The American League Central itself was arguably the best storyline of the year, with the Cleveland Guardians coming back from a 15-game deficit to steal the division crown from the Detroit Tigers on the final day of the regular season. In 2026, the division is certainly one to monitor again, but not just because of the division crown battle. Every team has an exciting young player ready to break out next month, which should make for a fun and exciting season. Here are some candidates in the AL Central to watch.
Chicago White Sox – Infielder Munetaka Murakami
Munetaka Murakami found success in NPB, but since he has yet to face major league pitching, his performance remains a mystery. However, this makes him a prime candidate to break out in the majors.
The Chicago White Sox are a young, exciting team that wants to get its young core as many reps as possible. That includes Murakami, who projects as the team’s everyday first baseman and/or designated hitter. The 26-year-old has tons of power, which bodes well for him at Guaranteed Rate Field. If he can limit his strikeouts, Murakami has the potential to shine during his first season in America.
Cleveland Guardians – Infielder Gabriel Arias
In 320 career games played, Gabriel Arias owns a .215 batting average, a .630 OPS, and 344 strikeouts. Simply put, he’s been a lackluster offensive performer, especially in a Guardians offense that lacks pop outside of José Ramírez. However, there is reason for optimism going into 2026.
For starters, Arias swings the bat incredibly fast at 75.1 mph, which ranks in the 89th percentile. However, it’s his defense that draws the most eyes. In 2025, Arias posted an outs-above-average of three and a fielding run value of two. Unsurprisingly, both numbers were well above league average. Now, all he needs to do is make more contact and produce at the plate.
Detroit Tigers – Outfielder Wenceel Pérez
Despite a small sample size across two seasons, Wenceel Pérez has shown flashes of being a talented baseball player. Look no further than Game Three of the Tigers’ Wild Card series against the Guardians, when Pérez delivered a two-RBI single, giving the Tigers a three-run lead they would hold until the end.
Like Arias, Pérez plays great defense, evidenced by his two outs-above-average and three fielding run value in 2025. He also posted a .738 OPS, proving that he might be closer to clicking offensively than many people presume.
Kansas City Royals – Outfielder Jac Caglianone
Few players struggled more in 2025 than Kansas City Royals rookie outfielder Jac Caglianone. After flying through the minors with 86 RBI in 95 games, the former top 10 pick made his debut on June 3. But in 62 games at the major league level, Caglianone posted a .532 OPS and a -1.3 WAR.
Caglianone still has all the makings of a future star. He swings the bat incredibly fast at 77.4 mph, and his barrel rate of 12.0% is well above league average. Plus, Caglianone never played the outfield in college, a position he was forced into playing due to Vinnie Pasquantino’s place at first base. In his first full season, expect Caglianone to fare much better.
Minnesota Twins – Infielder Luke Keaschall
Successes were few and far between for the Minnesota Twins last year, but Luke Keaschall was certainly one of them. Despite playing 49 games, Keaschall posted a 2.0 WAR, a .302 batting average, and an .827 OPS. He exhibited tremendous plate discipline as well, striking out 29 times and walking 19 times.
At 23-years-old, Keaschall is just scratching the surface of his potential. He plays well beyond his years, and with the Twins not expected to compete in 2026, Keaschall can play pressure-free baseball. With a full offseason to improve his defense, it’s easy to see Keaschall becoming one of the more complete players in baseball.
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