The American League Central hasn’t produced many headline-grabbing moves this winter other than the Chicago White Sox landing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers did not trade for Tarik Skubal, although their upcoming arbitration hearing with the ace will be one for the record books. And the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins could make moves on the sidelines as spring training approaches.
Let’s take a look at each team’s offseason performance and what might be next. Additionally, we’ve given each team an urgency rating — from 1 to 5, based on how much they still need to accomplish before reporting to camp:
1 – Their work (basically) is done.
2 — They have a hard winter, but more can help.
3 — We will judge their winter by where it comes from here.
4 — Thank you…
5 — It was a disaster. Can they change it?
Important additions
INF Munetaka Murakami
What they have achieved so far: Chicago has been a surprise team this winter, entering the overseas market for Murakami and Anthony Kay, who is returning from a stint in Japan. Left-hander Sean Newcomb also provides a veteran arm as the team tries to take a step forward with a struggling offense and young pitching staff. Supplements help.
All they have to do is: The White Sox could use another outfielder after Michael Taylor retired and Mike Tauchman became a free agent. In fact, Tauchman is still available and may be eligible to rejoin as he was the team leader last season. But let’s not be buried — the organization is still getting calls from Luis Robert Jr. Like last year, the White Sox could hold on to him and revisit the issue in July or perhaps see how the spring plays out for opposing teams and their on-field health. In particular, the organization needs its young players to make big strides in 2026.
Urgent Rate: 1
Important additions
RHP Shawn Armstrong
What they have achieved so far: It’s been quiet in Cleveland, but the Rangers do a lot of their good work between the lines during the summer and not the winter months. Adding Armstrong — who had a breakout season at Texas last year — should help preserve the dominant bullpen through 2026. It is the greatest strength of the organization that is evident every year.
All they have to do is: Cleveland probably isn’t done adding to its pen. The Rangers will look for another arm before spring training, but it’s their offense that needs improvement. A right-handed depth bat is a key need, but the organization is hoping for an infield option at the plate as well. It could come in the form of budding prospects like the 2024 No. 1 draft pick Travis Bazzana. He still has work to do with the kids before he can start playing. Chase DeLauter could make an impact again after taking a hit late last season.
Urgent Rate: 4
Important additions
RHP Kenley Jansen
RHP Drew Anderson
What they have achieved so far: Re-signing Kyle Finnegan and Gleyber Torres were just as important as the above additions, but Jansen gives the Tigers some power at the end of the bullpen considering he still has plenty in the tank at 38. Anderson is an interesting addition, coming back from the KBO. He will be given the first chance to enter the playoffs.
All they have to do is: Talk to the elephant in the room: Tarik Skubal. Unsigned after next year, the team and player are set to go to a partnership with a wide gap in his 2026 salary. The organization may need to try to fix this before the trial, as marking the best machine of the game is probably not a good vibe heading into spring training. Fixing his long-term future wouldn’t hurt. But if the Tigers are going to do good things on the field in 2026, they need Skubal. They also need to worry about their future, as trading with him could be beneficial.
Urgent Rate: 3
Important additions
OF Isaac Collins
RHP Matt Strahm
RHP Nick Mears
What they have achieved so far: Adding Collins should help the production from the outside, which was lacking last season. No matter where they are, the Royals rank near the bottom of the league in OPS. Strahm and Mears are balanced in the bullpen, as the team traded Angel Zerpa for Collins (and Mears) but lost often-injured shortstop Hunter Harvey in free agency.
All they have to do is: The Royals’ mission hasn’t changed: trying to get more offense to put all-rounder Bobby Witt Jr. He is more likely to come via trade than any of the remaining free agents on the market. The team is still adding to the bullpen, but there has been a flurry of plans for Kansas City so far. And remember, the Royals were active in the trade season last July, so the roster will look very different on Opening Day this year compared to 2025.
Urgent Rate: 2
Important additions
1B Josh Bell
What they have achieved so far: Bell replaces Ty France but other than that, the Twins haven’t been overworked this winter. Aside from catching Christian Vazquez as a free agent, the team returns most of its roster.
All they have to do is: The starting pitching staff is deep, but the Twins still need some work in their bullpen after trading for it last July. That is a very pressing need.
Urgent Rate: 3
