With Opening Day right around the corner, we give you our 2018 MLB division preview for the AL East and give you our projected standings, top 5 position players and pitchers, and our breakout and disappointing player of 2018.
Watch the video above (and below) for the full preview.
We have the New York Yankees coming in first with a record of 95-67. Their addition of NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton makes for a modern day version of the “Murderer's Row” with Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Stanton. Expect the Yankees to lead the majors in home runs by a considerable margin.
In 2nd, we have the Boston Red Sox led by ace pitcher Chris Sale. Sale became the first pitcher in Red Sox history since Pedro Martinez to strikeout 300 batters in one season. With a potential comeback season in the works for David Price as well, the Red Sox rotation could be one of the best in all of baseball.
In 3rd, we have the Toronto Blue Jays led by superstar Josh Donaldson. The Blue Jays were riddled with injuries in 2017 and it severely hampered their playoff hopes, but with a healthy Donaldson and ace Marcus Stroman, the Blue Jays will certainly be in the hunt for a wildcard spot.
In 4th, we have the Baltimore Orioles. With trade rumors swirling around star 3B-turned-SS Manny Machado, the Orioles have a lot to prove in 2018 in order to keep their franchise face. The recent addition of Alex Cobb will provide a huge boost to their rotation.
In last, we have the Tampa Bay Rays. With Evan Longoria now in San Francisco, the Rays will be hurting for offense this season with another rebuild on the way. Expect them to also move ace pitcher Chris Archer at some point this season.
Projected Standings:
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
Tampa Bay Rays
Listed below is our rankings of the top 5 position players and pitchers in the AL East and our pick for the breakout and disappointing players for the 2018 season.
Top 5 players in division:
Josh Donaldson
Mookie Betts
Giancarlo Stanton
Aaron Judge
Manny Machado
Top 5 pitchers in division:
Craig Kimbrel
Luis Severino
Marcus Stroman
Chris Archer
Chris Sale
Breakout player:
Rafael Devers
Disappointing player:
Chris Davis
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