AL East:
New York: How much longer does this group have?
There is one fact that all baseball fans must accept: big market teams like the New York Yankees will never truly be rebuilding. Nevertheless, the clock is ticking on this core. Star players Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton aren’t getting any younger, and former top prospects like Anthony Volpe and Jason Dominguez have not been as good as advertised. That being said, the Yankees still have the expectations of winning the World Series. The aging stars can still light up the scoreboard, and the Yankees have one of the top pitching rotations: Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Cam Schlitler. They have come close in the past, but is this finally the year that the Yankees return to baseball glory?
Toronto: Can they repeat last season’s success?
There was no greater surprise last season than the Toronto Blue Jays. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, the Blue Jays took a trip to the World Series. Against the powerhouse Dodgers, Toronto had numerous chances to write a storybook ending. In the end, the Blue Jays came up agonizingly short, losing in game seven of the World Series. Now, stuck in the best division in the AL, the Blue Jays must answer this question: was last year a fluke, or a look to the future?
Boston: Can they survive without Bregman?
The Red Sox finally played October baseball again last year, reaching the playoffs in a much improved season. After a defeat to the Yankees in the Wild Card round, the blows kept coming as they lost star Alex Bregman to the Cubs. Now, the question is how vital was Bregman to the success of the Sox, and can their success be repeated?
Baltimore: They’re back?
Coming off a 101 win season the year prior, Baltimore entered last season with high expectations. The Orioles ultimately disappointed, posting a 75-87 record. Seeing that change was needed, Baltimore opened the check book, signing Pete Alonso and numerous solid pitchers during free agency. Seemingly ready to compete again, the Orioles are a sneaky underdog in the AL East.
Tampa Bay: Not good, right?
For years the Rays were the perfect model for small market teams, making the most of their limited resources and finding ways to compete at the highest level. This year, however, in a powerhouse division, things don’t look too promising for the Rays.
AL Central:
Detroit: Runaway winners?
Detroit has by far the best roster in the AL Central division, featuring a great outfield, batting order, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Tarik Skubal. How far can the Tigers go in what could potentially be Skubal’s last season with the club?
Cleveland: Can they shock the world again?
Being a Clevland fan last season was like going on the wildest roller coaster ride of your life. The Guardians appeared eliminated from the postseason in July, when they trailed Detroit by fifteen and a half games in the standings. Then, star closer Emmanuel Clase was banned from the MLB for placing monetary bets against himself. In September, the Guardians were still eleven games out of a playoff spot. Then, the unthinkable happened. Cleveland won fifteen of their next sixteen games and earned a playoff spot. They were eliminated in the Wild Card, but Cleveland could be a sneaky team to make the postseason this season.
Kansas City: Can they get back to winning ways?
Kansas City was one of the surprises in 2024, advancing to the postseason and winning the Wild Card. Then, with high expectations for 2025, they fizzled out. Still, with stars Bobby Witt, Vonny Pasquentino, and a great rotation, perhaps the Royals can find success again?
Minnesota: Who will be left by the end of the season?
Minnesota was once the pride of the AL Central, consistently winning the division title. Last year, however, things changed. The Twins suffered a season that saw stars traded and coaches released. Minnesota likely won’t see the top of the AL Central any time soon. Now, the Twins must question what to do with talented players like Joe Ryan, players who likely won’t stick around long enough to experience potential future success in Minnesota.
Chicago: Was last year an improvement?
2024 was a year to forget for the White Sox as they recorded the most losses in a single MLB season. Yes, in a league whose founding year was shortly after the Civil War, the White Sox wear the badge for having the most losses in a single season. Last year, they didn’t break that unfortunate record. I guess that is an improvement!
AL West:
Seattle: How far can they go?
The Mariners have their eyes on much more than a divisional title. After a magical 2025 that saw catcher Cal Raleigh put up MVP numbers, this team has World Series aspirations. The question is, can they avenge last year’s game seven loss in the ALCS and take home the first AL pennant in franchise history?
Houston: Is the window finally shut?
The Astro’s dynasty may be over. After years of ruling over the AL West—winning two World Series in the process—power seems to have shifted out of Houston and into Seattle. After looking poised for the postseason last year, the Astros became buyers at the deadline and brought back fan favorite Carlos Correa. However, a brutal collapse left Houston at home in October. Now, in March, they are searching for answers.
Texas: Stuck in the middle?
The Rangers are not a terrible baseball team. The Rangers are not a great baseball team either. After their World Series victory in 2023 (yes that actually happened), the Rangers have been mediocre. Now, with another good roster, things are looking up.
Los Angeles: Mike Trout is still there, somehow.
Despite being one of, if not the, best players of his generation, Mike Trout has never truly competed for a World Series victory. Instead, Mike Trout has been loyal beyond all belief, spending his entire career with the Angels. With his career coming to a close, I think we all enjoy the loyal star.
Athletics: Fun players in Oakland?
The A’s are in a weird spot, figuratively and literally. They are currently playing in a minor league stadium, and their offense is filled with young stars like Nick Kurtz, who had a great rookie season. Still, Athletics are by no means contenders as they have some gaps in the roster. If you want to get close to the action, the A’s and their minor league stadium are the team for you!
