Projected Starting Rotations: AL Central

Today we take a look at the projected starting rotations in the AL Central.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Guardians

1. Gavin Williams, RHP
2. Tanner Bibee, RHP
3. Logan Allen, LHP
4. Slade Cecconi, RHP
5. Joey Cantillo, LHP

The Opening Day ace has not been decided. Its either Williams or Bibee. Most likely Williams, given his dominant finish to 2025. Parker Messick will compete for a spot, too, after impressing in his debut run last season. He’s one to keep an eye on during Spring.

Top prospect: Parker Messick, LHP

Messick started the 2025 Futures Game for the American League. He impressed in his MLB debut run in 2025 as he posted a 2.72 ERA in seven starts with the Guardians. He has an excellent changeup and is a deceptive pitcher who gets swings and misses.

Royals

1. Cole Ragans, LHP
2. Seth Lugo, RHP
3. Michael Wacha, RHP
4. Kris Bubic, LHP
5. Noah Cameron, LHP

Cole Ragans is the clear ace of the rotation. He struggled with rotator cuff issues last season. At his best, he has Cy Young potential with his exciting swing and miss stuff. Lugo and Wacha are stable veteran arms that can protect the bullpen. Noah Cameron is the favourite for the 5th rotation spot after an impressive first season in the majors. There is more competition in the wings with the likes of Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek and Bailey Falter.

Top prospect: Kendry Chourio, RHP

Chourio surprised many in the Royals’ system. The Royals signed the 17-year-old out of Venezuela, and Chourio immediately advanced through the system. He ended the season with Low-A Columbia. Chourio had pinpoint control, walking just 5 in 51.1 innings. He projects as a No. 2 starter.

Tigers

1. Tarik Skubal, LHP
2. Framber Valdez, LHP
3. Jack Flaherty, RHP
4. Justin Verlander, RHP
5. Casey Mize, RHP

One of the most imposing rotations in the Majors. Led by their elite ace Tarik Skubal. The Tigers splashed out and signed the ground-ball machine Valdez. This gives the Tigers a 1-2 punch, which is primed for October baseball. The Tigers reunited with future Hall of Fame pitcher, Justin Verlander. Unfortunenately Olson is out, but the Tigers have some depth with the likes of Drew Anderson and Troy Melton.

Top prospect: Kelvis Salcedo, RHP

Salcedo has impressed so far. Coming out of Venezuela in 2023. He worked his way up to Low-A ball last season. He currently projects as a mid-rotation starter.

Twins

1. Pablo Lopez, RHP
2. Joe Ryan, RHP
3. Bailey Ober, RHP
4. Taj Bradley, RHP
5. Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP

There’s plenty of competition with the likes of Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Mick Abel. This depth bodes well for the Twins’ season prospects. You would imagine at least one of these arms breaking through this season. Something to watch this Spring is how aggressively the Twins push Lopez as he comes off a 2025 season where he dealt with shoulder issues. One to keep an eye on.

Top prospect: Connor Prielipp, LHP

Prielipp was an impressive prospect who got injured before the draft and slipped to the second round of the draft. He then got injured again when he started his professional career. Last season was the first season he was healthy since 2020. He threw 82.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A and was named the Twins minor league pitcher of the year. I expect to see him in the Majors at some stage this year and I won’t be surprised if he impresses from the start.

White Sox

1. Shane Smith, RHP
2. Davis Martin, RHP
3. Anthony Kay, LHP
4. Sean Burke, RHP
5. Sean Newcomb, LHP

Clearly there’s plenty of potential upside in this rotation rather than certainty. Nonetheless, this is an exciting rotation to watch. Shane Smith will most likely get the Opening Day honours. He looks like he could be a future ace for the White Sox. Davis Martin is a solid mid-rotation arm, and behind them its a free-for-all. There is plenty of competition with the likes of young arms like Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, Tanner McDougal, and Jonathan Cannon. Any of these arms could put their hands up in Spring Training and make the rotation. One of the more exciting Spring Battles to watch.

Top propsect: Noah Schultz, LHP

Schultz is one of the most celebrated prospects in all of baseball. The White Sox have been careful with him. He looked every bit as promised in 2024, but then he struggled with command and control in 2025. 2026 should be the year he breaks through into the Majors.