Hope springs everlasting for many MLB followers this time of 12 months. However all groups have issues — some large, others comparatively minor.
Forward of this week’s begin of spring coaching video games, Yardbarker MLB writers determine the largest concern for every American League staff. (2024 regular-season information are in parentheses.)
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (91-71) | They didn’t do sufficient this offseason | Few groups can boast a position-player core as younger and proficient because the Orioles, however they didn’t capitalize on the chance to complement it this offseason. Will their modest strikes be sufficient to maintain tempo with the Yankees and Pink Sox?
BOSTON RED SOX (81-81) | Sacrificing protection to make a splash | The Pink Sox added veteran infielder Alex Bregman, a Gold Glove winner at 3B for the Astros final season, on a three-year, $120M contract, however apparently intend to play him at second base. That’s not precisely sensible in case you take a look at the defensive metrics, nevertheless. Present third baseman Rafael Devers, an elite hitter, grades poorly with the glove.
NEW YORK YANKEES (94-68) | Well being | It’s that straightforward for the Yankees, who all the time appear to take care of some form of damage bug every season. The dialog begins with OF Aaron Decide needing to play on daily basis, however New York additionally wants a full season from ace Gerrit Cole, newly signed left-hander Max Fried, OF Jasson Dominguez, DH Giancarlo Stanton and others.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (80-82) | Enjoying residence video games in a minor-league stadium | Due to hurricane injury quickly closing Tropicana Area, the Rays will play 2025 residence video games at 11,000-seat George M. Steinbrenner Area in Tampa. Maybe the smaller discipline and summer season warmth might play into the Rays’ favor this season, particularly given the staff’s shortcomings on the plate, however it is a prove-it season for Tampa Bay.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (74-88) | They didn’t add sufficient (once more) | The Blue Jays often battle to signal free brokers, although they did signal OF Anthony Santander and beginning pitcher Max Scherzer in FA. However can they energy Toronto to the playoffs, particularly contemplating that a lot of the roster returns from a 74-win membership in 2024? — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (69-93) | The beginning rotation | The A’s surprisingly spent greater than $150M this offseason, highlighted by signing righty Luis Severino and buying lefty Jeffrey Springs in commerce. Nevertheless, the rotation stays a priority.
HOUSTON ASTROS (88-73) | Third base | Alex Bregman’s departure for the Pink Sox leaves a gaping gap within the lineup. The 2024 Gold Glove winner’s absence at 3B could also be felt most defensively, as anticipated alternative Isaac Paredes is rated as barely under common with the glove.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (63-99) | Will regression hit Yusei Kikuchi? | Pitcher Kikuchi parlayed 10 sturdy begins for the Astros right into a three-year, $63.68M contract with the Angels. He has struck out a bit greater than a batter an inning in his profession. Nevertheless, Kikuchi has not put every part collectively for a complete season, one thing the Angels are relying on as they give the impression of being to complete above .500 for the primary time since 2015.
SEATTLE MARINERS (85-77) | Will they hit sufficient? | The Mariners, who completed a recreation out of the playoffs final season, had a quiet offseason, with infielders Donovan Solano and Jorge Polanco the key additions. Neither is far of an improve to a lineup that ranked twenty second with a .687 OPS in 2024.
TEXAS RANGERS (78-84) | Rotation well being | On paper, the Rangers have a formidable rotation with Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle and Jon Grey. Nevertheless, all three have battled accidents lately. For the Rangers to contend for the postseason, that trio should be wholesome. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (41-121) | Just about every part | When a staff loses 121 video games in a season, just about every part should be a priority. This season is a matter of discovering items for the longer term. Even a 99-loss season would mark a 22-game enchancment over 2024.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (92-69) | Discovering one other bat (once more) | Third baseman Jose Ramirez has established himself as the most effective on the place within the huge leagues. He is a constant risk within the lineup. The issue is discovering one other bat or two to take the strain off of Ramirez, particularly since first baseman Josh Naylor was traded to the Diamondbacks.
DETROIT TIGERS (86-76) | Have they finished sufficient? | The Tigers improved the roster by including second baseman Gleyber Torres and pitchers Jack Flaherty and Alex Cobb. Nevertheless, Detroit continues to be lacking a confirmed middle-of-the-order bat. Its failed pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman could loom massive in what needs to be a aggressive division.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (86-76) | Can they enhance their hitting? | The Royals rode a drastically improved rotation and a top-heavy lineup to a stunning playoff berth in 2024. Kansas Metropolis fortified the pitching employees, however an outfield that posted a MLB-worst .643 OPS returns intact and could be the Achilles’ heel.
MINNESOTA TWINS (82-80) | Ending out the season | The Twins collapsed within the second half in 2022 and 2024, lacking the playoffs each seasons. A quiet offseason by which infielder Ty France was the largest signing might result in extra of the identical in 2025. — David Hill
