OTW 269 — Opportunity Knocking: AL Central

On The Wire Episode 269 — Opportunity Knocking: AL Central Adam and Kevin launch “Opportunity Knocking,” a six-episode offseason series going division by division to find roster holes and playing-time openings for early draft-and-holds. They start with the AL Central, using the final six weeks of stats to spot players who finished stronger than their season lines. Kevin also makes the case for waiting on first base in 2027 drafts. Welcome and Introduction 0:00-10:00 Series launch, ALCS recap, and early mock draft trends Minnesota Twins 10:00-30:00 Josh Bell’s exit opens DH at-bats for a young core; Royce Lewis moves to first base Players Discussed: Josh Bell, Royce Lewis, Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kaelen Culpepper, Byron Buxton, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins Joe Ryan likely gone as internal options fill the rotation Players Discussed: Joe Ryan, Pablo López, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, Dean Kremer, Connor Prielipp Kansas City Royals 30:00-45:00 Left field is the biggest hole; Pasquantino is a value after a strong finish Players Discussed: Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, Salvador Perez, Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, Taylor Ward, Randal Grichuk, Carson Roccaforte Kevin was wrong on Carter Jensen; Massey projects as an everyday second baseman Players Discussed: Carter Jensen, Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo Cleveland Guardians 45:00-55:00 First base is the biggest gap if Nathaniel Lowe walks Players Discussed: Nathaniel Lowe, Ralphy Velazquez, Kyle Manzardo, Jo Adell, Jake Bauers, Cooper Ingle Back-end rotation depth expected; Cade Smith’s workload isn’t a concern yet Players Discussed: Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Cade Smith Chicago White Sox 55:00-1:10:00 Kyle Teel catches, Colson Montgomery holds shortstop, young outfield surges Players Discussed: Kyle Teel, Joey Bart, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, Miguel Vargas, Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci, Braden Montgomery Veteran rotation help needed; Grant Taylor is a starter-or-closer wild card Players Discussed: Luis Castillo, Shane Smith, Noah Schultz, Trevor Rogers, Tyler Mahle, Grant Taylor Detroit Tigers 1:10:00-1:29:00 Hao-Yu Lee steps in at second base; River Ryan joins the rotation Players Discussed: Gleyber Torres, Hao-Yu Lee, Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, Troy Melton, Framber Valdez, Jackson Jobe Jansen likely returns to close; wait on first base in 2027 drafts Players Discussed: Kenley Jansen, Spencer Torkelson, Salvador Perez Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.