White Sox Could Contend In AL Central Sooner Than You Think

2025 was an eventful trade deadline across MLB, particularly in the AL Central. Every team in the division made moves, and based on how things played out, the White Sox future outlook is brighter than it has been in a long time.

Twins

The Twins stole the show this trade deadline, but not in a good way. Less than two years after winning the division, they have completely dismantled their roster. The past few days have been a mass exodus. Jhoan Duran, Carlos Correa, Harrison Bader, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Willi Castro, Danny Coulombe, Louis Varland, and Ty France were all shipped out within 24 hours. 

While Minnesota did get some interesting young players back and freed up payroll space, their MLB roster is now in ruins. It looks like they will now head towards at least a retool, if not a full rebuild. 

Guardians 

The Guardians also appear headed in the wrong direction. This morning, they traded long-time ace Shane Bieber to the Blue Jays and were rumored to be shopping All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan as well. While that did not come to fruition, these discussions could lead to Kwan heading out this offseason. Add the gambling controversy closer Emmanuel Clase now faces, and it appears Cleveland could head on a downward trajectory similar to Minnesota.

Royals

The Royals were active as well this deadline, but as buyers. They brought in pitchers Bailey Falter, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. With a 54-55 record and just three games out of the AL Wild Card spot, Kansas City has decided to go for it. However, they are on a worse pace than their 86-76 team last year. They also have one of MLB's worst farm systems. One can never count out a team that features Bobby Witt Jr., Cole Ragans, and others, but the forecast in Kansas City does not seem as sunny as it did even a year ago.

Tigers

The Tigers are the class of the AL Central right now and likely will be moving forward. They unsurprisingly added to their team this deadline, acquiring pitchers Charlie Morton, Kyle Finnegan, Paul Sewald, and Rafael Montero.

Detroit should win the AL Central easily this season and have one of MLB's best farm systems. It is not all rainbows in the Motor City, however. They recently went through their worst stretch of the season and have fallen back to Earth considerably. Tarik Skubal will also be a free agent after next season. Should he head elsewhere, their future outlook changes dramatically.

White Sox

The White Sox have been in the division's cellar for years, and 2025 is no exception. They sit 29 games under .500 and 23.5 games behind Detroit for first place. But there is no doubt that they have been playing better ball lately. They are 8-4 since the All-Star break, mainly because of the young talent they have called up. Luis Robert Jr. has gotten back on track as well.

Chicago will have a minuscule payroll heading into the offseason. Andrew Benintendi and Robert Jr. are the only players on the roster making significant money. General manager Chris Getz told reporters this evening that they are "open" to adding to the team this offseason. With tons of payroll flexibility and one of MLB's best farm systems, the outlook on the South Side looks better than it has in a long time. They should have a lot of money to spend over the next few years, with several more top prospects coming up as reinforcements.

Promising Outlook Ahead For White Sox

The White Sox are clearly still the worst team in the AL Central and will be a laughing stock until proven otherwise. That said, the rest of the division is trending in a positive direction from the South Siders' perspective. Every other team has significant flaws, and unlike the other divisions, there isn't a single team set to dominate for years to come. The Twins and Guardians appear headed south, while the Royals are stuck in neutral. The Tigers will likely be the biggest threat moving forward, but there is an opening for the White Sox to be competitive in the division again quicker than people think. For the first time in years, there is genuine reason for optimism on the South Side.