Cubs: Standings prediction for the 2020 MLB season

Do not be surprised if the South Siders rise faster than most people think they will.

1st place: Chicago White Sox

While most people are picking the Twins, do not be surprised if the young White Sox rise to the top. The lineup features a group of young talent in Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada, along with veteran sluggers Jose Abreu, Edwin Encarnacion and Yasmani Grandal. Oh, and the sky is the limit for rookie Luis Robert. That team is going to hit a ton of bombs. There is plenty of promise in the pitching staff with guys like Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease. Adding Dallas Keuchel to the mix helps stabilize the rotation. The short season can play to their advantage and the Sox are ready for the next step.

2nd place: Minnesota Twins

This team has a heck of an offense that is coming off a season they hit a record-breaking 307 home runs. Miguel Sano, Nelson Cruz, Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler, Mitch Garver and Jorge Polanco all hit at least 20+ home runs last year and are all returning in 2020. They made a big splash this offseason getting All-Star Josh Donaldson via free agency. Twins pitching staff as a whole is alright, but not their biggest strength. They added veteran starter Rich Hill which could help stabilize the rotation.

3rd place: Cleveland Indians

This team has seen several changes over the past year. After trading away Trevor Bauer last season and ace Corey Kluber this offseason, the Indians are hoping to see guys like Shane Bieber and Mike Clevinger step up at the top of the rotation. Their lineup still has star shortstop Francisco Lindor, sluggers Carlos Santana, Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes. In the offseason, they added Domingo Santana, who provides some more pop. This team can be pretty good and compete for the playoffs, just not sure they are better than Minnesota or Chicago.

4th place: Kansas City Royals

Here is another rebuilding team that will not be in playoff mixes for a while. Will they finally trade leadoff man Whit Merrifield this year? That question will no doubt come up. Former Cub Jorge Soler is coming off a career year in 2019 and looks to be their big slugger in the middle of the lineup once again. Royals fans will also get to see All-Star catcher Salvador Perez return after missing all of 2019. Pitching is not going to be good, and they will be lucky to not be in last place.

5th place: Detroit Tigers

Detroit is coming off a 114 loss season as they are in the middle of a mass rebuild. Tigers fans are likely paying more attention to their farm system, which boasts some great young talent. Pitcher Casey Mize is looking great in the minors, and first overall pick Spencer Torkelson seems to be a main piece for the future. Back to the MLB team, they do not have much. All-time great Miguel Cabrera is well past his best years and their sources of power will come in the form of former Twin C.J. Cron and second baseman Jonathan Schoop.