The Wild Race of the AL East

By: Will Aimette

(Image Credit: Spectrum Bay News)

The contest for the crown of the AL East has been one of the best division races in recent memory. There have been history-making winning streaks, classic Yankee dominance, and… the Rays? Yeah. Out of all these crazy storylines, including an inter-divisional trade of a generational player, the Rays are winning the AL East. Driven by MVP candidate Junior Caminero (Batting .275 with 35 HRS), and Chandler Simpon (Who is quietly batting .307 with 35 SB’s), this Rays lineup produces runs out of thin air. Even with Yandy Diaz having an off-year (at least for his standards), this order has developed into a weapon. As for their pitching, I’m a big fan of their trade to get Freddy Peralta, because if any team can fix a pitcher, it has historically been the Rays. Their staff is set with Rasmussen, Martinez, and Peralta for the playoffs, now they just need to hold onto the division lead for another six weeks. But they might not. And that’s because the Yankees trail six games behind the Rays, and they have more than enough time to catch them. Judge will be back soon, and when he is, this lineup is much more dangerous. Ben Rice is looking like the second coming of prime Luke Voit (hopefully, unlike Voit, he remains this good his entire career), and George Lombard Jr. is clearly ready to dominate at a big-league level. Their pitching, when healthy, is the best in the AL, with Schlittler, Cole, and Fried leading the way. The only thing that could, and has been holding them back is their bullpen. If their bullpen can close out games like they have the potential to, with Bednar and Fernando Cruz, they could easily win the division. But right behind the Yankees is Boston. After a horrendous first couple months, the Red Sox fired their manager, Alex Cora, and they looked completely out of it. After going 31-5, they climbed their way back to a spot in the playoffs, then acquired Adley Rutschman, one of the best catchers of his generation. They look to be serious contenders, and although they have been slipping recently, there is no doubt that they could win their division, especially if Crochet comes back early. We’ve seen how hot this group of guys can get, with Wilyer Abreu having a breakout season on offense and Sonny Gray doing his best to imitate Crochet on the mound. Right behind the Red Sox are the Orioles and the Blue Jays, both with 61 wins. The Orioles currently hold the final Wild Card spot, although it’s a toss-up between the two at this point in the season. And both teams confuse me with their plans. The Blue Jays traded away Kevin Gausman, just to trade their number two prospect for another pitcher of Gausman’s caliber, Soriano. As for the Orioles, they traded away Rutschman, the previous heart and soul of their team, right when they got hot. Now both are in a half-in, half-out situation, but can still turn it around with September nearing. The AL East is one of the craziest divisions we’ve seen in recent history, but will there be a change in the standings? Here’s what I think:

I think the Rays will remain the first-place team. They’re simply out of reach for the Yankees; if they keep playing like this, they’ll easily win the division. I think their pitching will only get better when Peralta figures it out, and Simpson is as hot as he’s ever been. As long as either Yandy Diaz, Junior Caminero, or their ace, Drew Rasmussen doesn’t get hurt, they should be fine. And I think the Yankees will be the second team, since Judge is scheduled to come back, but he might not be as good as we think. As good as Judge can be, we’ve seen him go on some horrendous cold streaks, especially after injury. So that’s exactly why I think this next team will be right on their tails. And that team is the Toronto Blue Jays. They have the same pieces as last year, just without Bo Bichette. But they didn’t even have him for most of their playoff run anyway. We know how good their team can be, they just consecutively beat the Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox, and are playing like last year’s Blue Jays. So that’s why I think they’ll climb from last to third in their division, making the playoffs. For the teams that will come in fourth and fifth: Well, that’s the Red Sox and Orioles. And both won’t make the playoffs. I’m picking a collapse of the Red Sox because it feels too good for them. And by baseball law, it can never be that good for the Red Sox. Yeah, I mentioned Crochet MIGHT be back, but you never really know with him. Their lineup has gone ice cold in the past week, and the whole situation reminds me of April/May all over again. And the Orioles? After careful consideration of their roster, they lack…everything. Now that their catcher is gone, their other best player (Gunnar Henderson) looks like their third base coach out on the field, and Jackson Holliday has been on the IL since what feels like last Christmas. Their pitching isn’t particularly good, and neither is their bullpen. I don’t think there’s a chance they keep this hot streak up.