Five potential X factors in the AL Central

Although the best players on any team generate the most attention, they are not always the difference between a winning and a losing season. More often than not, the overlooked players on the roster make a significant difference, either by struggling or exceeding expectations. Let's take a look at five players in the American League Central who could be a difference-maker for their teams.

Chicago White Sox - 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami

Murakami languished on the market longer than expected, generating lukewarm interest before the White Sox swooped in with a two-year, $34 million contract. While he has tremendous power, there are concerns as to whether or not Murakami can hit at a major league level, given his 26.7% strikeout rate in Japan over the past three years. With his power, ability to take a walk and strikeout concerns, Murakami could be another Chris Davis, in both the good and the bad way.

Cleveland Guardians - Utility man David Fry

While Fry is typically listed primarily as a catcher, he has far more versatility than the typical backstop. Fry has spent time at first, third and both corner outfield spots, although he was limited to designated hitter duties in 2025 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. If Fry can return to the form he showed in 2024, when he posted a .263/.356/.448 batting line with 14 homers and 18 doubles in 392 plate appearances, his versatility could make him an important part of the Guardians' lineup.

Detroit Tigers - Outfielder Parker Meadows

The Tigers' issues at short have received a lot of attention as top prospect Kevin McGonigle is on the cusp of the majors. However, center field is another significant question mark in Meadows. When healthy in 2024, he looked like a potential five-tool player, posting a .244/.310/.443 batting line with 12 doubles and nine homers in his 298 plate appearances while stealing nine bases. Injuries hampered Meadows in 2025 as he appeared in only 58 games, but with outfield prospect Max Clark rising through the system, Meadows is facing a make-or-break season.

Kansas City Royals - Outfielder Isaac Collins

The unheralded Collins was a pleasant surprise for the Brewers in 2025, posting a .263/.368/.411 batting line with nine homers and 22 doubles in his 441 plate appearances. Collins was the biggest addition as the Royals looked to revamp their underwhelming outfield during the offseason. If he can continue to get on base and hit balls into the outfield gaps, he could be a part of the long-term solution.

Minnesota Twins - pitcher Mick Abel

A consensus top-100 prospect from 2021 through 2023, injuries and bouts of wildness derailed Abel's ascension to the majors. He struggled when given an opportunity at the major league level in 2025, posting a 6.23 ERA and a 1.513 WHiP over 39 innings between the Phillies and Twins, striking out 39 batters with 16 walks. Abel has looked like a completely different pitcher thus far in spring training, allowing just two runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out 17 batters in his 13.1 innings. Abel is turning heads in spring training, and if he can carry this momentum into the regular season, he could reach his top-of-the-rotation potential this year.