For four of the five teams in the American League Central, September is about the long-term future, for 2019 and beyond. For the Indians, September is about October.
Cleveland's eventual runaway in the division race put teams squarely into different camps heading up to the July non-waiver Trade Deadline, let alone September. The Royals, Tigers, Twins and White Sox all head into the season's final month with decisions looming on who fits into their plan to contend again, either prospects on the cusp or young players trying to stay afloat. With expanded rosters, the opportunity is there to look at players who spent the summer either developing in the Minor Leagues or getting healthy from midseason injuries.