AL Central Futures: Twins, Tigers The Favorites

The 2025 MLB season is quickly approaching, with spring training underway in both Arizona and Florida. One division that was very competitive last year was the American League Central and that should be the case once again. Despite the Minnesota Twins finishing in third place in 2024, they head in as the favorite, followed closely by the young and hungry Detroit Tigers. The Cleveland Guardians, who won the division last year, are also expected to be in the mix alongside the Kansas City Royals. Below, we’ll preview the AL Central.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins didn’t even make the playoffs last season and had a horrendous end to the campaign when they had a clear-cut opportunity to play October baseball. Minnesota finished with an 82-80 record and has only won one playoff series since 2002. They didn’t make a whole lot of moves this winter and will have more or less the same roster. Offensively, the Twins are respectable but pitching remains a concern. Health is also something to keep an eye on as Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, and Byron Buxton have all had trouble staying off the IL. Minny has +210 odds to win the AL Central at Sports Interaction.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers surprised everyone last season by making the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They ultimately lost in the ALDS to the Guardians, but this ball club has a lot to be optimistic about. Tarik Skubal just won the AL Cy Young and is easily one of the best pitchers in the sport. Riley Greene, Matt Vierling, Javier Baez, and others are all reliable players on both sides of the ball. Detroit had an 86-76 record in ‘24 and also has some exciting prospects in their system. They should be in the mix for the AL Central title this year.

Cleveland Guardians

Not far behind the Tigers are the Guardians, the reigning champs. Cleveland compiled a 92-69 record a year ago and nearly made the World Series, losing in the ALCS to the New York Yankees. But, there’s been some changes to the Guardians roster this offseason. They traded the likes of Josh Naylor, Eli Morgan, Andres Gimenez, and Myles Straw. But, Cleveland brought in Paul Sewald, John Means, and Carlos Santana while also re-signing Austin Hedges and Shane Biever. The organization didn’t sign a single free agent, though. Regardless, they’ve won this division in two of the last three years.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals also ended a long playoff drought in ‘24, clinching a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2015 when they won the World Series. While KC didn’t get far, it’s an exciting group led by MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals also strengthened their middle infield duo this offseason, swinging a trade for Jonathan India while losing Brady Singer in the process. Although Kansas City needs to make up for the loss of Singer on the mound, India should make them a lot better on both sides of the ball. Salvador Perez remains a key player for this franchise too in his 14th season. The Royals have the fourth-best AL Central odds at MLB betting sites.