In part 2, we sifted through the issues that the Yankees have had this preseason. I don't share the optimism of certain local sports personalities, and I'll leave it at that.
Now, let's take a look at the rest of the AL East;
In Boston, the big story was the Red Sox picking up pitcher Walker Buehler from the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, while Garrett Crochet was picked up from the Chicago White Sox after the Southsiders had a historically horrid 2024 campaign. Once feared closer Aroldis Chapman has made Boston his latest stop, for however long that lasts, but it's more likely that Liam Hendriks, who last pitched for Chicago in 2023, will be the closer if he's 100% healthy.
The other major headline in Beantown, of course, was the heisting of Alex Bregman from Houston, although they're talking about a position change for Bregman, rather than move incumbent 3rd baseman Rafael Devers. Bregman, paired with Devers and Trevor Story should give Boston plenty of infield firepower.
Missing from the Boston lineup is outfielder Tyler O'Neill, who has moved to Baltimore, where he's reunited with former St. Louis teammate Dylan Carlson, who played for Tampa Bay last season. The Orioles shored up their starting rotation with the acquisition of Charlie Morton (Atlanta). Outfielder Ramon Laureano also came over from Atlanta.
In Toronto, all the talk centers on whether or not Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. will follow through on his promise to test free agency after this season. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays got busy in free agency picking up pitchers Jeff Hoffman (Philadelphia) & Max Scherzer (Texas), infielder Andres Giminez (Cleveland), and outfielder Anthony Santander (Baltimore). But, as often happens, the Jays make splashy moves like this, but it doesn't bring them a postseason berth.
Back in Tampa Bay, damage to Tropicana Field caused by some hurricanes last fall has the Rays renting the Yankees' spring home, Steinbrenner Field, this season, as "The Trop" is due to reopen in 2026. The Rays' biggest move in the offseason was signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (San Diego), and signing catchers Danny Jansen (Toronto) and Ben Rortvedt (Yankees). Not much to say otherwise.
Projected order of finish:
1. Toronto.
2. Yankees.
3. Baltimore.
3 (tie) Boston.
5. Tampa Bay.
Of course, I could be wrong.
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