Detroit Tigers: AL Central offseason roundup: November

Detroit Tigers fans, here's what the other AL Central teams have done so far this offseason

The Detroit Tigers have had an eventful offseason so far. They've let go of numerous players from the past several years and have reshaped their front office and coaching staff.

The AL Central was the worst division in baseball last season...again. Four teams finished .500 or worse, with the Royals and obviously the Detroit Tigers losing over 95 games. All of these teams—including the division winning Cleveland Guardians—have a lot of work to do this offseason.

So at the end of every month during the offseason, we'll do a roundup of the moves that the other teams in the AL Central have done. This piece will go over the month of November. A couple of teams have new managers at the helm, so they've had busy offseasons already as well. Let's get started with the team that finished in last place by one whole game.

Kansas City Royals (65-97 in 2022)

The Royals are coming off a disappointing season in which many people expected them to be more competitive. With some young talent like Bobby Witt Jr. and M.J. Melendez to go along with veterans like Salvador Perez and Whit Merrifield, it's easy to see why.

But they had no pitching depth whatsoever. Brady Singer had a pretty good year, and Zack Greinke was alright in his homecoming, but their pitching staff really let them down this year. As a result, it was another lost season in KC.

This led to a major organizational shakeup, with longtime excetive and 2015 World Series Champion Dayton Moore being shown the door and GM J.J. Picollo being promoted to president of baseball operations. It's his show now.

Manager Mike Matheny was also let go. Taking his place is former Rays' bench coach Matt Quatraro. Much like the Tigers, the Royals have a new regime.

They have not made any significant roster moves yet. Their only non-tenders were LHP Jake Brentz and RHP Nate Webb. They have yet to sign any free agents or make any trades. Historically, the Royals aren't a team that spends a lot in free agency. I would expect nothing different this time around.

Chicago White Sox (81-81 in 2022)

It's really tough to choose which team had a more disappointing 2022 season, but it just might be the White Sox. After winning the division in 2021, many people predicted them to repeat and possibly make a run at the World Series. It's safe to say things didn't go as planned for the ChiSox.

They also spent a lot of time on the IL, with C Yasmani Grandal, SS Tim Anderson, and OF Eloy Jimenez among the players that had their seasons cut short due to injuries. Combine that with a manager that probably should have been in a retirement home instead of being in a major league dugout, and you have the recipe for a disappointing season.

It wasn't all bad. Dylan Cease had a breakout season, finishing with a 2.20 ERA while striking out 11.1 batters per nine innings. But this White Sox team woefully underachieved this season.

Tony La Russa stepped down due to health concerns at the end of the season, so the White Sox had to find a new manager for the second time in three years. They ended up landing former Royals' bench coach Pedro Grifol. Whether that proves to be the right move, we'll find out in time.

There hasn't been much in terms of roster churn yet for the Sox. They non-tendered OFs Adam Engel and Mark Payton, as well as INF Danny Mendick. They will be looking to add an outfielder and a second baseman this offseason. However, it sounds like they'll be doing this via trade as opposed to free agency as owner Jerry Reinsdorf is seeking to limit the team's payroll. They'll also look to replace longtime 1B/DH Jose Abreu, who has signed with the Houston Astros.

They signed SP Mike Clevinger to a one-year, $12 million deal on Nov. 27. That's an interesting signing considering what we just established: the White Sox aren't looking to add to their payroll. Don't be shocked if they trade someone like SP Lance Lynn as they try to get that number down.

Cleveland Guardians (92-70 in 2022)

Cleveland did virtually nothing last offseason, won the AL Central, and was one win away from advancing to the ALCS. What a weird year.

To be fair, Cleveland's pitching staff did it again, carrying them to success. Shane Bieber was outstanding once again despite a dip in velocity, Triston McKenzie had a breakout season, and their bullpen was stellar, led by hard-throwing closer Emmanuel Clase.

Jose Ramirez unsurprisingly led the offense, but Andres Gimenez had a breakout season at second base, earning an All-Star selection and the AL Gold Glove award at the position.

This was a team that was built around contact. They put the ball in play. It didn't matter how hard it was hit, they were simply focused on putting the bat on the ball. To their credit, it worked for the most part.

Cleveland has had a pretty quiet offseason so far. Terry Francona will be back in 2023 to manage the team. Their non-tenders were former Detroit Tigers' OF turned LHP Anthony Gose and C Luke Maile. If I had to guess, they probably won't do much again this winter. But you never know.