Graphic by Clara Boberg
Brendan Locke
Sports Reporter
After a wild offseason, the MLB is back and better than ever. With many All-Stars moving to different teams as well as new prospects being introduced, the 2018 season is looking like it will be another great year for baseball. Many fans would agree that the American League East has caused quite a stir over the offseason and some very talented teams are being put together within the division. Here’s a look at the strengths, weaknesses, and necessities for these powerful lineups as the season begins.
New York Yankees
The team that is on everyone’s mind is, of course, the New York Yankees. The Yankees made a huge splash this offseason by signing reigning National League MVP and home run leader Giancarlo Stanton. Not only was the signing of Stanton huge, but they would be adding him to a lineup that is already filled with firepower. With young superstars Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, the Yankees are looking to have one of their best lineups since the 1927 Murderers Row, a team that had Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and four other hall of famers. Even with their mediocre pitching, the MLB is in the midst of a home run revolution and the “Bronx Bombers” are leading the way. New York is coming into this year as one of the favorites to win the World Series, they just need to make sure their young stars stay consistent.
Boston Red Sox
Although the Boston Red Sox did not have quite as eventful an offseason as their rivals in New York, some could say they still came out on top. One of the highlights for the team was signing J.D. Martinez. Martinez, who had a breakout year in 2017, will add some power to a lineup that was at the lower end of the league last year when it came to home run hitting. While the Red Sox did not make any other big moves in the offseason, they have the same fantastic defensive squad that took them to the playoffs last year as well as their phenomenal starting rotation, led by perennial Cy Young contender Chris Sale, and backed by Rick Porcello and David Price. If the Red Sox can remain a top-tier defensive team and capitalize on the young power bats in their lineup, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Although the Yankees are the favorites to win the division, by no means should Boston be counted out of the race.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays did not add any flashy players like their fellow AL East teams, but don’t let that fool you. The Jays made a few smaller additions and resultantly have become a very underrated team entering the 2018 season. During the offseason, Toronto added talented veterans Curtis Granderson and Yangervis Solarte, in addition to young studs Aledmys Diaz and Randal Grichuk. The foursome hit 73 home runs combined last season for their respective teams and will all have solid impacts on the team. Overall, the Blue Jays are a very talented team led by amazing players in Josh Donaldson and Kevin Pillar. Unfortunately, they are in an extremely competitive division in an already competitive American League, so don’t be expecting to see them making any appearances in October.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles, like the Blue Jays, did not make any big signings this offseason, which was expected given their dismal transfer history. Despite adding a few young pitchers to bolster the rotation and aid the bullpen, they are looking to be the same level of mediocrity as last year and have not much to look forward to. Adam Jones, a five-time All-Star, is getting old and is past his prime. Mark Trumbo, one of the Orioles few power hitters, is out until late April or early May because of muscle soreness, likely a result of old age. The only bright spots for the Orioles lineup would be young superstar Manny Machado and consistent veteran Chris Davis. Look for Machado, in particular, to make a splash, moving his defensive skills to shortstop, and using his bat to wreak havoc on opposing pitchers. Although Baltimore has strong management and phenomenal scouts, they are on track to do just as bad as last season, maybe even worse considering Boston’s and New York’s upgraded lineups.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays came out of this year’s offseason showing the rest of the league that they are looking for the future and that they couldn’t care less about the result of the 2018 season. By trading away their top three hitters in Evan Longoria, Corey Dickerson, and Steven Souza, the Rays were able to acquire young talent to replace aging veterans. Because of these additions, the Rays have little going for them as of right now. However, looking into the next four or five years, the Rays have some players who could really make a splash if given the time to develop. For now, however, look for a last-place finish from the Rays.
While some teams are trending up entering the 2018 season and some teams are trending down, there is no doubt that this will be a great year for baseball.
