP).
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Key Losses: Yoán Moncada (FA), Mike Soroka.
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Spring Storyline: Murakami’s Adjustment. All eyes are on Munetaka Murakami. The Japanese Triple Crown winner has 30-40 HR power, but scouts are worried about his 30% strikeout rate in NPB last year. If he handles MLB velocity in Glendale, the White Sox could be the league’s biggest “spoiler.”
Kansas City Royals: The “Offensive Overhaul”
The Royals finished 2025 above .500 but missed the playoffs due to a complete lack of depth behind Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. This winter was all about finding “professional hitters” to fill the gaps.
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Key Additions: Lane Thomas (OF), Jonathan India (2B), Matt Strahm (RP).
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Key Losses: Michael Lorenzen, Hunter Harvey.
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Spring Storyline: Jac Caglianone’s Role. The 2024 first-round pick is the ultimate wild card. Is he an outfielder? Is he a first baseman? Is he a pitcher? The Royals seem to have settled on “Outfielder who hits absolute nukes.” If he breaks camp, the middle of this order (Witt-Pasquantino-Caglianone) is a nightmare for pitchers.
Cleveland Guardians: The “Bazzana” Watch
Cleveland remains the most consistent organization in the division, but they are playing a dangerous game with their lack of veteran spending. They are betting entirely on their “Pitching Lab” and a high-contact youth movement.
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Key Additions: John Means (SP), Josh Rojas (UTL).
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Key Losses: Shane Bieber (FA), Emmanuel Clase (Traded in 2025).
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Spring Storyline: Travis Bazzana’s Debut. The 2024 #1 overall pick is expected to take over second base by June, but a hot spring could force him into the Opening Day lineup. Also, watch the bullpen; with Clase gone, Cade Smith has officially taken the reins as the closer.
Minnesota Twins: The “Brotherhood” Bullpen
The Twins have pivoted to a high-floor roster. They aren’t making headlines with $300M contracts, but they’ve built one of the most stable pitching staffs in the league.
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Key Additions: Taylor Rogers (LHP), Josh Bell (1B), Victor Caratini (C).
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Key Losses: Max Kepler, Chris Paddack.
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Spring Storyline: The Rogers Reunion. For the first time, twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers are in the same bullpen. Beyond the novelty, Minnesota is waiting to see if Walker Jenkins (their elite OF prospect) can stay healthy through March. If he does, he’s the “centerfield savior” they’ve been waiting for since Byron Buxton moved to full-time DH.
AL Central Projected Standings (Early Vegas Odds)
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Detroit Tigers (+120)
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Kansas City Royals (+220)
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Minnesota Twins (+350)
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Cleveland Guardians (+500)
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Chicago White Sox (+850)
