Detroit Tigers: American League Central Offseason Review

Aug 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view as Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) pitches to Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view as Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) pitches to Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Sep 4, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers base runner Andrew Ramine (17) dives into second with a stolen base against Kansas City Royals second basemen Raul Mondesi (27) during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit defeated Kansas City 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals

Notable Additions: Jorge Soler, Brandon Moss, Travis Wood, Jason Hammel and Nate Karns

Notable Losses: Wade Davis, Kendrys Morales, Edinson Volquez, Jarrod Dyson and Dillon Gee

On one hand, the Kansas City Royals took a page form the White Sox book and made moves for the future, swapping Wade Davis for Jorge Soler and moving Jarrod Dyson for the controllable Nate Karns.

However, on the other, the team also made some win-now transactions.

The Royals inked first baseman Brandon Moss and pitchers Travis Wood and Jason Hammel to lucrative, free-agent deals.

With the additions of Wood and Hammel, Kansas City’s rotation will look extremely different next season.

The club lost pitcher Yordano Ventura, who tragically passed away in a car accident in the offseason.

Edinson Volquez signed elsewhere, as did Dillon Gee.

Wood, Hammel and Karns will join Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy, Jason Vargas, Chris Young, Matt Strahm and Mike Minor as rotation candidates for the Royals.

How Kansas City’s Moves Affect the Detroit Tigers

Right off the bat, Dyson’s departure will hurt the club.

An excellent defensive and base running option, the outfielder led all Kansas City position players with a 3.1 WAR last year. He also paced the club with 30 stolen bases.

Detroit should also benefit from Morales leaving the club.

The slugger hit a blistering .378 against Brad Ausmus’ club last season, including 18 runs scored, 13 RBI, eight walks, four doubles and three home runs in only 19 games.