The 2022 All-American League Central Team

With the baseball season fast approaching, take a look at our 2022 All-AL Central Team.

Days before the lockout finally ended, the gang here at Away Back Gone decided to get a little crazy. We thought, hey, wouldn’t it be fun to piece together an All-Star squad comprised solely of current players in the AL Central? And for the most part it was, though there were some challenges in the process (you’ll see).

The task at hand was simple – build the best team. And based on the outcome… boy oh boy, I’d take this team eight days a week. It’s got it all: veteran presence, MVP candidates, youth/excitement, and depth.

We didn’t mandate that each team have a representative, but each team does – and that was difficult (looking at you Detroit and Minnesota).

Before we reveal the team, we would be remiss if we didn’t reiterate that this was conducted before any trades or free agency re-opened. So if we missed someone, well, deal with it. But in all honesty, there may have been an addition or two that would qualify, but they just got added too late.

So. Here. We. Go!

The 2022 All-AL Central Infield 

Catcher: Yasmani Grandal (Chicago White Sox)

2021: .240/.420/.520, 23 HR, 62 RBI, 157 OPS+

That stat line is crazy for anyone, let alone a catcher who appeared in 93 games. Honestly, this was a two-horse race, as Royals catcher Salvador Perez was under consideration as well. Ultimately, Grandal’s overall production – including that juicy on-base percentage – was too much to overlook.

First Base: Jose Abreu (Chicago White Sox)

2021: .261/.351/.481, 30 HR, 117 RBI, 125 OPS+

A year removed from winning the MVP, Abreu picked up right were he left off. The man plays a solid first base and has been as consistent as it gets. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s nice that he’s finally getting some recognition and I appreciate that, but as a Guardians fan, I patiently look forward to the day that Abreu retires.

Second Base: Whit Merrifield (Kansas City Royals)

2021: .277/.317/.395, 10 HR, 74 RBI, 91 OPS+

Merrifield had a bit of a down year, yet still managed to lead the league with 42 doubles and 40 stolen bases! He’s a consummate pro, a real grinder, a pesky jack-of-all trades. I am willing to die on this hill: Whit Merrifield may be one of the most unappreciated players in today’s era. Though if he had a bit more power, I’m sure he’d get the respect he deserves (this probably also explains why I’m so high on the Guardians’ Tyler Freeman; they appear to be very similar).

Third Base: Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians)

2021: .266/.355/.538, 36 HR, 103 RBI, 141 OPS+

We love Jose – I don’t know if much more needs to be said. He’s the heart and soul of the Guardians lineup and has been for some time now. It’s only a matter of time before he finally busts through and wins the MVP award as well. By the way, Ramirez was tops in the division with a 6.7 WAR for position players (yeah, that’s pretty good).

Shortstop: Tim Anderson (Chicago White Sox)

2021: .309/.338/.469, 17 HR, 61 RBI, 118 OPS+

Tim Anderson may be one of the most fun players to watch in the bigs. The guy does it all and with a youthful exuberance you don’t often see from others. Major League Baseball needs to get this guy in front of more casual fans ASAP. In the coming years, the AL Central will be stacked at shortstop, but for now Anderson is the tops of that bunch.