AL Central: Grading each team's 2022 season

This division lacks sizzle everywhere — in the field, at the plate and on the mound.

AL Central: Grading each team’s 2022 season

The AL Central figured to be the weakest division heading into 2022, but based on winning percentage, it was slightly better than the NL Central. This division lacks sizzle everywhere — in the field, at the plate and on the mound. The Guardians won 92 games, but they were overmatched by the Yankees in the ALDS.

Here’s a synopsis of each team and a grade:

Cleveland Guardians: (1st | 92-70) Grade: A-

The Guardians hit only 127 HRs, the second-lowest total in the league, but they excelled at hitting doubles and triples, stealing bases and avoiding strikeouts.

Multiple media, including Sporting News, predicted the Guardians would finish with a 67-95 record. The club topped that and then some, riding the performances of infielders Andrés Giménez (7.4 bWAR, 17 HR) and Jose Ramirez (6.0 bWAR, 29 HR) as well as rookie star-in-the-making Steven Kwan (5.5 WAR, 6 HR).

Chicago White Sox: (2nd | 81-81) Grade: C+

There was a dramatic drop-off from the division-winning Guardians and second-place White Sox, who lacked punch offensively.

In the everyday starting lineup, only José Abreu (.304 BA, 15 HR) and Andrew Vaughn (.271 BA, 17 HR) played in more than 100 games and posted above-average offensive slash lines. Tim Anderson (.301 BA, 6 HR), Luis Robert (.284 BA, 12 HR) and Eloy Jiménez (.295 BA, 16 HR) were above-average, but none of the trio topped 100 games because of injuries.

Strong performances from the pitching staff helped the Sox finish second.

Minnesota Twins: (3rd | 78-84) Grade: C+

The Twins outplayed the White Sox in many ways, especially on offense.

Only Gary Sanchez (.205 BA, 16 HR), Gilberto Celestino (.238 BA, 2 HR) and Max Kepler (.227 BA, 9 HR) posted below-average offensive outputs. Utilityman Luis Arraez (.316 BA, 8 HR) emerged as a threat for a batting title.

Pitching held back the Twins. The club announced that Sonny Gray (8-5, 3.08 ERA) is coming back for another year. Perhaps Minnesota can add another much-needed arm to the staff.

Detroit Tigers: (4th | 66-96) Grade: D-

No Tigers hitters performed at an above-average level, while Tarik Skubal (7-8, 3.52 ERA) and Gregory Soto (30 SV, 3.28 ERA) were the few respectable arms on the pitching staff.

Uber-prospect Spencer Torkelson (-1.3 bWAR, .203 AVG) entered the season with sky-high expectations, but he failed miserably in his first extended MLB action, increasing the pain for the lackluster Tigers.

Kansas City Royals: (5th | 65-97) Grade: D-

Like the Tigers, the Royals had little to like in 2022. Amongst AL teams, the Royals finished at or near the bottom in home runs and runs and posted the highest ERA (4.70) in the AL.

The only thing saving them from an “F” grade is the fact that a ton of their top prospects got looks in the majors.

First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (1.5 bWAR, 10 HR), C/OF MJ Melendez (0.5 bWAR, 18 HR) and INF Bobby Witt Jr. (0.8 bWAR, 20 HR) seem to be the real deal.