2016 MLB Season: AL Central Preview

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 6

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kansas City Royals

Last, but not least, we have the defending champs. Time and time again, GM Dayton Moore seems to silence all the doubters. At the same time, head coach Ned Yost makes the public think they rely solely on old-school baseball scouting, but don’t rule out that they have one of the best analytics departments in baseball. Despite the incredible success the last two seasons, the Royals still have their critics. In 2016, they’ll simply look to prove them wrong yet again.

Projected Lineup

1. Alcides Escobar, SS
2. Mike Moustakas, 3B
3. Lorenzo Cain, CF
4. Eric Hosmer, 1B
5. Kendrys Morales, DH
6. Alex Gordon, LF
7. Salvador Perez, C
8. Omar Infante, 2B
9. Jarrod Dyson

A quick look at the Royals’ starting lineup reveals no new additions. However, do they really need to go out and overpay for a new piece, like Heyward or Upton, when these 9 guys have proven to be good enough to get it done in the regular season and postseason? I don’t think so! Re-signing Alex Gordon was an expensive move, but at least they know what they’re getting. It’s as good of a move as any for both the player and franchise from a comfort perspective. In all, the lineup features rapidly progressing young stars in Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer (pictured), an elite offensive weapon in Lorenzo Cain, a revitalized Kendrys Morales, and a catcher who’s willing to play though just about any injury to get his team a W.

Projected Rotation

1. Edinson Volquez
2. Ian Kennedy
3. Yordano Ventura
4. Kris Medlen
5. Chris Young

Paying $70 million over a 5-year deal for a 31-year-old pitcher coming off a 4+ ERA season seems like a lot, but I think Ian Kennedy will find life much easier playing in front of the Royals’ elite defense. I’m not sure they got an ace, but Yordano Ventura has the stuff to be one. Additionally, don’t count out Edinson Volquez as being a reliable top of the rotation arm. At the bottom of the rotation, you see a couple of guys that could improve a Royals’ rotation that wasn’t stellar last season (4.34 ERA). Kris Medlen and Chris Young have both had successful stints in the Majors and could change the dynamic of this group in a hurry.

Projected Lineup: 91-71

Home/Chicago White Sox