American League power rankings: Who’s the team to beat?

AL East

5. Baltimore Orioles

The poor Orioles. The team actually improved by seven wins in 2019 even t hough they finished 54-108. It is easy to forget the Orioles were a playoff team in 2016. Getting back to that point seems light years away based on the rebuilding process currently in place.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are currently locked down in Toronto in preparation for the season. This is a roster filled with young stars, but the lack of experience keeps the Blue Jays out of playoff contention for at least another year. This year’s schedule won’t be too favorable either.

3. Boston Red Sox

The goal in Boston this offseason was to cut salary. Sending Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers achieved that goal. Alex Cora was let go as manager due to his role in the Astros scandal and there were no major additions made. Another average season may be the reality for the Red Sox.

2. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays nearly took down the Astros in last year’s ALDS and won 96 games with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. The core of the team is back and as long as long as Blake Snell plays, the Rays remain contenders.

1. New York Yankees

The Yankees are absolutely stacked and the addition of Gerrit Cole is almost unfair. The key for the team is staying healthy.

A lineup featuring Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for an entire season will be tough to stop.