Assessing the AL East Offseason
Once known as the toughest division in baseball, the AL East faced significant struggles during the 2024 season.
Despite the Yankees finishing with the best record in the American League and claiming the pennant, and the Orioles making a playoff appearance, teams like Boston, Tampa Bay, and Toronto fell short of their ambitions.
But all is not lost.
The 2024 season may just be a bump in the road for this fiercely competitive division.
The Yankees are still all-in on their championship quest, even after losing star Juan Soto to the Mets.
Meanwhile, the Orioles remain optimistic about their youthful roster.
The Red Sox are gearing up for a wave of exciting prospects arriving in 2025, the Rays quietly boast a solid starting rotation, and the Blue Jays are looking for redemption after an underwhelming year.
New York Yankees
- Signed ace pitcher Max Fried to an 8-year deal
- Brought in first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for one year
- Completed a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Cody Bellinger (OF/1B)
- Acquired Devin Williams (RP) from the Milwaukee Brewers
- Traded for Fernando Cruz (RP) with the Cincinnati Reds
- Signed Jonathan Loáisiga (RP) for one year
OFFSEASON GRADE: B+ This offseason has presented the Yankees with both challenges and opportunities.
Losing Soto was a jolt to the organization, but it also motivated them to act swiftly.
Making a splash by landing Max Fried—an elite starter—and Devin Williams, an exceptional closer, demonstrates their commitment to remaining competitive.
Enhancing their lineup depth, the addition of Cody Bellinger alongside veteran Paul Goldschmidt will mean more support for Aaron Judge.
The Yankees will need someone, whether a newcomer or a returning player, to step up and make a significant impact.
Baltimore Orioles
- Signed outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a 3-year deal
- Added catcher Gary Sanchez for one year
- Secured veteran pitcher Charlie Morton on a one-year contract
- Signed Tomoyuki Sugano (SP) for one year
- Acquired Andrew Kittredge (RP) for one year
OFFSEASON GRADE: C While the Orioles made some notable additions, the overall impact feels underwhelming, especially after their playoff exit last season.
With the departures of key players like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander to free agency, finding adequate replacements is a clear concern.
Tyler O’Neill could thrive given Camden Yards’ new left-field dimensions; however, his injury history adds risk.
Veteran options like Morton and Sugano may not have eye-popping stats, but their experience could prove invaluable.
Even with a commitment of $96 million, fans might have hoped for more audacious moves that align with the team’s competitive ambitions.
Boston Red Sox
- Signed starting pitcher Walker Buehler for one year
- Acquired Garrett Crochet (SP) in a trade with the Chicago White Sox
- Secured reliever Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal
- Signed Patrick Sandoval (SP) for two years
OFFSEASON GRADE: B- (INCOMPLETE) The Red Sox are clearly making strides to bolster their pitching lineup.
The powerful Crochet is expected to play a pivotal role as the team continues to address its needs.
With Buehler enhancing the rotation and Chapman potentially solidifying the bullpen, they are laying a solid groundwork for the upcoming season.
However, the lack of a high-profile offensive acquisition—such as Alex Bregman—leaves fans eager for more excitement.
Bringing in a marquee player would not only strengthen the lineup but also signal the organization’s commitment to contending seriously.
Tampa Bay Rays
- Signed catcher Danny Jansen for one year
OFFSEASON GRADE: B- The Rays have taken a familiar approach this offseason by letting go of several established players and adding just one mid-tier free agent.
While their strategy may seem understated, it may be just the stability the team needs as discussions about their home stadium continue.
Toronto Blue Jays
- Signed outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year deal
- Acquired Jeff Hoffman (RP) on a three-year contract
- Traded for Andrés Giménez (2B) from the Cleveland Guardians
- Added Myles Straw (OF) through trade from the Guardians
OFFSEASON GRADE: B The Blue Jays have navigated a somewhat turbulent offseason in their search for high-profile free agents.
Although they missed out on some big names, they still managed to make important moves by signing power-hitter Santander and strengthening their roster with infield and bullpen improvements.
If the team can land more talent, such as Bregman or Pete Alonso, they could position themselves well for 2025.
However, securing an extension with superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is critical for maintaining their team’s competitiveness moving forward.
As it stands, the AL East seems poised for an exciting 2025 season.
Each team is working to enhance its roster and pursue its championship dreams, setting the stage for a fiercely contested year ahead!
