New York Yankees

Manager: Aaron Boone, 4th season (236-148)

2020 finish: 33-27 record, 2nd in AL East; Lost in ALDS to Rays

Key additions: Corey Kluber, Jameson Taillon

Notable losses: Adam Ottavino, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, James Paxton

The skinny: D.J. LeMahieu tested free agency, but the Yankees locked him up to a six-year deal to ensure that the second baseman will lead their talented lineup, the clear strength of the AL East favorites. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton anchor the middle of the order; the Yankees need them to stay healthy. Luke Voit surprised with 22 homers in 2020, and he’ll look to build on that while Aaron Hicks and Gleyber Torres help round out a balanced offense.

Pitching, however, has major question marks. Gerrit Cole, the clear-cut ace, impressed last year in his first season in pinstripes, but there are unknowns behind him. Tanaka is gone to Japan. Luis Severino, who missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery, is expected back at some point this summer. The Yankees signed Kluber, but he’s not the same guy who won the Cy Young in 2014 and 2017 after suffering major injuries the last two years. Same with Taillon, who hasn’t pitched since 2019.

There are some issues in the bullpen, too. The Yankees traded Ottavino to the Red Sox, but their bullpen has already taken a hit this spring after Zack Britton injured his elbow, which required surgery and will keep him out until at least July.

Bottom line: The Yankees are division favorites, but nothing is guaranteed. They’ll at least be good enough to make the playoffs, but their health will decide how far they go.