Authority Athletics continues its MLB Preview by looking at the AL East. Click Here if you want to read our previous article on who we think will win the AL West.
The AL East might be the toughest division in all of baseball with 4 teams who can legitimately make the claim that they could win the division. Let’s take a closer look at the teams:
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Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox had a bizarre off season. The team is typically open to spending big money in the off season but refused to open their pocketbooks this year. I like Triston Casas a lot as a player and am looking forward to seeing what kind of season he has. However, the Red Sox didn’t do enough to improve their roster and I’m picking them to once again finish last in the division.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays always seem to overachieve as a club. There are big question marks on the club including at center field and catcher. Add shortstop to that list of holes on the roster with the fact that Wander Franco may never return to the majors as a result of his off the field legal issues. All that being said, the Rays always find a way to compete, and I fully expect them to be in the running near the end of the season. However, I’m picking them to finish 4th in the division.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have a talented roster. Their offense is full of fire power led by 1st baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr and shortstop Bo Bichette. Guerrero had a somewhat disappointing season last year hitting 26 homeruns (That’s low for him). I look for him to have a bounce back year and once again hit 40+ dingers. The club also has a deep rotation and strong bullpen. Barring injuries, they are going to have a solid year and be in contention for the division for the duration of the season. I’m picking them to finish 3rd.
New York Yankees
The Yankees made one of the biggest splashes in the off season by acquiring superstar Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. The combination of Soto and Aaron Judge in the middle of the lineup is downright scary! That’s not all the club did, however. They also solidified their depth especially in the outfield by acquiring Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo. The pinstripes also added veteran starter Marcus Stroman which will give them another dependable arm in the rotation. I think the only question mark is the starting rotation, but the Yankees should be able to outscore a lot of their problems in this area. I’m picking them to finish 2nd in the Division.
Baltimore Orioles
Authority Athletics already wrote an article about the young stars of the Baltimore Orioles. To sum up that article, the Orioles will go as far as their young stars will take them. I look for Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, and Gunnar Henderson to take huge leaps forward in their development. Don’t forget that the Orioles also have the number one prospect in all of baseball in Jackson Holliday, who is reportedly moving to 2nd base in hopes of making the opening day roster. In Holliday and Colton Cowser, the Orioles have 2 rookies who could make a significant impact on the club. The Orioles also drastically improved their starting rotation by acquiring former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Orioles may be the most exciting team in all of baseball and I’m picking them to win the division.
Who do you think will win the AL East?
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