Tigers
Good: The Tigers have been considered the best team in baseball for at least 2 months. Ace Tarik Skubal is on his way to his 2nd consecutive AL CY Young Award injury pending. The starting pitching has played very well along with a good bullpen. The outfield has been one of the best in the league led by Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, along with veteran Javier Baez who moved to CF from SS making the All-Star team with Greene after a few down years. Parker Meadows and Wenceel Perez provide solid depth. Free agent pickup 2B Gleyber Torres has been a solid and consistent veteran addition, also an All-Star. Veteran 3B/OF Zach McKinstry continues to be a consistent bat. Colt Keith has improved his play after getting moved from 2B for Torres. Despite the big lead, the team is looking for help in the trade market.
Bad: Young pitcher Jackson Jobe had Tommy John surgery after a good start to the year. The team could still use an upgrade at SS and possibly another relief pitcher.
Twins
Good: The team is still in wildcard contention. Pitcher Joe Ryan has been the bright spot of the starting rotation with ace Pablo Lopez injured. The bullpen has played well. OF Byron Buxton is having a solid season. 1B Ty France and OF Harrison Bader have been consistent free agent pickups. SS Carlos Correa is starting to get going after a slow start. 2nd year 3B Brooks Lee is improving and has been a consistent bat. The bats have shown good power.
Bad: The team is falling behind after coming in with playoff expectations. The starting pitching hasn’t been good, except for Ryan who is receiving trade offers. 3B Royce Lewis continues to struggle with injuries and ineffectiveness despite the high expectations. Buxton just got injured. The team could use 2 consistent bats and pitching help.
Royals
Good: The team is still in wildcard contention. The pitching has played very well especially the starters, despite an injury to Cole Ragans, who could be a helpful addition or trade piece. SS Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a star in the league producing at a high level as the franchise player. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino has stayed healthy while showing more consistency to match the power.3B Maikel Garcia has been very consistent this season. Veteran C/DH Salvador Perez is starting to get going after a slow start. Same with trade acquisition 2B Jonathan India who has played well after a slow start. Top prospect OF/1B Jac Caglianone is starting to figure it out after a slow start since being called up.
Bad: The team has taken a step back from last season when Witt was able to carry them into the postseason. The team could use at least 2 more bats preferably with power.
Guardians
Good: The pitching has played very well especially the bullpen. 3B Jose Ramirez is still one of the most underrated players in baseball continuing to play at a high level. OF Steven Kwan has been the only other consistent bat on the team, despite playing leadoff. The bats have shown some power.
Bad: The team has taken a big step back from last season. The bats are ice cold with no help coming. 1B Kyle Manzardo has cooled off after showing good power early. Veteran pitcher and former ace, Shane Bieber, still hasn’t returned from injury. The team is headed into seller mode with Kwan and top-level Closer Emmanuel Clase rumored to be available along with veteran 1B/DH Carlos Santana.
White Sox
Good: The starting pitching has been better than expected led by 2 young pitchers in 2nd year player Sean Burke and 1st year player Shane Smith with a mix of veterans. 1st year SS Chase Meidroth is starting to be more consistent after a slow start. 2B Lenyn Sosa has been consistent in his 2nd year as a starter. Veteran OF Mike Tauchman has given the bats a boost. C Kyle Teel has been called up and playing well in limited duty as the main piece in the Garrett Cochet trade.
Bad: The team is the worst team in the AL and the 2nd worst team in the MLB. The team still needs batting and bullpen help, as well as top-level starting pitching. The veteran bats haven’t produced and/or have been injured including OF Luis Robert who hasn’t rebuilt his trade value.
