AL East futures: Yankees favored over Orioles, Blue Jays

The American League East has long been viewed as the most difficult division in the big leagues and 2024 is no different. The New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox are all potential playoff teams, so you can understand why it’s such a battle ever season. After a busy free agency period though, the Bronx Bombers have opened up the campaign as the favorite in the AL East futures, with the O’s and Jays not far behind. Below, we’ll preview the division.

Yankees

The Yankees have +130 odds at BetVictor to win the AL East and it’s understandable why. Despite an injury to their ace Gerrit Cole who will the first few months of the season, this is a team with no shortage of talent. Aaron Judge leads the way as one of the most feared hitters in the sport, while New York also went out and traded for Juan Soto, who is an absolute stud. Alex Verdugo came over in the offseason too from the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees showed they’re not messing around this season in the Opening Series of the year, sweeping the Houston Astros over the weekend. After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Bronx Bombers couldn’t be more motivated.

Orioles

Baltimore burst onto the scene last season and won the AL East, going 101-61. While the Texas Rangers took care of them in the ALDS en route to their World Series title, the Orioles are built for success for years to come. From Gunnar Henderson to Adley Rutschman to Ryan Mountcastle, the O’s have a lot of talent. The rotation was a question mark at times last year but bringing in Corbin Burnes to spearhead the staff was huge. If Grayson Rodriguez comes into his own as well, they could have a lethal 1-2 at the top of the rotation. Baltimore has the second-best AL East odds at most MLB betting sites.

Blue Jays

Toronto has been expected to be a contender for years, but it’s yet to happen. Yes, they play in the AL East, we get it. But, the reality is Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Co. haven’t lived up to expectations. The Jays barely got into the playoffs in 23’ and flamed out in the Wild Card Round against the Minnesota Twins, getting swept in the three-game series. Toronto needed to make a big splash this offseason as well, but that didn’t happen, although they were close to signing Shohei Ohtani. Instead, the best they did was Justin Turner. Vladdy needs to be the Vladdy of two years ago and Kevin Gausman must get healthy ASAP. The Blue Jays’ only chance at winning the AL East is by being 100% healthy, no exceptions.

Rays

While the Rays always somehow find a way to be competitive, that may not be the case in 24’. Their rotation isn’t looking so dominant without recently traded Tyler Glasnow and Shane McClanahan, who is injured. Tampa Bay lost their opening set to the Rangers, but Randy Arozarena is already tearing the cover off the baseball. Although I don’t think the Rays will compete for an AL East title, a Wild Card berth is certainly possible. This is a gritty ball club.