IN MY OPINION- Best In the AL Central
Note: This is 100% opinion based on who I see as the best players in the AL Central and who I can see having a legit shot at the HOF.
The kind of explain how I get these categories for Honorable Mentions I feel like they aren't the most exciting player, but one who should be paid attention to at this point in their career where they are now and where I think they are going
Most Exciting players are the guys you have to watch that are just electric and going to be around for a while and making noise.
HOF candidates are guys who I can see when their careers are over are likely to be considered for the HOF.
Honorable Mentions:
Jose Ramirez- 3B Indians- He is only of those guys that's a solid contributor all around. I don't see him as exciting as he has come to a role where he is a solid 20HR/20SB and solid defensive kind of player. He is only 27 and has 2 All-Star appearances, 2 Silver Sluggers and is just going into his prime. I feel his time is now for the next 4/5 years to really turn it on to make that jump to HOF consideration.
Josh Donaldson- 3B Twins- Now 34YO Donaldson has been a very good 3B since 2012 with Oakland. Since he has had his ups and downs but has been rather consistent. With 1 MVP, 3x All-Star, 2 Silver Sluggers, 1 Hank Aaron Award. I would say he is past the point of being exciting but is at the point of being a very good contributor. But ultimately will fall short of being a HOF.
Jose Abreu- 1B White Sox- I feel like Abreu will go down as an all-time great for the White Sox, but I feel he got to the MLB just a little too late He got to the MLB around age 27/28 from Cuba and that's right in the early part of his prime. He came on strong but has always had a SO problem with 776 to date. But has always hit for power and has a career 293BA. He is 33 now and I really can't see him betting the numbers he will need to be great at the HOF level.
Most Exciting Hitters:
Francisco Lindor-SS Indians- The subject of many trade talks this offseason we see Lindor still with the Indians. Dude has been fantastic in his career to this point and he is only 26 and entering his prime. We are seeing a guy who is becoming very consistent at the plate with 30+HR, a Platinum Glove, 2 Gold Glove Awards, 2 Silver Sluggers, 4 All-Star appearances. Right now he is looking to be on pace for the HOF already in his young career. I see it continuing on that path and him being towards the top of the best SS all time.
Eloy Jimenez-OF White Sox- SPLASH! That's sound he made when he debuted at 23 last season and massed 31HR and 79RBI to a 267BA. An all-star at every single MiLB level. MiLB MVP award, All-Rookie Team. Just my goodness this kid is legit and going to have just an incredible career!
Franmil Reyes- OF/DH Indians- Dude is 24 and already has a 35+ HR season under his belt and isn't coming close to his prime. He had a bunch of MiLB awards and accolades in the time there. He has shown promise already for the Indians and as a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Keep him in mind for many many years to come.
HOF Candidate Hitters:
Salvador Perez- C Royals- Has gotten better as his career has progressed, it feels like he has been around forever and get this he is only 29. Just 29 years old. He has been a pro since 2011 and was the WS MVP and Champ in 2015, 6x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 5x Gold Glove, He is still JUST 29 that's the crazy thing that sets him apart on this part of the list. His accolades already and still having many solid years ahead of him almost lock him in.
Miguel Cabrera- DH/1B/3B Tigers- Yes Miggy's best days are behind him. but in 2019 he still hit for a 282BA. To date for his career 477HR, 1694RBI, 315BA, 2x MVP, 1WS Championship, 11x All-Star, 7x Silver Slugger, 2x Hank Aaron Award and ALOT more! In my mind, Miggy is a lock for the HOF
Nelson Cruz- DH/RF Twins- 39yo and did 41HR last season. They call him Boomstick for a reason. To this point in his career, he has 401 HR, 1119 RBI, and a 277BA. a 6x MVP with 3 different teams, an ALCS MVP, 3x Silver Slugger, 2x Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH of Year. Nelson Cruz has aged well in the MLB and hasn't lost a beat at the plate and looks to be trending towards being one of the best DH to ever play.
Edwin Encarnacion- 1B/DH White Sox- Career numbers for him 414HR, 1242RBI, 3x All-Star. Granted the list isn't long for Encarnacion but he has had a solid one at that. In my opinion, his power numbers are comparable to Cruz his average is lower at 263BA and he has 1372SO. He is 37 and is in the same boat as Cruz where we are seeing the power that keeps aging well.
Honorable Mentions:
Dallas Keuchel- SP Whitesox- He is 32 so he still has a couple years left to get his numbers better. 1302IP, 1036SO, an 84-71 record with a 3.67ERA. However, 1 CY Young, 1WS Championship, 2x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, His career to date could put him into the conversation for the HOF except his numbers scream consistency but not dominance unless it was 2015. Outside of a few really really good seasons. Overall career hasn't been just dominating. Which is what puts him into this spot for me.
Most Exciting Pitchers:
Shane Bieber- SP Indians- Dude is 24, has 329IP down and 377SO and a 3.72ERA to go along with it. He is shaping up to be the Indians Ace for many years to come and be a dominant force to face if you're a hitter.
Jose Berrios- SP Twins- 25yo, 3 full seasons already to date. 585So over 596.2IP. The only thing is his career 4.21ERA but I fully see him getting it together as he is just getting better and haven't even hit his prime. Expect Berrios to be a hot name to know and in CY Young contention for many years.
Lucas Giolito-SP White Sox
HOF Candidate Pitchers:
Unfortunately, I really do not see many guys in the Division who are really in my opinion at a place to be considered for the HOF Keuchel is the closest but as I mentioned above. He just doesn't have enough to be considered.
The kind of explain how I get these categories for Honorable Mentions I feel like they aren't the most exciting player, but one who should be paid attention to at this point in their career where they are now and where I think they are going
Most Exciting players are the guys you have to watch that are just electric and going to be around for a while and making noise.
HOF candidates are guys who I can see when their careers are over are likely to be considered for the HOF.
Honorable Mentions:
Jose Ramirez- 3B Indians- He is only of those guys that's a solid contributor all around. I don't see him as exciting as he has come to a role where he is a solid 20HR/20SB and solid defensive kind of player. He is only 27 and has 2 All-Star appearances, 2 Silver Sluggers and is just going into his prime. I feel his time is now for the next 4/5 years to really turn it on to make that jump to HOF consideration.
Josh Donaldson- 3B Twins- Now 34YO Donaldson has been a very good 3B since 2012 with Oakland. Since he has had his ups and downs but has been rather consistent. With 1 MVP, 3x All-Star, 2 Silver Sluggers, 1 Hank Aaron Award. I would say he is past the point of being exciting but is at the point of being a very good contributor. But ultimately will fall short of being a HOF.
Jose Abreu- 1B White Sox- I feel like Abreu will go down as an all-time great for the White Sox, but I feel he got to the MLB just a little too late He got to the MLB around age 27/28 from Cuba and that's right in the early part of his prime. He came on strong but has always had a SO problem with 776 to date. But has always hit for power and has a career 293BA. He is 33 now and I really can't see him betting the numbers he will need to be great at the HOF level.
Most Exciting Hitters:
Francisco Lindor-SS Indians- The subject of many trade talks this offseason we see Lindor still with the Indians. Dude has been fantastic in his career to this point and he is only 26 and entering his prime. We are seeing a guy who is becoming very consistent at the plate with 30+HR, a Platinum Glove, 2 Gold Glove Awards, 2 Silver Sluggers, 4 All-Star appearances. Right now he is looking to be on pace for the HOF already in his young career. I see it continuing on that path and him being towards the top of the best SS all time.
Eloy Jimenez-OF White Sox- SPLASH! That's sound he made when he debuted at 23 last season and massed 31HR and 79RBI to a 267BA. An all-star at every single MiLB level. MiLB MVP award, All-Rookie Team. Just my goodness this kid is legit and going to have just an incredible career!
Franmil Reyes- OF/DH Indians- Dude is 24 and already has a 35+ HR season under his belt and isn't coming close to his prime. He had a bunch of MiLB awards and accolades in the time there. He has shown promise already for the Indians and as a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Keep him in mind for many many years to come.
HOF Candidate Hitters:
Salvador Perez- C Royals- Has gotten better as his career has progressed, it feels like he has been around forever and get this he is only 29. Just 29 years old. He has been a pro since 2011 and was the WS MVP and Champ in 2015, 6x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 5x Gold Glove, He is still JUST 29 that's the crazy thing that sets him apart on this part of the list. His accolades already and still having many solid years ahead of him almost lock him in.
Miguel Cabrera- DH/1B/3B Tigers- Yes Miggy's best days are behind him. but in 2019 he still hit for a 282BA. To date for his career 477HR, 1694RBI, 315BA, 2x MVP, 1WS Championship, 11x All-Star, 7x Silver Slugger, 2x Hank Aaron Award and ALOT more! In my mind, Miggy is a lock for the HOF
Nelson Cruz- DH/RF Twins- 39yo and did 41HR last season. They call him Boomstick for a reason. To this point in his career, he has 401 HR, 1119 RBI, and a 277BA. a 6x MVP with 3 different teams, an ALCS MVP, 3x Silver Slugger, 2x Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH of Year. Nelson Cruz has aged well in the MLB and hasn't lost a beat at the plate and looks to be trending towards being one of the best DH to ever play.
Edwin Encarnacion- 1B/DH White Sox- Career numbers for him 414HR, 1242RBI, 3x All-Star. Granted the list isn't long for Encarnacion but he has had a solid one at that. In my opinion, his power numbers are comparable to Cruz his average is lower at 263BA and he has 1372SO. He is 37 and is in the same boat as Cruz where we are seeing the power that keeps aging well.
Honorable Mentions:
Dallas Keuchel- SP Whitesox- He is 32 so he still has a couple years left to get his numbers better. 1302IP, 1036SO, an 84-71 record with a 3.67ERA. However, 1 CY Young, 1WS Championship, 2x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, His career to date could put him into the conversation for the HOF except his numbers scream consistency but not dominance unless it was 2015. Outside of a few really really good seasons. Overall career hasn't been just dominating. Which is what puts him into this spot for me.
Most Exciting Pitchers:
Shane Bieber- SP Indians- Dude is 24, has 329IP down and 377SO and a 3.72ERA to go along with it. He is shaping up to be the Indians Ace for many years to come and be a dominant force to face if you're a hitter.
Jose Berrios- SP Twins- 25yo, 3 full seasons already to date. 585So over 596.2IP. The only thing is his career 4.21ERA but I fully see him getting it together as he is just getting better and haven't even hit his prime. Expect Berrios to be a hot name to know and in CY Young contention for many years.
Lucas Giolito-SP White Sox
HOF Candidate Pitchers:
Unfortunately, I really do not see many guys in the Division who are really in my opinion at a place to be considered for the HOF Keuchel is the closest but as I mentioned above. He just doesn't have enough to be considered.
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