PT TOMORROW: AL Central - Key players to watch around the division

During All-Star week, the writers of Playing Time Tomorrow have been charged with identifying one “pivotal” batter and one “pivotal” pitcher for each of the teams in their divisions. Here are my picks for the American League Central. 

 

Cleveland Guardians

Hitter: Bo Naylor (C, CLE)

The team has gotten very little production from the catcher position this season. Mike Zunino (C, FA) opened the season as the starter but his struggles from last season carried over, as he registered a .578 OPS across 140 PA. The team wasn't counting on him as a long-term option but had hoped he could rebound from his 2022 disaster and hold the job until catcher of the future Naylor was ready to step in.

Naylor hit .253/.393/.498 with 13 HR and 2 SB in 270...

Almost!

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