Around this time last year, we realized that in the Center for the American League, arguably the worst division in baseball for years, its three teams looked to be able to compete. The guardians of the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland are still finding out who they are, but everyone has built their edge on their way to the 2024 playoffs, with three winning at least one series.

A year later, the three squads not only were they ready to return to the playoffs, but also joined another division in the Minnesota Twins’ Fierce Men, who won nine straight games in a row, and he played in the second game of the double against Baltimore on Wednesday. More importantly, the Central seems to be home to the best teams in the American League. Let's break it down.

Detroit Tiger

The Tigers played the best baseball in a decade, and Detroit has become a force in the American League after dominating the Al Cy Young Award champion Tarik Skubal and the best rotation in baseball.

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Starting with first baseman Spencer Torkelson, this was the year of the Detroit revival, he had his last chance to enter 2025 with the team, but had made the most of his chances to lead the Tigers at home runs (11) and RBI (34). Right-handed Casey Mize rides a similar boat to Torkelson, and the former draft pick doesn't waste his latest chance. He is currently 6-1 with a 2.53 ERA. Last but not least, Javier Baez recently returned to life, reaching .319 with five home runs after becoming a totally nonfactor in Detroit last season.

After a stunning 2024 playoff game, this Tigers no longer surprises anyone. This team is not only the best team in AL, but also one of the best teams in baseball. Nearly two months after this season, the 28-15 Tigers finished third in the Major League Baseball in the run, fourth in the starting era, third in the bullpen era, and seventh in the defensive run. To be honest, you can prove that the Tigers are the most complete team in baseball.

Kansas City Royals

The royal family is not far away, and the royal family is one of the biggest surprises of AL in 2024, and they are able to replicate the recipes that have been successful so far this year. As was the case a year ago, starting to pitch has been the driving force behind the strong start of KC.

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Royals' Cole Ragans Quintet, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Michael Lorenzen and Bearkout performer Kris Bubic ranked second in the MLB in the starting era. Their pitching advantage has been able to support the offense currently ranked 25th in baseball scoring, which would have to improve if the Royals hope to return to the playoffs this year. That is, star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

Cleveland Guardian

After a slow start, the Guardians have returned to the top of the Al Central standings and they are doing it differently from the last few years. We're used to seeing Cleveland start pitching, and the bullpen is the main force behind the team's success, but this year, both pitching units are closer to the lower and lower part of the baseball rankings.

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Meanwhile, the team's offense ranks 17th in baseball, with an average shooting percentage of 23rd (.233). Steven Kwan is a highlight, leading the team with hit percentage (55), average (.325), softball percentage (.384) and war (2.4). Cleveland's minus 14 running difference shows an unsustainable trajectory, but so far, the 25-18 guardians managed to beat their central enemies 10-3.

Minnesota twins

Last but not least, Minnesota has been reintegrating into the department’s relevance. The twins had a nine-game winning streak, with the twins climbing .500 and playing the best baseball in their young season.

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The key to Minnesota always seems to be dependent on the health of its stars, and shortstop Carlos Correa, midfielder Byron Buxton and third baseman Royce Lewis all end up being healthy, which seems to have a chance to wield their meaning in a meaningful game this summer.

Seven weeks after the 2025 season, the American League looks to continue on Detroit, and if the Tigers continue to succeed, they are likely to be the main players in this summer’s trade deadline. It is also important that AL Central is no longer the driving force of the past. As the American League overall is weaker than in the past few years, the possibility of a second straight season is not beyond the possibility, so the Central could have three teams playing in October.