Anticipated AL Showdown: Big-budget Yankees poised for World Series return once more
The New York Yankees, boasting a swiftly growing restlessness among their loyal fans, find themselves seeking redemption after their World Series drought since 2009. Despite finishing second in a five-team bidding war for star outfielder Juan Soto, they have bounced back with impressive acquisitions. The Yankees welcomed former MVP Paul Goldschmidt, acquired the services of reigning Cy Young Award winner Max Fried, and snagged Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams in trades. These moves have solidified the Yankees as the Beasts of the East, or potentially, the entire American League this coming season.
Let's take a glance at how we see each team in the AL East finishing:
AL East Projections
- New York Yankees
Their new additions have bolstered the Yankees' pitching staff, especially lefty Max Fried who secured his place in the club with an eight-year, $218 million deal, the largest and longest contract ever offered to a left-handed pitcher. This powerhouse squad already had Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, both with more than 40-homer potential, and Juan Soto swinging their bat in the lineup. However, as a 37-year old Goldschmidt might not keep up with his younger teammates.
- Toronto Blue Jays
After scuffling to a last-place finish the previous year, the Blue Jays made significant moves to reboot their team. With the addition of switch-hitter Anthony Santander, who knocked 44 homers for Baltimore, the Blue Jays have a strong core of power hitters led by Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., MVP contender. The Infield defense also strengthened with the signing of Andres Gimenez from Cleveland. Plus,3-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, eager to prove his skills in his 40s, joined the staff as a solid and dependable pitcher. The Blue Jays pitching staff excels with the solid presence of Kevin Gausman, and Jose Berrios, who graduated from the Blue Jays’ farm system to become key offensive catalysts.
- Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles lost their top hitter, Santander, and top pitcher, Corbin Burnes, to free agency. This has added some challenges, but the young, gifted infield, a blue-chip catcher, and a decent closer pack should help shore up their team. The problem lies in their inconsistent starting pitching—if they cannot overcome this issue, the entire ship could sink.
- Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox need to improve on their .500 season from 2023 to stand out in this tough division. A better performance from their rotation should help, including the signing of World Series hero Walker Buehler and the trade for Garrett Crochet, coveted by many teams. If their closer Liam Hendricks can regain his form and Aroldis Chapman performs at his usual peak, supported by the hitter-friendly dimensions of Fenway Park, the Sox could have a promising season ahead.
- Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays struggled to field a potent team in the second half of 2023, with no single hitters exhibiting 20-homer or 65+ RBI campaigns. The Rays' tight budget, however, requires them to rely on younger, less pricy players. Their main free-agent signings were the underrated trio of Ha-Seong Kim, Eloy Jimenez, and Jansen. Their farm system's impressive prospects – including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins – should provide some solid contributions to this underdog team.
Each team in the AL East is equipped with its strengths and weaknesses, and we look forward to seeing how they jostle for position throughout the 2024 season.
- Max Scherzer, the 3-time Cy Young Award winner, will add depth to the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff, providing a solid and dependable presence alongside Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios.
- The New York Yankees' leadoff hitter, Aaron Judge, is expected to have more than 40-homer potential this season, joining forces with Juan Soto and the recently acquired Paul Goldschmidt in the team's power-packed lineup.
- Despite losing top hitter Anthony Santander to free agency, the Baltimore Orioles still have young, gifted infielders, a blue-chip catcher, and a decent closer pack, which should help in shoring up their team's defense.
- The Tampa Bay Rays have signed underrated talents like Ha-Seong Kim, Eloy Jimenez, and Jansen to bolster their roster, while relying on their impressive prospects from the farm system to contribute to their budget-conscious team.
- Max Fried, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, has secured a spot in the New York Yankees' pitching staff with an eight-year, $218 million deal, becoming the first left-handed pitcher to receive the largest and longest contract in MLB history.
