Spring is almost here and so is baseball. The season begins March 18 as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs square off in Tokyo. The Dodgers spent the most money a year ago and they walked away with a World Series crown. Much of the same happened this past offseason, but baseball is a funny sport. Having the best team in baseball doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to win the title. That’s more important than ever to remember as we enter a new year with exciting new rosters and a bounty of young talent rising to the top. Here is our 2025 AL East preview.
What Happened in 2024:
The New York Yankees were the best team in the American League a year ago. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were a lethal duo that was terrifying for any pitcher to face. They homered their way to 94 wins and cruised into the postseason. The Yanks made it all the way to the World Series where they hardly put up a fight against the Dodgers. The Orioles were right on the Yankees tails as they have one of the most youthful rosters in the league. They had a quick October exit that angered their fan base. The Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays followed behind those two with subpar seasons and no real shot at postseason action.
Best Players to Watch:
Blue Jays – Vlad Guerrero Jr.- This is an important season for Vladdy Jr. who is in a contract dispute with the Blue Jays. He revealed the money he wanted but has also signaled which division rivals he’d like to play for.
Red Sox – Garrett Crochet– The Sox went out and got their new version of Chris Sale, again from the White Sox, in a big trade that will bolster a rotation that needed a big arm.
Yankees – Aaron Judge – No surprise here. Judge is still hunting for his first World Series trophy and will have more on his plate with Soto exiting for Queens.
Rays – Junior Caminero – The Rays have a lot of stock in one of their best prospects and hope he can add power and pop to their lineup.
Orioles – Gunnar Henderson – He could have won the MVP award last season and will work towards winning his first this year as he cements himself as the best shortstop in baseball.
Biggest Addition and Subtraction:
Addition: Alex Bregman was a late addition but one of my favorites in the AL East. Bregman gives the Red Sox a legit glove and bat in the middle of their lineup. I’m sure he can’t wait to do offensive damage with the Green Monster in left field.
Subtraction: Soto’s exit was a huge blow to the Yankees who were trying their hardest to keep their slugger. George Steinbrenner would roll over in his grave if he knew his Yanks were outbid by the younger brother Mets. Of course, losing former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole to season-ending Tommy John surgery won’t help the Yankees rotation.
Division Winner:
Red Sox, 94-68: Surprise here, but the Sox got better this offseason and have young pieces in the reserves ready to contribute this season.