The Kansas City Royals are looking to compete in the American League Central this year. While the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox probably won't be competitive, the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers project to be the Royals' biggest competition in the division. 

Cleveland and Detroit were in the AL Central conversation last year, as the Guardians ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a strong end to the year. The Tigers got their revenge in the playoffs, though, defeating the Guards in the AL Wild Card round.

This season, the Royals are hoping to join the Guardians and Tigers in the division title race. Manager Matt Quatraro was recently asked about his thoughts on the division heading into the new campaign, via Sports Radio 810 WHB.

"Oh sure, you see what's gone on all winter," Quatraro said. "You watch the ticker and read the articles and stuff. It doesn't affect what we're doing. I mean, you're still going to play them 13 times each and have to go out and beat them."

The Tigers have been one of the busier teams in the division. Early in the offseason, rumors swirled about a potential Tarik Skubal trade. Instead, the Tigers held onto Skubal and also signed Framber Valdez. As a result, they may be considered the AL Central favorite. 

Kansas City should not be overlooked, though. Bobby Witt Jr.' leads a potentially respectable offense. Cole Ragans is looking to bounce back and pitch like a Cy Young candidate in the rotation. The Royals' bullpen may end up being one of their biggest strengths. 

This Kansas City ball club could be better than anyone expects them to be.

It would not be surprising to see Kansas City make an AL Wild Card run. They have a talented squad and should be able to compete as long as injuries do not prove to be too much of an obstacle. 

Winning the division will be difficult, though. The Tigers could realistically be one of the best teams in the entire league. Meanwhile, the Guardians always seem to compete despite rarely making especially notable offseason additions. While the White Sox and Twins probably won't cause too much havoc, the Guards and Tigers are going to be difficult to surpass.

Still, the idea of the Royals making some noise in the division does not seem too unrealistic. The AL Central is not exactly at the same level as the AL East or NL West, so anything could happen.

The Royals will be an intriguing team to follow all season long.