New York Yankees
The most historic franchise in the game fell just short from the 28th World Series title in the organization’s history. Despite the loss, New York was finally able to overcome the 15-year hiatus from making a World Series appearance.
The biggest reason, both height and impact wise, was Aaron Judge, as the towering outfielder led baseball in nearly every major offensive category, including fWAR (10.8), home runs (58), RBIs (144), OPS (1.159) and OPS+ (223), en route to his second AL MVP in three seasons. After being dealt to the Bronx, Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a offensive revival with the Bombers, nearly matching his home runs total with Miami in less than half the games with New York. Shortstop Anthony Volpe continued to be a stellar fielder for the Yankees, with mixed results at the plate. After two bounce back years with the Cubs, Cody Bellinger was dealt to New York, with the chance to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch. Two years removed from his NL MVP campaign, Paul Goldschmidt posted the worst full season numbers of his career, with father time being the primary suspect of his decline. Entering camp healthy, Jasson Domínguez has a chance to live up to the hype that has surrounded him since joining the Yankees organization. Health isn’t being favorable to Giancarlo Stanton, as the 35-year-old power bat is battling dual elbow injuries. In his rookie year, backstop Austin Wells was a decent hitter, with his defense being his calling card.
In his AL Cy Young defense, Gerrit Cole missed nearly the first three months, returning to perform to his mean. Joining Cole atop the starting staff is Max Fried, who joined the ball club via free agency, after being a big impact pitcher for the Braves. Pairing with his fellow lefty Fried is Carlos Rodón, who found his footing after a forgettable 2023. Finally earning a full-time starting role, Luis Gil dazzled, tossing for a 3.50 ERA, scooping the AL Rookie of the Year. Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman are the candidates for the final rotation spot. Acquired from the Brewers, Devin Williams will be tasked with the ninth inning responsibilities. Breakout relievers Luke Weaver and Jake Cousins will be two of the primary options to link the starters and Williams.
New York is set up well for success again. Whether it’s the pop from the lineup or the dicing from the pitching staff, the Yankees are easily one of the favorites to win a title.
Baltimore Orioles
A year removed from their first 100-win season since 1980, the Baltimore Orioles dropped 10 more games and were rushed out of the playoffs. Baltimore wasn’t overly aggressive in the offseason, while the surrounding AL East teams were, making Baltimore’s attempt to return to 100 wins all the more difficult.
After an impressive rookie year, Gunnar Henderson slingshot himself into the superstar category, finishing fourth in AL MVP voting, after launching 31 home runs, driving home 92 runs and stealing 21 bases. Though remaining one of the premier options at the position, Adley Rutschman regressed on both sides. Earning his first All-Star nod, Jordan Westburg is quickly becoming a staple of the Oriole infield. Another one of the budding baby birds was Colton Cowser, finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, smashing 24 doubles and home runs. Righties Ryan Mountcastle and Tyler O’Neill will take advantage of Baltimore moving the left field fence in, after moving the wall back three years ago. Youngsters Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad and Coby Mayo are all looking to find their ways into consistent playing time. Though his power numbers suffered, Cedric Mullins sped his way around the base paths once again.
With Corbin Burnes departing for Arizona, Baltimore was tasked with filling the void of the former Cy Young. The only legitimate offseason signings for the starters was Charlie Morton, entering his age 41 season. In his nine starts after being dealt to Baltimore, Zach Eflin shook opposing bats, pitching to the tune of a 2.60 ERA. Grayson Rodriguez had his season cut short, though he showed signs of becoming the next ace in Baltimore. The backend of the rotation has an abundance of options, with Dean Kramer, Albert Suárez, Cade Povich and Trevor Rogers being amongst the group, with Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells expected to miss the majority of the first half. Returning from injury, Félix Bautista will reclaim his closer role, working alongside Yennier Cano to shut down the late innings of ball games.
Despite the lack of aggression in the offseason, Baltimore still has plenty of talent to be a contender.
Boston Red Sox
Having not won the division since 2018, the last Red Sox World Series team, as well as just one playoff appearance in that time, Boston has cashed in on making the current roster a threat in the AL.
Terrorizing hitter Rafael Devers remains one of the best lefty bats in baseball, though his reluctance to leave third base could cost Boston a few games. His positional replacement would’ve been free agent signing Alex Bregman, who will slot at second base, having logged just 32 innings at the position. In a breakout season, Jarren Duran led baseball in doubles (48) and triples (14) as the outfielder earned his first All-Star appearance. Boston’s front office is crossing their fingers, hoping Trevor Story can remain healthy and produce at the rate that warranted a six-year contract. A lengthy rib injury shortened what would’ve been a productive sophomore year from Triston Casas. Outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu flashed the leather last season, with Abreu having more offensive success compared to his counterpart. Prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, all of whom rank within MLB’s top 15 prospects, all have great cases to be with the big club for this season.
As they did in 2017 with Chris Sale, Boston struck a deal with the White Sox, landing Garrett Crochet, who made the transition to the starting rotation swimmingly. Donning new threads with Crochet is Walker Buehler, who the Red Sox hope to regain his former glory from before his injury. Tanner Houck shined in his second season as a full-time starter, being named an All-Star. The second half destroyed what was seeming to be Kutter Crawford’s rise to the top of Boston’s rotation. Brayan Bello looks to improve from his current league average status. Bolstering the bullpen beside a returning Liam Hendriks is Aroldis Chapman, who proved that there’s plenty left in the tank the past two seasons.
The star power alone will catapult Boston past their 81 win mark from last season, but how far is still yet to be determined.
Tampa Bay Rays
Last season was the first time since 2019 that Tampa Bay missed the postseason, finishing a game under .500. Another downtick in wins could be possible for the Rays, though they seem to exceed expectations nearly every season.
Late blooming first baseman Yandy Díaz regressed from his career best 2023 season, though still being a plus hitter. Now in line for daily reps, Junior Caminero has the chance to prove the hype. For the second straight year, injuries stole 50+ games from Brandon Lowe’s season, both of which he was on pace to exceed 30 home runs. Free agent signing Ha-Seong Kim will provide stellar defense across the infield, though he’ll draw most of his time from shortstop. Rightfielder Josh Lowe is looking for a huge turnaround, after all of his numbers dipped substantially in 2024.
After Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the last year and a half, ace Shane McClanahan is set to return to the head of the rotation, looking to retain his status as a top arm in the game. Tampa Bay successfully converted Zack Littell to a viable starting option, posting a 3.63 ERA. Taj Bradley improved from his devastating first season, though the Rays know the young righty can continue to climb up the rotation. In his first season with Tampa Bay as a part of the Tyler Glasnow trade, Ryan Pepiot was stellar. In 14 starts removed from elbow surgery, Shane Baz showed signs of the talent that drew top 100 rankings just a few seasons ago. For the third season, Pete Fairbanks is responsible for closing games out.
This team most likely won’t be the most memorable Tampa team, though when expectations are low is when the team puts together their best work.
Toronto Blue Jays
After consecutive playoff appearances, though they were swept in both Wild Card series, Toronto struggled, winning just 74 games. Tampa Bay added to both the lineup and pitching staff to return to their form from 2022 and 2023, with aspirations of going farther.
Entering his final season under contract, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has continued to be one of baseball’s best and most exciting players, producing 25+ home runs and 90+ RBIs in each of the last four years. Following three seasons of being one of the best contact hitters in the game, Bo Bichette struggled tremendously, though injuries did steal half of the season away from him. Though his bat hasn’t followed since being traded from Arizona, Daulton Varsho has quickly become one of the best defending outfielders. Regression has been the trend of George Springer’s time in Toronto, with each season being worse than the last. Andrés Giménez has been a sure handed middle infielder in his time at the big league level, though his offensive consistency has wavered. The light tower power Anthony Santander gives Guerrero Jr. the much needed protection in the heart of the order.
Though it was his least effective of his three seasons in Toronto, Kevin Gausman was great at the top of the Toronto rotation. Slotting behind Gausman is José Berríos, who has rallied consecutive dominant seasons. Once again trying to defy time, Max Scherzer joins the Jays staff to see if he has one more season of excellence left. Bowden Francis flashed his solid stuff, making the transition to the rotation. Chris Bassitt was unable to have an encore of his debut year in the Great White North, struggling with his command to the worst walk rate of his career. After posting the best two-year stretch of his professional career, Jeff Hoffman is tasked as Toronto’s closer. Chad Green slides in as the set up man for the ninth.
The Blue Jays have the roster to return to the playoffs. Age, inconsistency and injuries will be the downfall of this team, if they were to struggle.
All stats are from Baseball Reference and FanGraphs as of Feb. 25.
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