Post by Commissioner Erick on Jun 11, 2021 17:51:43 GMT -5
The AL East should have some of the best offenses in the league, and the degree that those offenses perform will likely tell the story of the division. If Baltimore has a historically good year, they'll likely win the division, but if Toronto stays healthy again, they can challenge for the AL East. New York can be a player if their offense compensates for a terrible staff, while if Tampa's offense does anything, they can push for a winning season.
1) Baltimore Orioles:
2025: 99-63, AL East Champions. Defeated Toronto 4-2 in ALDS. Lost to Texas 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: Baltimore led the league in offense last year—and underperformed. They had the best batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, and the most home runs in AL history, yet were only fourth all-time in AL runs scored in a season. Regardless, they had a historic offense. Salesman Ancrum was an MVP runner-up, Joe DeCarlo set the record for most home runs in AL history, and Emmanuel Tapia clubbed 50 homers. Madman Mike Floyd and Luis Robert clubbed more than 30 home runs, and superstar Wessel Russchen, acquired mid-season had 23 homers in only 54 starts with the Orioles.
Offseason Review: Baltimore’s offense, already great, may be better. They lost Luis Robert, but made up for it by trading for juggernaut Francisco DeJesus. They also added to their staff by bringing Sean Newcomb, Alex Reyes, and J.B. Wendelken on board. The club’s offensive depth may be tested with Adam Haseley and and Jake Bauers gone, but the offense should still be historic, and the rotation should be a little deeper with some young arms improving due to age.
On the Farm: Baltimore shipped out its entire farm for Wendell Russchen. That being said, the Orioles have decent depth in the upper minors. Dave Hughes and Chris Foster may be able to help out as relievers, while Juan Carrasco could carve out a role as a backup slugging outfielder. Jordan Alejandre is a year away as a huge slugging First Baseman, while Jeremy Archuleta may have a roll as a more balanced First Baseman. There are pieces here for Baltimore to use to improve the roster.
Best Case Scenario: Baltimore’s offense breaks the records it set last year, and the wills of opposing pitching staffs in the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: A lot of ground balls are hit at Madman Mike Floyd, now a Second Baseman again.
Key Questions: What role will Floyd play for you? Will he be your starting Second Baseman, and if so, are you concerned about his defense?
Are you comfortable with your bullpen heading into the year?
2) Toronto Blue Jays:
2025: 90-72, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Kansas City in AL Wild Card Game. Lost to Baltimore 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: Toronto had the same record they had in 2024, but the Baltimore Orioles weren’t a historic offense in 2024. Toronto was third in homers last year, but drew the second fewest walks in the league. With Gary Sanchez struggling, they were a step below the Orioles. With Jahmai Jones and Jake Burger hurt for the postseason, Toronto bowed out in the ALDS.
Offseason Review: Toronto didn’t make any significant acquisitions over the offseason, hoping a return to health is enough to lift Toronto to an AL East title. Most of Toronto’s players are in their late 20s, so in the primes of their career so there shouldn’t be crazy drop-offs. The Blue Jays should continue to be one of the best defensive teams in baseball as well. If the team draws a few more walks, they could make win their second title in three years.
On the Farm: Toronto doesn’t have a very strong system. Mike Sorensen will likely be the team’s next frontline starter as early as the second half of this year, but he’s the team’s only Top 100 prospect. The rest of the team’s best players are all teenagers in the low minors. They do have good backup depth in the upper minors though as Eric Walker, Juan Rivera, Kenny Mauricio, Joe Taylor, and Dan McDade can likely step in and be quality backups as early as this year.
Best Case Scenario: Madman Mike Floyd plays Second Base all season long.
Worst Case Scenario: The veterans take a step back. Even with players like Eric Walker and Mike Sorensen looking like they can be strong future pieces, Toronto is sunk if Guerrero or Burger struggle or if Zeuch or Szapucki have down years.
Key Questions: Will you be using Tristan Casas as a hitter or a starting pitcher this year?
Do you think you have the bullpen to make a deep run?
3) Tampa Bay Rays:
2025: 75-87, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: Tampa had a decent defense and staff and likely overachieved to a 75-87 record. The offense didn’t have a great year, finishing 11th in runs scored, and without many offensive standouts faded as the year progressed.
Offseason Review: The Rays lost surprise standout Ke’Bryan Hayes last year, and brought on Ryan Lillard to replace him. Tyler Stephenson and Bruce Maxwell will compete for the Catcher position, and Nick Rumbelow should help their bullpen. The Rays are young enough where they can improve internally, but their offense should still be one of the five worst.
On The Farm: Tampa Bay has a surprisingly terrible farm. Tony Ryan may be able to contribute as a backup Shortstop, but nobody else is major league ready. There aren’t any top prospects either, leaving the club without much upside.
Best Case Scenario: Jimmy Whittaker finally puts it together and a huge season delivers 80 wins to Tampa.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense isn’t good enough and Tampa Bay goes 68-94.
Key Questions: You have a number of defensive-minded infield prospects. Who will be your starting infielders around Lewin Diaz?
Jimmy Whittaker has struggled every single year in the majors. What happens to him if he gets off to a slow start?
4) Boston Red Sox:
2025: 64-98, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Boston got surprise seasons from Arturo Reineri, Luis Villareal and Phil Cabrera to provide lynchpins to hang on to as they attempt to finally develop a talented team. There wasn’t much talent around Reineri however, and the club once again lost close to 100 games. Nonetheless, it was the best season since 2022 for Boston as Reineri blew away team records for WAR, Home Runs, and RBIs.
Offseason Review: Boston lost some solid fringe pieces, but signed solid veterans on the cheap to fill the gaps. Thomas Eshelman, Aaron Blair, Jack Flaherty, and Antonio Senzatela have departed, but none of them move the needle really. Evan Skoug should provide some punch from the Catcher spot, Adam Haseley and Bryan Martelo should be productive sluggers signed on the cheap, and Pete Daley and Pat Strand are cheap fliers for the rotation.
On the Farm: Boston has a solid farm. Juan Alaniz has the potential to be a big time prospect and should be up in 2027. Joel McCabe and Alan Medina are big infield prospects in the mid-minors, and both are sluggers with bright futures, while Luis Parga looks like a great speed-and-defense complement. Boston has a bunch of depth pieces in the upper minors as well who can provide stopgap options if Boston needs to cycle through players to find a combination that works.
Best Case Scenario: Reineri builds on last year, the veterans help provide offensive depth, and Boston wins 70 games again.
Worst Case Scenario: Haseley struggles, the supporting cast doesn’t make a difference, and Boston loses 99.
Key Questions: Will we see Alaniz in the bigs this year, or will you keep him developing in Triple-A?
Reineri had only 7 steals last year, but has a bunch of speed. With Joe Taylor, and Josh Lerner on the team, will you look to run more this year?
5) New York Yankees:
2025: 76-86, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The Yankees pitching was disastrous last year and they had the worst ERA in the league. Their offense was strong, and they were third in runs, helping them finish third in the division. They had a 67-95 Pythagorean record though as their pitching and defense were that much worse than how strong their offense was.
Offseason Review: The Yankees didn’t add anybody and lost some of their better bullpen arms. Dustin Fowler and Yeison Corredera are out and they were two starters last season, which should limit their offensive upside. Their pitching staff should be even worse than last year. It should be a brutal year for the Yankees before some bad money starts coming off their books.
On the Farm: The Yankees have strong Center Field prospects in their system. Mark Ward’s defense is still improving, but he should be an advanced bat for Center Field and could be up this year. Tso-I Zhao is much farther along but has massive power and an improving glove. Jason Simmons is also trying to learn the position but has the tools to be a plus defender. He projects to being a patient, powerful slugger who could be up in in 2027. There aren’t many arms in the upper minors, so the staff will likely be subpar for a while.
Best Case Scenario: The offense is still a top-five unit.
Worst Case Scenario: The Yankees could lose 105 games. Their staff is that bad.
Key Questions: Who will start for you in the infield this year?
Will Tyler Duncan start in Center Field for you?
1) Baltimore Orioles:
2025: 99-63, AL East Champions. Defeated Toronto 4-2 in ALDS. Lost to Texas 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: Baltimore led the league in offense last year—and underperformed. They had the best batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, and the most home runs in AL history, yet were only fourth all-time in AL runs scored in a season. Regardless, they had a historic offense. Salesman Ancrum was an MVP runner-up, Joe DeCarlo set the record for most home runs in AL history, and Emmanuel Tapia clubbed 50 homers. Madman Mike Floyd and Luis Robert clubbed more than 30 home runs, and superstar Wessel Russchen, acquired mid-season had 23 homers in only 54 starts with the Orioles.
Offseason Review: Baltimore’s offense, already great, may be better. They lost Luis Robert, but made up for it by trading for juggernaut Francisco DeJesus. They also added to their staff by bringing Sean Newcomb, Alex Reyes, and J.B. Wendelken on board. The club’s offensive depth may be tested with Adam Haseley and and Jake Bauers gone, but the offense should still be historic, and the rotation should be a little deeper with some young arms improving due to age.
On the Farm: Baltimore shipped out its entire farm for Wendell Russchen. That being said, the Orioles have decent depth in the upper minors. Dave Hughes and Chris Foster may be able to help out as relievers, while Juan Carrasco could carve out a role as a backup slugging outfielder. Jordan Alejandre is a year away as a huge slugging First Baseman, while Jeremy Archuleta may have a roll as a more balanced First Baseman. There are pieces here for Baltimore to use to improve the roster.
Best Case Scenario: Baltimore’s offense breaks the records it set last year, and the wills of opposing pitching staffs in the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: A lot of ground balls are hit at Madman Mike Floyd, now a Second Baseman again.
Key Questions: What role will Floyd play for you? Will he be your starting Second Baseman, and if so, are you concerned about his defense?
Are you comfortable with your bullpen heading into the year?
2) Toronto Blue Jays:
2025: 90-72, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Kansas City in AL Wild Card Game. Lost to Baltimore 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: Toronto had the same record they had in 2024, but the Baltimore Orioles weren’t a historic offense in 2024. Toronto was third in homers last year, but drew the second fewest walks in the league. With Gary Sanchez struggling, they were a step below the Orioles. With Jahmai Jones and Jake Burger hurt for the postseason, Toronto bowed out in the ALDS.
Offseason Review: Toronto didn’t make any significant acquisitions over the offseason, hoping a return to health is enough to lift Toronto to an AL East title. Most of Toronto’s players are in their late 20s, so in the primes of their career so there shouldn’t be crazy drop-offs. The Blue Jays should continue to be one of the best defensive teams in baseball as well. If the team draws a few more walks, they could make win their second title in three years.
On the Farm: Toronto doesn’t have a very strong system. Mike Sorensen will likely be the team’s next frontline starter as early as the second half of this year, but he’s the team’s only Top 100 prospect. The rest of the team’s best players are all teenagers in the low minors. They do have good backup depth in the upper minors though as Eric Walker, Juan Rivera, Kenny Mauricio, Joe Taylor, and Dan McDade can likely step in and be quality backups as early as this year.
Best Case Scenario: Madman Mike Floyd plays Second Base all season long.
Worst Case Scenario: The veterans take a step back. Even with players like Eric Walker and Mike Sorensen looking like they can be strong future pieces, Toronto is sunk if Guerrero or Burger struggle or if Zeuch or Szapucki have down years.
Key Questions: Will you be using Tristan Casas as a hitter or a starting pitcher this year?
Do you think you have the bullpen to make a deep run?
3) Tampa Bay Rays:
2025: 75-87, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: Tampa had a decent defense and staff and likely overachieved to a 75-87 record. The offense didn’t have a great year, finishing 11th in runs scored, and without many offensive standouts faded as the year progressed.
Offseason Review: The Rays lost surprise standout Ke’Bryan Hayes last year, and brought on Ryan Lillard to replace him. Tyler Stephenson and Bruce Maxwell will compete for the Catcher position, and Nick Rumbelow should help their bullpen. The Rays are young enough where they can improve internally, but their offense should still be one of the five worst.
On The Farm: Tampa Bay has a surprisingly terrible farm. Tony Ryan may be able to contribute as a backup Shortstop, but nobody else is major league ready. There aren’t any top prospects either, leaving the club without much upside.
Best Case Scenario: Jimmy Whittaker finally puts it together and a huge season delivers 80 wins to Tampa.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense isn’t good enough and Tampa Bay goes 68-94.
Key Questions: You have a number of defensive-minded infield prospects. Who will be your starting infielders around Lewin Diaz?
Jimmy Whittaker has struggled every single year in the majors. What happens to him if he gets off to a slow start?
4) Boston Red Sox:
2025: 64-98, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Boston got surprise seasons from Arturo Reineri, Luis Villareal and Phil Cabrera to provide lynchpins to hang on to as they attempt to finally develop a talented team. There wasn’t much talent around Reineri however, and the club once again lost close to 100 games. Nonetheless, it was the best season since 2022 for Boston as Reineri blew away team records for WAR, Home Runs, and RBIs.
Offseason Review: Boston lost some solid fringe pieces, but signed solid veterans on the cheap to fill the gaps. Thomas Eshelman, Aaron Blair, Jack Flaherty, and Antonio Senzatela have departed, but none of them move the needle really. Evan Skoug should provide some punch from the Catcher spot, Adam Haseley and Bryan Martelo should be productive sluggers signed on the cheap, and Pete Daley and Pat Strand are cheap fliers for the rotation.
On the Farm: Boston has a solid farm. Juan Alaniz has the potential to be a big time prospect and should be up in 2027. Joel McCabe and Alan Medina are big infield prospects in the mid-minors, and both are sluggers with bright futures, while Luis Parga looks like a great speed-and-defense complement. Boston has a bunch of depth pieces in the upper minors as well who can provide stopgap options if Boston needs to cycle through players to find a combination that works.
Best Case Scenario: Reineri builds on last year, the veterans help provide offensive depth, and Boston wins 70 games again.
Worst Case Scenario: Haseley struggles, the supporting cast doesn’t make a difference, and Boston loses 99.
Key Questions: Will we see Alaniz in the bigs this year, or will you keep him developing in Triple-A?
Reineri had only 7 steals last year, but has a bunch of speed. With Joe Taylor, and Josh Lerner on the team, will you look to run more this year?
5) New York Yankees:
2025: 76-86, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The Yankees pitching was disastrous last year and they had the worst ERA in the league. Their offense was strong, and they were third in runs, helping them finish third in the division. They had a 67-95 Pythagorean record though as their pitching and defense were that much worse than how strong their offense was.
Offseason Review: The Yankees didn’t add anybody and lost some of their better bullpen arms. Dustin Fowler and Yeison Corredera are out and they were two starters last season, which should limit their offensive upside. Their pitching staff should be even worse than last year. It should be a brutal year for the Yankees before some bad money starts coming off their books.
On the Farm: The Yankees have strong Center Field prospects in their system. Mark Ward’s defense is still improving, but he should be an advanced bat for Center Field and could be up this year. Tso-I Zhao is much farther along but has massive power and an improving glove. Jason Simmons is also trying to learn the position but has the tools to be a plus defender. He projects to being a patient, powerful slugger who could be up in in 2027. There aren’t many arms in the upper minors, so the staff will likely be subpar for a while.
Best Case Scenario: The offense is still a top-five unit.
Worst Case Scenario: The Yankees could lose 105 games. Their staff is that bad.
Key Questions: Who will start for you in the infield this year?
Will Tyler Duncan start in Center Field for you?
