2024 MLB Division Preview: AL East
Baltimore Orioles
2023 - 101-61, NL East Champs, lost to Rangers in ALDS
Offseason - traded for SP Corbin Burnes
2024 Outlook - The Baltimore Orioles did what nobody expected and they won 101 games, the division, and were the number one seed in the American League postseason. It ended on a sour note, with a sweep in the division series to the hands of the Texas Rangers. However, the Orioles have cemented themselves as a true contender for the near future. They went out and added an ace to their rotation, Corbin Burnes, which was a big need going into the offseason. Now that the expectations are high for this club, can they live up to them? I think they will. There’s no reason to doubt they can put together another great season in 2024 with all the young talent and momentum they have.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 90.5 - I’m taking the over. I think Baltimore is good enough to win this division again and a mid-90’s win season is where I expect them to land.
Tampa Bay Rays
2023 - 99-63, 2nd place, lost to Rangers in Wild Card Series
Offseason - nothing to note
2024 Outlook - The Rays got off to one of the best starts in MLB history last year. They held on to the division lead most of the way but started to fade toward the end and never got back to where they were. Injuries and off the field issues plagued Tampa Bay in the second half and they looked awful in their WIld Card round defeat. Looking ahead to 2024, there’s not much to look at that would give you hope they can be a lock for the postseason. That being said, this organization has proven time and time again that they can do a lot of damage with very little. They still have a good lineup and always have great pitching depth. They will compete but I don’t expect huge results from them this year.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 84.5 - I’m taking the over. Yes, their roster isn’t as strong as last year but that doesn’t mean they have nothing. They will be in the hunt for a wild card spot.
Toronto Blue Jays
2023 - 89-73, 3rd place, lost to Twins in Wild Card Series
Offseason - signed 3B Justin Turner
2024 Outlook - The Blue Jays just barely made the postseason last year and it ended quickly in the first round against the Twins. I feel this will be a make-or-break season in Toronto. They need to make a slash in the postseason or it may be time to start questioning if this roster needs drastic changes. After being on the wrong side of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, their offseason was on the quiet side. They did add veteran third basemen Justin Turner but there are still concerns with the pitching depth. The talent is there, the drive is there, but the window of opportunity for this club to win big is starting to close.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 86.5 - I’m taking the over. I have big expectations every year for the Blue Jays and they always fall short of them. I’m holding strong in my faith with this club and I think they will have a good season and can win a postseason series or two.
New York Yankees
2023 - 82-80, 4th place, missed postseason
Offseason - traded for OF Juan Soto and OF Alex Verdugo, signed SP Marcus Stroman
2024 Outlook - The Yankees 2023 season was a disaster. They didn’t even sniff the postseason and in New York, that’s simply unacceptable. The club went out and got a big left-handed bat, Juan Soto, to pair with Aaron Judge. They also added to their starting pitching depth by signing Marcus Stroman. Health is always the question mark for this team but they have arguably the best starting pitcher, Gerrit Cole, and position player, Aaron Judge on their team. I believe the Yankees will have a bounce-back season and make the postseason.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 93.5 - I’m taking the under. I do think they will be a winning team and compete for the division crown but I still like the Orioles more than the Yankees. I think the 90-92 win range is a fair expectation this season.
Boston Red Sox
2023 - 78-84, 5th place, missed postseason
Offseason - signed RP Liam Hendricks and SP Lucas Giolito
2024 Outlook - The Red Sox are a confusing team in terms of which direction they are going. The front office speaks of competing and going “all in”, yet their actions (or lack thereof) tell a different story. Boston finished at the bottom of the division last season, and there was very little done to improve their roster. In fact, I would argue this current roster is worse. 2024 is looking like another bum year, but at least we’ll get a Netflix documentary out of it!
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 80.5 - I’m taking the under. There’s no reason to believe they can improve on their win total from last season.