Commish Preview: American League East

American League East

2023 Standings:

Tampa Bay 102-60

Toronto 85-77

New York 80-82

Baltimore 77-85

Boston 71-91

Offseason Review:

The top two teams in the division saw some significant change in their rosters, whether they were for the better or not is up to your scouts opinion. The defending champion Rays moved on from franchise cornerstones Austin Meadows, Keibert Ruiz, and Brent Honeywell Jr. in favor of younger options from both inside and outside of the organization. The Jays big offseason additions include a couple of free agent pitchers in Mike Clevinger and Kenta Maeda as well as a big trade that landed centerfielder Brandon Marsh from Milwaukee. The Yankees added Jose Berrios in a trade from Cleveland and look like they could be turning to some young arms in their rotation. The Orioles took a huge step forward in 2023, thanks in large part to the treasure of young arms that the system possesses, but failed to add any type of outside talent this offseason. They will be banking on the young talent taking yet another step forward. Lastly, after looking like they were going to be one of FTD's first dynasties, the Red Sox had an extremely disappointing 2023 season. They landed a couple of big names this offseason, headlined by Keibert Ruiz and Eloy Jimenez, and look to get back into contention in 2024.

2024 Thoughts:

I keep going back and forth on who I like the most in this division. Tampa Bay's pitching staff is still very good and the lineup has an interesting mix. I think the big question with them is whether Bryce Ball can finally take the step forward at the Major League level to match what the scouts have long loved about his bat. If that happens, I see no reason why Tampa Bay can't repeat, but it will be a fight. Meanwhile, their biggest threat in the division should come from the team north of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff ace Nate Pearson flirted with 300 strikeouts last season and he will need to have a repeat season for Toronto to get back to the postseason for the third consecutive season. I do think Boston made enough additions in the offseason to once again be competitive in the always tough AL East, but whether they made enough to unseat these two atop the division is a question. As far as the Bronx Bombers, bombs away it should be. It's another powerful lineup from the New Yorkers, which should feature rookie Kevin Alcantara at some point in centerfield. Is the pitching going to be good enough? That is the question every Yankees' fan finds themselves asking. And lastly, there's the Orioles. Young talent is coming, but to compete in this division you have to be willing to add from the outside. There was a deep free agent class this year with a bunch of value on the market, but the Orioles opted to sit on millions and believe in their young talent. Hopefully another step forward is on the horizon, but it is hard to see this team competing in the East this year.

Final Prediction:

1. Toronto Blue Jays 95-67

2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71

3. Boston Red Sox 84-78

4. New York Yankees 81-81

5. Baltimore Orioles 70-92

*All thoughts and predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Please do not take things personally and I would love to be proven wrong by each GM.