Kansas City Royals Still the Class of the AL Central

4. Chicago White Sox

Heading into the 2015 season, the Chicago White Sox were the trendy pick to overtake the Detroit Tigers and win the American League Central. Instead, everything that could have gone wrong for the White Sox did, as they struggled in virtually every facet of the game.

To prop up an offense that finished last in the American League in runs scored and slugging percentage, the White Sox brought in power hitting third baseman Todd Frazier and the Kansas City Royals old friend, Brett Lawrie. With both players batting around Jose Abreu, the middle of the White Sox lineup should be better, but they are still looking at major contributions from players like Avisail Garcia and Tyler Saladino.

On the pitching side, Chris Sale is still one of the best pitchers in the game and Jose Quintana may be one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. However, teh White Sox need the back end of their rotation to step forward next season, led by Carlos Rodon. While Rodon is only 23, they need him to be able to build on a 3.75 ERA and 1.443 WHiP. If he can harness his fastball, cutting down on his 4.6 BB/9 rate last season, the White Sox could be a dangerous team.

As interesting as the White Sox will be this season, they still have the appearance of being a year away. The further maturation of Rodon and an improved offense will make them a dangerous foe, but there does not appear to be enough in Chicago to threaten the Royals at this point.

Next: An intriguing offense