MLB preview 2020: American League team-by-team breakdown
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AL East
New York Yankees
2019: 103-59, first place, lost to Houston in ALCS.
Manager: Aaron Boone (third season).
He’s Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, C Erik Kratz, C Chris Iannetta, C Josh Thole, RHP Nick Tropeano, LHP Luis Avilán.
He’s Outta Here: LHP CC Sabathia, SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Edwin Encarnacion, C Austin Romine, RHP Dellin Betances, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Jacoby Ellsbury, 1B Greg Bird, RHP Chance Adams, LHP Stephen Tarpley, LHP Nestor Cortes Jr., RHP Cory Gearrin.
Projected Lineup: CF Aaron Hicks (.235, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs in 59 games), RF Aaron Judge (.272, 27, 55 in 102 games), SS Gleyber Torres (.278, 38, 90), DH Giancarlo Stanton (.288, 3, 13 in 18 games), C Gary Sánchez (.232, 34, 77 in 106 games), LF Brett Gardner (.251, 28, 74), 1B Luke Voit (.263, 21, 62 in 118 games), 3B Gio Urshela (.314, 21, 74 in 132 games), 2B DJ LeMahieu (.327, 26 HRs, 102 RBIs but may miss start after contracting covid-19)/2B Tyler Wade (.245, 2, 11, 7 SB in 43 games).
Rotation: RH Gerrit Cole (20-5, AL-best 2.50, MLB-leading 326 Ks), LH James Paxton (15-6, 3.82), LH J.A. Happ (12-8, 4.91 in 30 starts and 1 relief appearance), RH Masahiro Tanaka (11-9, 4.45 ERA), LH Jordan Montgomery (0-0. 6.75 in 1 start and 1 relief appearances following return from Tommy John surgery).
Key Relievers: LH Aroldis Chapman (3-2, 2.21 ERA, 37/42 saves, .182 BA against, 85 Ks in 57 IP but may miss start after contracting covid-19), LH Zack Britton (3-1, 1.91, 3 saves, .179 BA against), RH Adam Ottavino (6-5, 1.90, 2 saves, .195 BA against, 88 Ks in 66 1/3 IP), RH Tommy Kahnle (3-2, 3.67, .199 BA against, 88 Ks in 61 1/3 IP), RH Chad Green (4-4, 4.17, 98 Ks in 69 IP), RH Jonathan Loaisiga (2-2, 4.55), RH Luis Cessa (2-1, 4.11 but may miss start after contracting covid-19).
Outlook: New York has started with more than six wins in its first 10 games just once since 2003. The Yankees hope the regular season is a tuneup of 12-13 starts for its rotation ahead of another push for the Yankees’ first title since 2009. Hicks, Judge, Stanton, Sánchez, Voit and Miguel Andújar, shifted to the outfield and DH, are coming off injury shortened seasons — New York placed a record 30 different players on the injured list last year. Hicks, Judge, Stanton and Paxton all used the hiatus to heal injuries that would’ve sidelined them for the start of the season. Tampa Bay is expected to be the most challenging competition within the division. Tanaka could start on the IL after getting hit on the side of his head by a Stanton liner on July 4.
Tampa Bay Rays
2019: 96-66, second place, lost to Houston in Division Series.
Manager: Kevin Cash (sixth season).
He’s Here: OF Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, OF Hunter Renfroe, 1B/OF Jose Martinez, OF Manuel Margot, OF Randy Arozarena, C Kevan Smith, C Chris Herrmann, LHP Aaron Loup.
He’s Outta Here: C Travis d’Arnaud, INF Eric Sogard, OF Avisail Garcia, OF Tommy Pham, 1B Jesus Aguilar, INF Matt Duffy, OF Guillermo Heredia, RHP Austin Pruitt.
Projected Lineup: RF Austin Meadows (.291, 33 HRs, 89 RBIs in 138 games), 3B Yandy Diaz (.267, 14, 38 in 79 games), 1B Ji-Man Choi (.261, 19, 63), LF Hunter Renfroe (.216, 33, 64 with Padres), DH Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (.272, 29, 79 with Yokohama of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball Organization), 2B Brandon Lowe (.270, 17, 51 in 82 games), C Mike Zunino (.165, 9, 32 in 90 games), CF Kevin Kiermaier (.228, 14, 55, 19 SBs in 129 games), SS Willy Adames (.254, 20, 52).
Rotation: RH Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 ERA, 240 Ks in 194 2/3 innings, 33 starts), LH Blake Snell (6-8, 4.29, 147 Ks, 107 IP, 23 starts), RH Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.78, 70 K, 60 2/3 IP, 12 starts), LH Ryan Yarbrough (11-6, 4.13 in 28 games, 14 starts), RH Yonny Chirinos (9-5, 3.85 in 26 games, 18 starts).
Key Relievers: RH Nick Anderson (3-0, 2.11 in 23 appearances with Rays; 2-4, 3.92, 1 save in 45 games with Marlins), LH Jose Alvarado (1-6, 4.80 in 35 appearances), RH Chaz Roe (1-3, 4.06 in 71 appearances), RH Pete Fairbanks (2-1, 5.11 in 13 appearances with Rays; 0-2, 9.35 in 8 games with Rangers), RH Diego Castillo (5-8, 3.41 in 65 appearances, 6 starts), RH Oliver Drake (5-2, 3.21), LH Colin Poche (5-5, 4.70), LH Jalen Beeks (6-3, 4.31), RH Trevor Richards (3-0, 1.93 in 7 appearances, 3 starts with Rays; 3-12, 4.50 in 23 games, 20 starts with Marlins), LH Brendan McKay (2-4, 5.14 in 13 games, 11 starts), RH Andrew Kittredge (1-0, 4.17 in 37 appearances, 7 as opener), LH Aaron Loup (0-0, 0.00 in four appearances with Padres).
Outlook: Consecutive 90-plus win seasons, as well as the team’s first playoff appearance since 2013, showed the budget-conscious Rays are capable of competing with teams with much larger payrolls and talented enough to potentially win it all. Starting pitching remains the foundation, with Morton, Snell and Glasnow leading a rotation that has a chance to be one of the best in baseball. The offense was bolstered by the offseason acquisition of Tsutsugo, Renfroe and Martinez, and the defense — spearheaded by three-time Gold Glove CF Kiermaier — can be a difference-maker, too, in a shortened 60-game schedule.
Boston Red Sox
Manager: Ron Roenicke (first season with Red Sox).
2019: 84-78, third place.
He’s Here: OF Alex Verdugo, OF Kevin Pillar, RHP Brusdar Graterol, C Kevin Plawecki, C Jett Bandy, C Connor Wong, RHP R.J. Alvarez, 2B José Peraza, LHP Martín Pérez, RHP Josh Osich, LHP Matt Hall, RHP Austin Brice, 2B Jeter Downs.
He’s Outta Here: Manager Alex Cora, OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price, RHP Andrew Cashner, INF-OF Brock Holt, RHP Jhoulys Chacín, RHP Rick Porcello, 1B Steve Pearce, INF-OF Chris Owings, OF Gorkys Hernández, RHP Steven Wright, 1B Sam Travis, C Sandy León.
Projected Lineup: LF Andrew Benintendi (.266, 13 HR, 68 RBIs), 3B Rafael Devers (.311, 32, 115), SS Xander Bogaerts (.309, 33, 117), DH J.D. Martinez (.304, 36, 105), 1B Mitch Moreland (.252, 19, 58), RF Alex Verdugo (.394, 12, 44), C Christian Vazquez (.276, 23, 72), 2B José Peraza (.239, 6, 33), CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (.225, 21, 62).
Rotation: RH Nathan Eovaldi (2-1, 5.99 ERA), LH Martín Pérez (10-7, 5.12), RH Ryan Weber (2-4, 5.09), LH Brian Johnson (1-3, 6.02), followed by an opener, with LH Eduardo Rodríguez (19-6, 3.81) joining if he recovers from covid-19 in time.
Key Relievers: RH Brandon Workman (10-1, 1.88, 16 saves), RH Matt Barnes (5-4, 3.78, 4), RH Heath Hembree (1-0, 3.86, 2), RH Marcus Walden (9-2, 3.81, 2), LH Josh Taylor (2-2, 3.04), RH Collin McHugh (4-5, 4.70), LH Darwinzon Hernandez (0-1, 4.45).
Outlook: The Red Sox made major changes after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and they aren’t necessarily aimed at improving in 2020. They traded Betts and Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a salary dump for Verdugo, Wong and Downs. Verdugo, 23, will be asked to replace 2018 AL MVP Betts in the outfield. Cora was let go for his role in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and replaced by Roenicke, the only member of the coaching staff with managerial experience, after the start of spring training. With Rodríguez getting a late start because of covid-19 — and even after he returns — the rotation looks to be a weak point. If Boston can keep pace with the Yankees and Rays in the East, it could squeeze into a wild-card berth and return to the postseason for the fourth time in five years. If not, the shortened season will have been a good year for them to reset their collective bargaining tax threshold.
Toronto Blue Jays
2019: 67-95, fourth place.
Manager: Charlie Montoyo (second season).
He’s Here: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, RHP Tanner Roark, RHP Chase Anderson, RHP Shun Yamaguchi, RHP Anthony Bass, INF Travis Shaw, RHP Rafael Dolis, INF Joe Panik, INF Breyvic Valera, INF Ruben Tejada, C Caleb Joseph, RHP Justin Miller, RHP A.J. Cole.
He’s Outta Here: He’s Outta Here: 1B Justin Smoak, RHP Ryan Tepera, RHP Clay Buchholz, C Luke Maile, 2B Devon Travis, RHP Derek Law, RHP Justin Shafer, RHP Jason Adam, LHP Buddy Boshers, INF Richard Urena.
Projected Lineup: SS Bo Bichette (.311, 11 HRs, 21 RBI in 46 games), 2B Cavan Biggio (.234, 16, 48, 71 BB), LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (.277, 20, 50 in 84 games), 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.272, 15, 69), 3B Travis Shaw (.157, 7, 16 in 86 games with Milwaukee), CF Randal Grichuk (.232, 31, 80), DH Rowdy Tellez (.227, 21, 54), RF Teoscar Hernandez (.230, 26, 65), C Danny Jansen (.207, 13, 43).
Rotation: LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-5, NL-leading 2.32 ERA with Dodgers), RH Matt Shoemaker (3-0, 1.57 in five starts before season-ending knee injury), RH Tanner Roark (10-10, 4.35 with Oakland), RH Chase Anderson (8-4, 4.21 with Milwaukee), RH Trent Thornton (6-9, 4.84 as a rookie), LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 10.84 in two starts before elbow surgery).
Key Relievers: RH Ken Giles (2-3, 1.87, 23/24 saves), RH Anthony Bass (2-4, 3.56 with Seattle), RH Rafael Dolis (5-4, 2.11, 19 saves in 56 games with Hanshin Tigers), RH Shun Yamaguchi (15-4, 2.91 in 26 games with Yomiuri Giants), RHP Jordan Romano (0-2, 7.63 ERA in 17 games as a rookie).
Outlook: General manager Ross Atkins believes his team has a better “objective” chance of competing in a 60-game season than it would have over 162. If they are to make a postseason charge, the Blue Jays will need Ryu to pitch like the ace the team imagines him to be. At the start of summer camp, Montoyo said second-year slugger Guerrero would move from third base to first base, a switch designed to diminish his defensive duties and boost his offensive output. Although no Blue Jays players opted out, the team has battled uncertainty over where they’ll play their home games, and still didn’t have an answer with less than two weeks to go before opening day.
Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Brandon Hyde (second season).
2019: 54-108, fifth place.
He’s Here: SS José Iglesias, INF Pat Valaika, INF Richard Ureña, RHP Kohl Stewart, RHP Travis Lakins, RHP Michael Rucker, RHP Kohl Stewart, RHP Cole Sulser, LHP Tom Milone, LHP Wade LeBlanc.
He’s Outta Here: INF Jonathan Villar, RHP Dylan Bundy, RHP Aaron Brooks.
Projected Lineup: 2B Hanser Alberto (.305, 12 HRs, 60 RBIs), RF Austin Hays (.309, 4, 13 in 21 games), CF Anthony Santander (.261, 20, 69), DH Renato Núñez (.244, 31, 90), 1B Chris Davis (.179, 12, 36, 139 Ks in 105 games), 3B Rio Ruiz (.232, 12, 46), LF Dwight Smith Jr. (.241, 13, 53), SS José Iglesias (.288, 11, 59 with Reds), C Pedro Severino (.249, 13, 44).
Rotation: LH John Means (12-11, 3.60, 121 Ks, 155 innings as rookie), Alex Cobb (0-2, 10.95 in 3 games before hip surgery), LH Wade LeBlanc (6-7, 5.71, 26 appearances and 8 starts with Mariners), RH Asher Wojciechowski (4-8, 4.92, 80 Ks in 82 1/3 innings), LH Tommy Milone (4-10, 4.76, 6 starts with Mariners).
Key Relievers: RH Mychal Givens (2-6, 4.57 ERA, 11/19 saves in 58 games), RH Hunter Harvey (1-0, 1.42, 0/1 saves in 7 games as rookie), RH Miguel Castro (1-3, 4.66, 2/5 saves in 65 games), LH Richard Bleier (3-0, 5.37, 4/5 saves), LH Paul Fry (1-9, 5.34, 3/8 saves, 55 Ks in 57 1/3 innings), LH Tanner Scott (1-1, 4.78).
Outlook: Coming off two straight 100-loss seasons, the rebuilding Orioles hope to continue their progression toward respectability in their second full season under Hyde and general manager Mike Elias. The prospect for significant improvement has been hampered by the loss of OF Trey Mancini, who underwent colon cancer surgery in March after leading the team in homers and RBIs last season. The depth in the OF is thin, and it didn’t help that Santander and Smith didn’t start summer camp on time — Santander said he had covid-19, while a reason has not been provided for Smith’s absence. This season is important to one of the few over-30 veterans on the team, 1B Chris Davis, who batted .179 last year in the fourth season of a seven-year, $161 million contract.
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Manager: Rocco Baldelli (second season).
2019: 101-61, first place, lost to Yankees in Division Series.
He’s Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, RHP Kenta Maeda, RHP Homer Bailey, RHP Tyler Clippard, C Alex Avila, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Matt Wisler, RHP Jhoulys Chacín.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Brusdar Graterol, RHP Kyle Gibson, 1B C.J. Cron, 2B Jonathan Schoop, C Jason Castro, LHP Martín Pérez, RHP Ryne Harper, RHP Trevor Hildenberger, RHP Sam Dyson.
Projected Lineup: RF Max Kepler (.252, 36 HRs, 90 RBIs), SS Jorge Polanco (.295, 22, 79, 40 doubles), 3B Josh Donaldson (.259, 37, 94, .379 on-base percentage with Braves), DH Nelson Cruz (.311, 41, 108, .639 slugging percentage in 120 games), 3B Miguel Sanó (.247, 34, 79, 159 strikeouts in 105 games), C Mitch Garver (.273, 31 HRs, 67 RBIs, .630 SLG in 93 games), LF Eddie Rosario (.276, 32, 109), 2B Luis Arraez (.334, 4, 28 in 92 games), CF Byron Buxton (.262, 10, 46, 30 2Bs, 14 steals in 87 games).
Rotation: RH José Berríos (14-8, 3.68 ERA, 195 strikeouts, 200 1/3 innings), RH Jake Odorizzi (15-7, 3.51, 178 Ks, 159 IP), RH Kenta Maeda (10-8, 4.04 ERA, 169 Ks, 153 2/3 IP with Dodgers), LH Rich Hill (4-1, 2.45 ERA, 72 Ks, 58 2/3 IP), RH Homer Bailey (13-9, 4.57, 163 1/3 IP with Royals and Athletics) or RH Jhoulys Chacín (3-12, 6.01 ERA, 103 1/3 IP with Brewers and Red Sox) or RH Randy Dobnak (2-1, 1.59, 28 1/3 innings).
Key Relievers: LH Taylor Rogers (2-4, 2.61 ERA, 30/36 saves, 90 Ks, 69 IP), RH Sergio Romo (0-1, 3.18, 3/5 saves, 27 games with Twins and 2-0, 3.58, 17/18 saves, 38 games with Marlins), RH Tyler Duffey (5-1, 2.50, 82 Ks, 57 2/3 IP), RH Trevor May (5-3, 2.94, .184 batting average against), RH Tyler Clippard (1-0, 2.90 ERA with Indians), RH Zack Littell (6-0, 2.68, 37 innings).
Outlook: After swatting a major league record 307 home runs last season on their way to the AL Central title with the second-most wins in club history, the Twins raised the bar with the high-priced addition of the big-swinging, slick-fielding Donaldson. Then came the trade with the Dodgers that landed Maeda for prized 21-year-old pitching prospect Graterol, adding a proven arm with recent World Series experience to the rotation behind All-Stars Berríos and Odorizzi. Now the key will be maintaining that momentum and keeping the virus from spoiling the good vibes. The starting pitching is deeper than last year with the addition of Maeda, Bailey and Hill, who has benefited as much as anyone in Twins camp from the virus-delayed start to the season. Hill is fully recovered from elbow surgery and expected to be ready for the rotation right away. Michael Pineda still has 36 games to serve on his suspension for using a banned diuretic, but he’ll present another accomplished starting pitching option come September. The biggest unknown on the position-player side is Buxton, who had major shoulder surgery last year, but like Hill has been helped by the four-month delay with extra time to heal. Numerous injuries over his five-year career have squashed his tantalizing potential, but a healthy Buxton this season would make the lineup all the better. He hurt his left foot during an intrasquad game this month and was carted off the field, another reminder of how good health is never a guarantee. The spotlight will also fall on Sanó in his transition to first base. Sanó tested positive for covid-19 upon reporting to camp, as did backup catcher Willians Astudillo, putting him behind in his tuneup for the season.
Cleveland Indians
2019: 93-69, second place.
Manager: Terry Francona (eighth season).
He’s Here: 2B Cesar Hernandez, OF Delino DeShields, RHP Emmanuel Clase, C Sandy Leon.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Corey Kluber, 2B Jason Kipnis, OF Yasiel Puig, RHP Tyler Clippard, OF Leonys Martin, LHP Tyler Olson, RHP Dan Otero, C Kevin Plawecki, RHP Danny Salazar, RHP Nick Goody.
Projected Lineup: 2B Cesar Hernandez (.279, 14 HRs, 71 RBIs in 161 games with Phillies), 3B Jose Ramirez (.255, 23, 74, 129 games due to injuries), SS Francisco Lindor (.284, 32, 74, 22 steals, Gold Glove), 1B Carlos Santana (.281, 34, 93, 108 walks, 110 runs), RF Franmil Reyes (.239, 37, 81, 156 strikeouts), LF Oscar Mercado (.269, 15, 70, 118 games as rookie), DH Domingo Santana (.253, 21, 69 in 121 games with Mariners), C Roberto Perez (.239, 24, 63, Gold Glove), CF Delino DeShields (.249, 4, 34, 24 steals in 118 games with Rangers).
Rotation: RH Shane Bieber (15-8, 3.28 ERA, 259 strikeouts, All-Star MVP) RH Mike Clevinger (13-4, 2.71) RH Carlos Carrasco (6-7, 5.29, returned after being diagnosed with leukemia), RH Zach Plesac (8-6, 3.81), Aaron Civale (3-4, 2.34 in 10 games), Adam Plutko (7-5, 4.86).
Key Relievers: LH Brad Hand (6-4, 3.30, 34 saves in 39 chances), LH Adam Cimber (6-3, 4.45, 1 save, 68 games), RH James Karinchak (1.69 ERA in five games as rookie), LH Oliver Perez (2-4, 3.98, 67 games), RH Jefry Rodriguez (1-5, 4.63 in eight starts), Nick Wittgren (5-1, 2.81 , 4 saves, 55 games), Emmanuel Clase (2-3, 2.31 in 21 games with Rangers, serving 80 game drug suspension).
Outlook: For the first time since 2015, the Indians didn’t win the AL Central last season and missed the playoffs. Their window for possibly ending baseball’s current longest World Series drought grew to 71 years. A slow start coupled with a puzzling slump by Ramirez, numerous injuries and some bad luck, contributed to Cleveland finishing behind the Twins. The decision this winter to trade two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber creates a major hole at the top of the rotation, but either Bieber or Clevinger is capable of filling the void. Lindor’s tricky contract situation — he’s signed through 2021 — makes it imperative for the Indians to come out strong in the abbreviated season or they could be forced to trade the All-Star shortstop before the new Aug 31 deadline. Francona will likely move Lindor from the leadoff spot to No. 3, where he could put up even bigger numbers.
Chicago White Sox
2019: 72-89, third place.
Manager: Rick Renteria (fourth season).
He’s Here: C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Dallas Keuchel, LHP Gio González, 1B-DH Edwin Encarnación, RF Nomar Mazara, RHP Steve Cishek.
He’s Outta Here: INF Yolmer Sánchez, C Welington Castillo, RHP Iván Nova.
Projected Lineup: SS Tim Anderson (.335, 18 HRs, 56 RBIs, led majors in batting), 3B Yoán Moncada (.315, 25, 79), 1B José Abreu (.284, 33 HRs, 123, led AL in RBIs), C Yasmani Grandal (.246, 28, 77 with Milwaukee), DH Edwin Encarnación (.244, 34, 86 with Seattle and New York Yankees), LF Eloy Jiménez (.267, 31, 79), RF Nomar Mazara (.268, 19, 66 with Texas), CF Luis Robert (..328, 32, 92 at Class A Winston-Salem, Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte), 2B Leury García (.279, 8, 40) or Nick Madrigal (.311, 4, 55 with Class A, Double-A and Triple-A).
Rotation: RH Lucas Giolito (14-9, 3.41 ERA, 228 Ks, 176 2/3 innings), LH Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 3.75 with Atlanta), RH Dylan Cease (4-7, 5.79), RH Reynaldo Lopez (10-15, 5.38), LH Gio González (3-2, 3.50) with Milwaukee.
Key Relievers: RH Alex Colomé (4-5, 2.80, 30/33 saves), RH Kelvin Herrera (3-3, 6.14), LH Aaron Bummer (0-0, 2.13), RH Steve Cishek (4-6, 2.95, 7 saves).
Outlook: The White Sox believe they are ready to end a string of seven straight losing seasons and challenge for their first playoff appearance since Tampa Bay beat them in the 2008 AL Division Series. Free agent deals for Grandal, Keuchel, González, Encarnación and Cishek strengthened the lineup, rotation and bullpen. Anderson, Moncada, Jiménez and Abreu anchor a deep batting order, and Robert is a favorite for AL Rookie of the Year. The White Sox have the makings of a solid rotation, if Cease (5.79 ERA in his first 14 major league starts last season) and Lopez (major league-leading 110 earned runs allowed) develop consistency. They won’t have promising pitching prospect Michael Kopech, who was trying to come back from Tommy John surgery and opted not to play this season. Moncada also went on the 10-day injured list for unspecified reasons on July 10.
Kansas City Royals
2019: 59-103, fourth place.
Manager: Mike Matheny (first season).
He’s Here: Manager Mike Matheny, RHP Trevor Rosenthal, RHP Greg Holland, 3B Maikel Franco.
He’s Outta Here: Manager Ned Yost, INF Cheslor Cuthbert, RHP Trevor Oaks, RF Jorge Bonifacio, C Martin Maldonado, OF Billy Hamilton, 1B Lucas Duda.
Projected Lineup: CF Whit Merrifield (.302, 16 HRs, 74 RBIs, 20 SBs), SS Adalberto Mondesi (.263, 9, 62, 43), RF Hunter Dozier (.279, 26, 84), DH Jorge Soler (.265, 48, 117), C Salvador Perez (Tommy John surgery), LF Alex Gordon (.266, 13, 76), 3B Maikel Franco (.234, 17, 57 with Philadelphia), 1B Ryan O’Hearn (.195, 14, 38), 2B Nicky Lopez (240, 2, 30).
Rotation: RH Brad Keller (7-14, 4.19 ERA), LH Danny Duffy (7-6, 4.34), RH Jakob Junis (9-14, 5.24), LH Mike Montgomery (2-7, 4.64), RH Glenn Sparkman (4-11, 6.02), RH Jorge Lopez (4-9, 6.33).
Key Relievers: RH Ian Kennedy (3-2, 3.41 ERA, 30 Saves), RH Tim Hill (2-0, 3.63), RH Kevin McCarthy (4-2, 4.48), RH Jake Newberry (1-0, 3.77), RH Heath Fillmyer (0-2, 8.06), LH Richard Lovelady (0-3, 7.65), RH Josh Staumont (0-0, 3.72), RH Greg Holland (1-2, 4.54, 17 saves with Arizona), RH Trevor Rosenthal (0-1, 13.50 with Detroit and Washington), RH Chance Adams (1-1, 8.53 with New York Yankees).
Outlook: The biggest move for the Royals this season came away from the field, where longtime owner David Glass sold the franchise to a group led by Kansas City businessman John Sherman shortly before his death. The sale valued at about $1 billion became public about the time Yost announce his retirement after two World Series trips and a championship in 2015. The Royals have fallen on hard times since those heady days and it is up to Matheny to usher a young but talented group toward respectability. Mondesi, Lopez, Dozier and OF Bubba Starling already had cracked the roster and gained valuable experience last season, and a wave of pitching prospects could arrive before the end of the shortened season. With only 60 games in the pandemic-influenced sprint, the Royals think they could have more success than they would over a 162-game season. And they could potentially set themselves up for bigger things next year.
Detroit Tigers
2019: 47-114, fifth place.
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (third season).
He’s Here: 2B Jonathan Schoop, RHP Ivan Nova, 1B C.J. Cron, C Austin Romine, C Eric Haase.
He’s Outta Here: SS Ronny Rodriguez, RHP Drew VerHagen, LHP Blaine Hardy, RHP Edwin Jackson, RHP Tyson Ross, SS Gordon Beckham, LHP Matt Moore, C John Hicks, LHP Daniel Stumpf, RHP Victor Alcantara, RHP Zac Reininger, LHP Matt Hall.
Projected Lineup: RF Cameron Maybin (.285, 11 HRs, 32 RBIs with Yankees), SS Niko Goodrum (.248, 12, 45), DH Miguel Cabrera (.282, 12, 59), 1B C.J. Cron (.253, 25, 78 with Twins), 2B Jonathan Schoop (.256, 23, 59 with Twins), LF Christin Stewart (.233, 10, 40), 3B Jeimer Candelario (.203, 8, 32), C Austin Romine (.281, 8, 35 with Yankees), CF JaCoby Jones (.235, 11, 26).
Rotation: LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.56 ERA, 238 Ks, 39 HRs), RH Jordan Zimmermann (1-13, 6.91), RH Spencer Turnbull (3-17, 4.61), RH Ivan Nova (11-12, 4.72 with White Sox), RH Michael Fulmer (missed 2019 season because of Tommy John surgery) or LH Daniel Norris (3-13, 4.49) or LH Tyler Alexander (1-4, 4.86).
Key Relievers: RH Joe Jimenez (4-7, 4.37, 9/14 saves), RH Buck Farmer (6-6, 3.72), LH Gregory Soto (0-5, 5.77), RH Jose Cisnero (0-4, 4.33), RH David McKay (0-0, 5.47 with Mariners and Tigers), RH Bryan Garcia (0-0, 12.15).
Outlook: The Tigers were firmly in a rebuilding mode last year, and their record reflected that. The big question for 2020 is whether the team’s top prospects will play a major role. Pitchers Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal haven’t pitched above Double-A, but they’re part of Detroit’s player pool, and with the minor leagues no longer an option, it may make sense at some point to put them on the mound at Comerica Park. The Tigers also have infielder Spencer Torkelson, the top pick in this year’s draft, in the player pool. Detroit tried to add power in the offseason, acquiring Cron and Schoop. The Tigers would love to see Cabrera find his home run stroke again, but he appears to be in decline at age 37.
AL West
Houston Astros
Manager: Dusty Baker (first season).
2019: 107-55, first place, lost to Nationals in World Series.
He’s Here: Manager Dusty Baker, RHP Austin Pruitt, C Dustin Garneau.
He’s Outta Here: Manager AJ Hinch, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Will Harris, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Tony Kemp.
Projected Lineup: CF George Springer (.292, 39 HRs, 96 RBIs), 2B Jose Altuve (.298, 31, 74), LF Michael Brantley (.311, 22, 90, 40 2Bs), 3B Alex Bregman (.296, 41, 112, 37 2Bs, 119 BBs, 122 runs), DH Yordan Alvarez (.313, 27, 78 in 87 games), SS Carlos Correa (.279, 21, 59 in 75 games), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.298, 31, 104, 40 2Bs), C Martin Maldonado (.213, 12, 27 with Royals, Cubs and Astros), RF Josh Reddick (.275, 14, 56).
Rotation: RH Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA, career-high 300 Ks, led majors with 223 IP, won AL Cy Young Award), RH Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (missed season after Tommy John surgery), RH Austin Pruitt (3-0, 4.40 with Tampa Bay), LH Framber Valdez (4-7, 5.86).
Key Relievers: RH Roberto Osuna (4-3, 2.63, 38/44 saves), RH Ryan Pressly (2-3, 2.32), RH Josh James (5-1, 4.70) RH Chris Devenski (2-3, 4.83), RH Josh James (5-1, 4.70), RH Brad Peacock (7-6, 4.12), RH Jose Urquidy (2-1, 3.95).
Outlook: The Astros return most of the team that won the AL pennant last season but spent an offseason reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. Baker takes over in Houston for what could be the 71-year-old’s last chance to chase a World Series title with a team which certainly has the talent to contend. Houston’s rotation is led by Verlander, the 2019 AL Cy Young Award, but the Astros will need someone to make up for the loss of fellow ace Cole, who signed with the Yankees in free agency. McCullers returns after missing last season following Tommy John surgery and should be a key to shoring up the rotation. Houston’s lineup is solid with the return of Bregman, the AL MVP runner-up, and Altuve. But the Astros might need to look for someone to fill in at designated hitter with Alvarez, last season’s AL Rookie of the Year, still not in camp for an undisclosed reason.
Oakland Athletics
2019: 97-65, second place, lost to Tampa Bay in wild-card game.
Manager: Bob Melvin (10th season).
He’s Here: INF Tony Kemp, C Austin Allen.
He’s Outta Here: 2B Jurickson Profar, RHP Blake Treinen, LHP Ryan Buchter, RHP Homer Bailey, LHP Brett Anderson, RHP Tanner Roark, RHP Jharel Cotton.
Projected Lineup: SS Marcus Semien (.285, 33, 92, 123 runs, 43 2Bs), CF Ramon Laureano (.288, 24, 67, 10 OF assists), 3B Matt Chapman (.249, 36, 91, 102 runs, 36 2Bs), 1B Matt Olson (.267, 36, 91), DH Khris Davis (.220, 23, 73), RF Stephen Piscotty (.249, 13, 44), LF Mark Canha (.273, 26, 58) or Robbie Grossman (.240, 6, 38), C Sean Murphy (.245, 4, 8 in 20 games), 2B Tony Kemp (.212, 8, 29 with Cubs and Astros) or Chad Pinder (.240, 13, 47).
Rotation: RH Mike Fiers (15-4, 3.90), LH Sean Manaea (4-0, 1.21 ERA in 5 starts), RH Frankie Montas (9-2, 2.63), LH A.J. Puk (2-0, 3.18 in 10 games), LH Jesus Luzardo (0-0, 1.50, 2 saves in 6 games) or RH Chris Bassitt (10-5, 3.81).
Key Relievers: RH Liam Hendriks (4-4, 1.80, 22/25 saves, 124 Ks in 85 IPs), RH Lou Trivino (4-6, 5.25), LH Jake Diekman (1-7, 4.65 for Oakland and Kansas City), RH Yusmeiro Petit (5-3, 2.71), RH Joakim Soria (2-4, 4.30, 1 save).
Outlook: After winning 97 games the past two seasons and then losing in the wild-card game, the A’s are looking to take the next step. The shortened campaign could end up helping a team that has the potential for a talented rotation but several starters who haven’t pitched a full season. With only 60 games, there should be no limitations on players like Luzardo, Puk and Montas, which could give Melvin the staff he needs to keep pace with Houston in the division. Luzardo has missed time in camp with a non-injury related issue but is expected back at some point. The strength of the offense is in the infield led by Semien, Chapman and Olson. The A’s set a franchise record with 257 homers last season despite an off year for Davis. If he bounces back, Kemp fills a hole at second base and Hendiks can thrive in a full season as closer, the A’s could be a serious threat in the AL.
Texas Rangers
2019: 78-84, third place.
Manager: Chris Woodward (second season).
He’s Here: RHP Corey Kluber, RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Jordan Lyles, 3B Todd Frazier, C Robinson Chirinos, 1B Greg Bird, RHP Nick Goody.
He’s Outta Here: RF Nomar Mazara, CF Delino DeShields, DH-OF Hunter Pence, RHP Shawn Kelley, INF Logan Forsythe.
Projected Lineup: DH Shin-Soo Choo (.265, 24 HRs, 61 RBIs), SS Elvis Andrus (.275, 12, 72, 31 steals), RF Joey Gallo (.253, 22, 49), CF Danny Santana (.283, 28, 81), 2B Rougned Odor (.205, 30, 93), LF Willie Calhoun (.269, 21, 48), 3B or 1B Todd Frazier (.251, 21, 67 with Mets), 1B Ronald Guzman (.219, 10, 36) or 3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa (.238, 1, 21), C Robinson Chirinos (.238, 17, 58 with Astros).
Rotation: RH Lance Lynn (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 246 Ks in 208 1/3 innings), LH Mike Minor (14-10, 2.59, 200 Ks, 208 1/3 innings), RH Corey Kluber (2-3, 5.80 in seven starts with Indians), RH Kyle Gibson (13-7, 4.84 with Twins), RH Jordan Lyles (12-8, 4.15 with Pirates and Brewers).
Key Relievers: RH Jose Leclerc (2-4, 4.33 14/18 saves), RH Rafael Montero (2-0, 2.48 in 22 games), RH Jesse Chavez (3-5, 4.85 in 48 games/nine starts), LH Joely Rodriguez (3-4, 1.64 in 64 games with Chunichi of Nippon Professional Baseball), LH Brett Martin (2-3, 4.76 in 51 games), LH Luke Farrell (1-0, 2.70 in nine games), RH Nick Goody (3-2, 3.54 in 39 games with Indians).
Outlook: The Rangers could benefit from a veteran rotation in this shortened 60-game season. Scheduled opening day starter Lynn and All-Star lefty Minor are back, along with the additions of two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Kluber, healthy after an injury-plagued final season with the Indians, and Gibson and Lyles — both coming off career highs in wins with playoff teams. Gallo hit 22 homers in 70 games as a first-time All-Star last season before right wrist surgery. The slugger missed the first week of summer camp after testing positive for coronavirus, but experienced no symptoms of covid-19. Martin, who has Type 1 diabetes, also tested positive and could miss the start of the season. The Rangers finally get to play in their new stadium with a retractable roof, though without fans.
Los Angeles Angels
2019: 72-90, fourth place.
Manager: Joe Maddon (first season).
He’s Here: Manager Joe Maddon, 3B Anthony Rendon, RHP Dylan Bundy, RHP Julio Teherán, C Jason Castro, RHP Matt Andriese.
He’s Outta Here: Manager Brad Ausmus, RF Kole Calhoun, RHP Trevor Cahill, 1B Justin Bour, RHP Luis Garcia, 3B Zack Cozart, C Kevan Smith, LHP Adalberto Mejia.
Projected Lineup: 2B Tommy La Stella (.295, 16 HRs, 44 RBIs, first All-Star selection), CF Mike Trout (.291, 45, 104, 1.083 OPS, 3rd AL MVP award), 3B Anthony Rendon (.319, 34, MLB-best 126, 1.010 OPS, World Series ring for Washington), LF Justin Upton (.215, 12, 40 in 63 games), DH Shohei Ohtani (.286, 18, 62), 1B Albert Pujols (.244, 23, 93), SS Andrelton Simmons (.264, 7, 40), C Jason Castro (.232, 13, 30 for Minnesota), RF Brian Goodwin (.262, 17, 47).
Rotation: LH Andrew Heaney (4-6, 4.91 ERA, 118 Ks), RH Shohei Ohtani (didn’t pitch in 2019 while recovering from Tommy John surgery), RH Julio Teherán (10-11, 3.81, 162 Ks for Atlanta), RH Dylan Bundy (7-14, 4.79 in 161 2/3 IP for Baltimore), RH Griffin Canning (5-6, 4.58 as rookie before early end to season), RH Matt Andriese (5-5, 4.71 for Arizona).
Key Relievers: RH Hansel Robles (5-1, 2.48, 23 saves), RH Ty Buttrey (6-7, 3.98, 84 Ks in 72 1/3 IP), RH Keynan Middleton (0-0, 1.17 in 11 appearances after return from Tommy John surgery), RH Noé Ramirez (5-4, 3.99), RH Cam Bedrosian (3-3, 3.23, 64 Ks in 61 1/3 IP), RH Mike Mayers (0-1, 6.63 for St. Louis), LH Dillon Peters (4-4, 5.38, 55 Ks), RH Justin Anderson (3-0, 5.55).
Outlook: Adding major league RBI leader Rendon to three-time AL MVP Trout creates a peerless duo in the heart of a lineup stacked with veteran offensive talent. The Angels probably will hope to outscore opponents most nights after making no major overhaul of last year’s miserable rotation, adding only veteran innings-eaters Bundy and Teherán. Ohtani will resume his two-way career and could evolve into an ace, but the Halos are keeping expectations low. They also kept a solid bullpen mostly intact, and RF Jo Adell leads a list of intriguing prospects finally blossoming in LA’s once-decimated farm system. Although this bizarre season changes every norm, GM Billy Eppler is under pressure to show progress after four consecutive losing seasons under his watch and 11 years without a playoff victory. Trout’s plans also are up in the air with his first child due later in the summer.
Seattle Mariners
2019: 68-94, fifth place.
Manager: Scott Servais (fifth season).
He’s Here: RHP Kendall Graveman, RHP Taijuan Walker, RHP Carl Edwards Jr., RHP Yoshihisa Hirano, INF Patrick Wisdom, LHP Nick Margevicius.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Felix Hernandez, LHP Wade LeBlanc, LHP Tommy Milone, C Omar Narvaez, OF Domingo Santana, INF Ryon Healy, RHP Chasen Bradford, OF Keon Broxton.
Projected Lineup: 2B Shed Long Jr. (.263, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs in 42 games; .274, 9, 36 at Triple-A Tacoma) or Dee Gordon (.275, 3, 34 in 117 games at 2B and SS), 1B Evan White (.293, 18, 55 at Double-A Arkansas), 3B Kyle Seager (.239, 23, 63), DH Daniel Vogelbach (.208, 30, 76), SS J.P. Crawford (.226, 7, 46 in 93 games), C Tom Murphy (.273, 18, 40 in 75 games), RF Kyle Lewis (.268, 6, 13 in 18 games; .263, 11, 62 at Double-A Arkansas), LF Jake Fraley (.150, 0, 1 in 12 games; .298, 18, 80 in 99 combined games at Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma), CF Mallex Smith (.227, 6, 37, led MLB with 46 steals).
Rotation: LH Marco Gonzales (16-13, 3.99 ERA, 34 starts, 147 Ks in 203 IP), LH Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 5.46, 36 HRs allowed, 116 Ks in 145 2/3 IP), RH Kendall Graveman (Missed 2019 season following Tommy John surgery; 1-5, 7.60 in 7 games in 2018), LH Justus Sheffield (0-1, 5.58 in 8 games; 7-9, 4.13 in 25 minor league games), RH Justin Dunn (0-0, 2.70 in four appearances; 9-5, 3.55 in 25 starts at Double-A Arkansas), RH Taijuan Walker (4 combined starts over past two seasons; 9-9, 3.49 in 28 starts in 2017).
Key Relievers: RH Carl Edwards Jr. (1-1, 8.47 in 22 games with Cubs and Padres), RH Matt Magill (5-2, 4.09 in 50 games with Twins and Mariners), RH Yoshihisa Hirano (5-5, 4.75 in 62 games with Diamondbacks; 61 Ks in 53 IP), RH Sam Tuivailala (1-0, 2.35 in 23 games; 27 Ks in 23 IP), RH Erik Swanson (1-5, 5.74 in 27 games with 8 starts), LH Taylor Guilbeau (0-0, 3.65 in 17 games).
Outlook: Even in a shortened season, the focus for Seattle is continuing its rebuild, even if the results are likely to be rocky. Most of the attention will be on youngsters like White, Lewis, Long and Crawford as everyday players, and Sheffield and Dunn on the mound. The Mariners will go with a six-man rotation anchored by Gonzales and Kikuchi, and the extended rotation should help Graveman and Walker in their returns from surgery. The bullpen will be a huge question, as will the debate as to whether the Mariners should start the clock of top prospects Jarred Kelenic and Logan Gilbert. Seattle’s rebuild seems to be pointed in the right direction with a number of exciting prospects still to come, but this season could be rough.