Central Notes: White Sox, Cubs, Tigers

the White Sox rolled out a $ 128 million payroll on opening day this year, already the highest in franchise history, but don’t expect Chicago to cut spending now. Team options for new learning Caesar Hernandez and Craig kimbrel would raise their payroll for next season to $ 150 million – and that’s before arbitration – but owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Rick Hahn have prepared for this peak in payroll and they’re ready for it, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. If Hernandez and / or Kimbrel aren’t in the 2022 Sox, it won’t be because of their impact on payroll. Elsewhere overflight states …

• Across Chicago, the Bear cubs are looking to the future, which means increased opportunities for young arms in the rotation, writes Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times. Justin steele, Keegan thompson, and Adbert alzolay are key names to watch out for when leaving veterans Kyle hendricks and Alec mills. For the Cubs to have a quick turnaround, they need some of these young pitchers to develop as swing arms, despite their general lack of forward-looking pedigree.
• Niko Goodrum could be back with the Tigers starting Tuesday, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Goodrum came out with a finger tendon injury and calf contusion dating back to mid-June. Daz cameron, meanwhile, suffered a setback in his own rehab. He had to sit for a few days, so there is no timeline for his return at this time.