The Main League Baseball season will open in Tokyo on March 17-18 with a two-game collection between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The opposite big-league groups, in the meantime, will open their seasons later in March.
Forward of Opening Day, Yardbarker MLB writers provide a best-case situation document for each workforce within the American League.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (Greatest-case document: 88-74) | The Orioles are the beneficiaries of a Yankees workforce that’s weakened by damage. Most projection websites, including PECOTA, have Baltimore and New York virtually neck and neck within the AL East, however the Orioles might have the sting regardless of an underwhelming offseason.
BOSTON RED SOX (Greatest-case document: 89-73) | Just like the Orioles, Boston advantages vastly from a compromised Yankees membership. After including third baseman Alex Bregman and pitchers Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman to enhance their burgeoning farm system, the Purple Sox appear to be the brand new AL East favorites.
NEW YORK YANKEES (Greatest-case document: 86-76) | Let’s get one factor straight in regards to the Yankees: Regardless of all of their main accidents heading into 2025, they haven’t endured a losing season since 1992. That’s a formidable streak that may probably proceed this season, even when they’re not the juggernaut they have been projected to be going into the season.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (Greatest-case document: 84-78) | The Rays are underrated in 2025, which can occur once they share a division with the Yankees, Orioles and Purple Sox. However at its finest, Tampa may very well be a pitching machine with its ace left-hander Shane McClanahan returning. Plus, they sport a sneaky-good lineup with the addition of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (Greatest-case document: 77-85) | The Blue Jays acquired higher with the additions of OF Anthony Santander and beginning pitcher Max Scherzer, however even in a best-case situation, they’re nonetheless on the backside of the AL East pack. A lot of their success (if any) will hinge on what the tandem of SS Bo Bichette and 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can accomplish in what seems to be to be their final dance collectively in Toronto. — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (Greatest-case document: 81-81) | The A’s lastly opened the checkbook, signing pitcher Luis Severino and increasing DH Brent Rooker and outfielder Lawrence Butler. The A’s is probably not able to contend within the AL West, however reaching .500 can be a step in the suitable path.
HOUSTON ASTROS (Greatest-case document: 90-72) | The Astros are at a crossroads as they’re trying to complement a veteran core with one of the worst farm systems in baseball (per MLB.com). If the Astros’ try and construct an outfield with out outfielders (2B Jose Altuve is in left and 3B Cam Smith in proper) goes properly, they might squeeze out one other division title.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (Greatest-case document: 75-83) | The Angels haven’t had a profitable document since 2015. Perhaps that may change if OF Mike Trout stays wholesome, nearer Kenley Jansen has one other robust season and starters Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks discover success. Nevertheless, nearly every part has to go proper for a .500 season. That is unlikely.
SEATTLE MARINERS (Greatest-case document: 92-70) | The Mariners arguably have one of the best pitching workers within the majors, coupled with one of many worst lineups. An MVP-level efficiency from CF Julio Rodriguez and All-Star caliber seasons from outfielder Randy Arozarena and catcher Cal Raleigh could also be essential for the Mariners to return to the postseason.
TEXAS RANGERS (Greatest-case document: 92-70) | The Rangers may very well be probably the greatest groups within the AL if they will keep wholesome. Which may be simpler mentioned than performed as pitcher Jon Grey will begin the season on the injured list and pitchers Cody Bradford and Tyler Mahle have had their very own damage scares. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (Greatest-case document: 63-99) | Simply exhibiting competence can be a step in the suitable path for the White Sox. A best-case situation includes rental choices akin to pitcher Martin Perez and outfielder Luis Robert performing properly sufficient to commerce whereas Chicago’s future core positive factors useful big-league expertise.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (Greatest-case document: 92-70) | The Guardians once more might want to experience probably the greatest bullpens within the majors. If OF Steven Kwan (14 HR, .292 BA) replicates his 2024 efficiency and one other participant helps present safety for star third baseman Jose Ramirez, the Guardians may very well be harmful once more.
DETROIT TIGERS (Greatest-case document: 90-72) | The Tigers acquired deeper, including second baseman Gleyber Torres and reuniting with pitcher Jack Flaherty. If their younger hitters take a step ahead and Tarik Skubal places collectively one other Cy Younger-caliber season, the Tigers might win the division and shock within the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (Greatest-case document: 90-72) | The Royals’ success once more will come right down to SS Bobby Witt Jr. and the pitching workers. One other MVP-caliber 12 months from Witt (32 HR, .332 BA in 2024) will go a good distance towards one other playoff berth.
MINNESOTA TWINS (Greatest-case document: 86-76) | All of it comes right down to well being for the Twins. If OF Byron Buxton, SS Carlos Correa and infielder Royce Lewis keep wholesome, the Twins might shock. Nevertheless, as Lewis is already injured, that best-case situation might have already handed by. — David Hill
