Yankees
The Bronx Bombers were definitely gutted when Juan Soto decided to leave the organization in free agency and sign a 15-year, $765 million deal with the crosstown rival New York Mets. That didn’t start the Yankees’ offseason in the best manner, but they’ve made up for it. Last season’s World Series finalists traded for Cody Bellinger to slot into the heart of their lineup and he should hit lots of homers with the short porch in right field.
NY also brought in All-Star closer Devin Williams in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, sending Nestor Cortes the other way. Perhaps the most notable move however was the signing of lefty Max Fried, who will be a stud at the top of the rotation with Gerrit Cole. Paul Goldschmidt also inked a one-year contract. Losing Soto wasn’t ideal, but the Yankees’ front office did a solid job still improving. They have +105 odds to repeat as AL East winners at Sports Interaction.
Orioles
Will the Orioles finally live up to expectations? This ball club has been legit over the last two seasons and have been deemed a World Series contender. Yet, they’ve lost in the Wild Card Series in back-to-back years. Thankfully, the core of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and others remain young. Plus, Baltimore has a plethora of prospects not far off the big leagues, too. The O’s added a few solid pieces this offseason to boot. Tyler O’Neill will join their outfield after spending last season with the Boston Red Sox, clubbing 31 homers. He should be an immediate replacement from a power standpoint for Anthony Santander.
On the mound, Baltimore added proven veteran Charlie Morton, who should give them experience and obviously production despite his age. The Orioles finished just three games behind the Yankees in 2024 and have the second-best AL East odds at MLB betting sites.
Red Sox
Boston has been active in free agency, but their fans still want more. While trading for Garrett Crochet and signing Walker Buehler improve their rotation, the Red Sox could still use more offense. Buzz around a Nolan Arenado trade continues to circulate, while Alex Bregman remains a free agent as well, but he’d have to play second base. The loss of O’Neill is significant for Boston considering the power output he brought to the table. Another bat is certainly needed, while more bullpen arms wouldn’t hurt, either.
Rays, Blue Jays won’t contend
Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays didn’t do much this offseason and it will hurt their chances in a competitive AL East. The Rays will have more or less the same roster as ‘24 but stud left-hander Shane McClanahan will return from Tommy John. That will provide them with a massive boost at the top of the rotation.
As for the Jays, they swung and missed on Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. However, Anthony Santander signed with the team and brings huge power to their lineup. Also, Max Scherzer is set to become a Blue Jay, joining an already talented rotation. But, it’s hard to imagine Toronto finishing anywhere above third in the AL East. This core hasn’t been able to get the job done and be consistent throughout a 162-game season.
