The 2023 MLB AL East division champions will be the Baltimore Orioles. The New York Yankees will be the American League’s World Series representative.
Baltimore Orioles
Key Addition – MLB’s No. 1 prospect INF Gunnar Henderson
Intangible – Maturity. Are you shocked we are predicting the Orioles to emerge atop the vaunted AL East? We are as well. But, when we took a deep look at their roster, we concluded that this is a contending team. Trade deadline moves to bolster their pitching staff will determine whether they win the division.
New York Yankees
Key Addition – SP Carlos Rodon
Intangible – Health. The Yankees’ heralded pitching staff suffered significant injuries during Spring Training. The 2023 season’s success will depend on how soon the injured pitchers (Carlos Rodón strained left forearm, Frankie Montas shoulder surgery, Luis Severino lat strain) return.
Toronto Blue Jays
Key Addition – SP Chris Bassitt
Intangible -Attitude. Is this the best team on paper in the major leagues -northern pundits seem to believe it.
Tampa Rays
Key Addition – SP Zach Eflin
Intangible – Can-do mentality. Whenever we examine the Rays’ roster and compare it to divisional rivals, we predict doom. Every season they prove us wrong. Why break our streak of saying they are not up to the task?
Boston Red Sox
Key Addition – OF Masataka Yoshida
Intangible – Teamwork. In the offseason, the Red Sox roster had a makeover. Trevor Story was expected to shift from 2B to SS to replace the departed Xander Bogaerts. An unexpected elbow injury is likely sidelining him for the entire 2023 season.