Rating the A.L. East
1. Boston Red Sox
Last year: 93-69, first place (lost to Astros in the ALDS)
Key losses: Addison Reed, Chris Young, Doug Fister Key newcomer: J.D. Martinez
Best-case scenario: Martinez brings his power display to Fenway Park, adding to a lineup that includes Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts, and a healthy David Price pairs with Chris Sale to create a lethal 1-2 punch of left-handers.
Worst-case scenario: Even with the surge in the total number of home runs, the Red Sox again fall near the bottom.
Hot prospect: Jay Groome is already the team’s top prospect according to Baseball America, despite struggling in his first full pro season, posting a 5.69 ERA across two levels.
2. New York Yankees
Last year: 91-71, second place (lost to Astros in the ALCS)
Key losses: Chase Headley, Starlin Castro, Todd Frazier, Michael Pineda, Matt Holliday, Jaime Garcia Key newcomer: Giancarlo Stanton Best-case scenario: Stanton and Aaron Judge feast on the American League with their home run prowess, and Luis Severino turns into a Cy Young frontrunner. Worst-case scenario: Aaron Boone struggles in his first season as Yankees manager, the starting rotation struggles with consistency, and the bullpen shows signs of fading.
Hot prospect: Gleyber Torres could give the Yankees back-to-back rookies of the year, filling in at either third or second base.
3. Tampa Bay Rays
Last year: 80-82, third place
Key losses: Evan Longoria, Lucas Duda, Logan Morrison, Alex Cobb Key newcomers: Christian Arroyo, Denard Span, Ryan Schimpf
Best-case scenario: The Rays, led by young arms such as Chris Archer, put together a strong run at a postseason bid. Worst-case scenario: Longoria’s leadership is missed, as is the power and production from Duda and Morrison.
Hot prospect: Brent Honeywell’s coming-out party will be delayed after undergoing elbow surgery.
4. Toronto Blue Jays
Last year: 76-86, fourth place
Key losses: Jose Bautista, Michael Saunders, Ryan Goins
Key newcomers: Jaime Garcia, Yangervis Solarte, Randal Grichuk, Curtis Granderson, Aledmys Diaz
Best-case scenario: The roster tinkering, including the loss of former franchise face Bautista, refreshes the franchise. Worst-case scenario: The Blue Jays continue to tear down their roster and bottom out. Hot prospect: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are potential franchise cornerstones.
5. Baltimore Orioles
Last year: 75-87, fifth place Key losses: Welington Castillo,
J.J. Hardy, Wade Miley
Key newcomers: Andrew Cashner Best-case scenario: Manny Machado makes his swan song with the team memorable. He’s likely to leave as a free agent after the season. Worst-case scenario: The pitching is even worse this year.
Hot prospect: Outfielder Austin Hays could use more seasoning but might be needed this year in Baltimore. Yonder Alonso joins a strong Tribe squad while J.D. Martinez brings more power to the potent Boston lineup. Manny Machado could be in his swan song for the Orioles.