2016 MLB Picks & Predictions: American League East Expert Predictions & Forecast

2016 MLB Picks & Predictions – American League East Expert Predictions & Forecast: The MLB division previews roll on, and it is time to head to the American League. We will start with the AL East, where there was once again no shortage of cash flow during the offseason. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are the traditional big spenders, but the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles haven’t been shy about cutting checks lately either. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays always seem to find a way to be competitive, despite a smaller payroll.

Not surprisingly, the division tends to be solid from top to bottom, and it is very hard for one team to run away with things. Don’t be surprised if all five teams find a way to approach the .500 mark, and multiple AL East teams could end up in the playoffs.

2016 MLB Picks & Predictions: American League East Expert Predictions & Forecast

1. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox aren’t a lock to dominate the division, but their combination of proven veterans and high-upside youngsters gives them the best shot. Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts should only get better, and David Ortiz still has plenty of pop in his bat. Rusney Castillo could still develop into a force, and if Dustin Pedroia, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez can stay somewhat healthy, the offense should be just fine. Meanwhile, the additions of David Price and Craig Kimbrel should solidify the top of the rotation and he back of the bullpen.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Although Toronto’s powerful offense didn’t get any younger in the offseason, the Jays core of sluggers still have a few good seasons left in them. Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin are all among the best hitters at their position, and Ben Revere should be a nice table-setter atop the lineup. The pitching staff is a bit of a different story, but if Marcus Stroman and Marco Estrada continue to pitch the way they did at the end of last season, the Blue Jays will have a good chance to defend their division title.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay’s offense always seems to be a question mark, and this year will be no exception. Evan Longoria is the biggest power threat, but he has seen his numbers decline in recent years. That being said, the Rays always seem to find a way to manufacture some offense, and they shouldn’t have to score a bunch, considering how stout their pitching should be. Chris Archer anchors the rotation, and their projected No. 5 starter, Erasmo Ramirez, won 11 games and had a 3.75 ERA last year. The Rays should be able to pitch their way into contention.

4. New York Yankees

There is no doubt that the Yankees can shorten games with their arsenal of flamethrowers in the bullpen, but their roster full of aging veterans and injury-prone players is a ticking time bomb. Masahiro Tanaka is one pitch away from blowing out his elbow, and CC Sabathia spent a chunk of his offseason in rehab. Can you really expect Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira to stay healthy all year? If everything falls into place, the Yankees could make a run. However, they are much more likely to be flirting with the .500 in one of the deepest divisions in baseball. 

5. Baltimore Orioles

Chris Davis’ power is off the charts, Adam Jones is solid and Manny Machado is an MVP-caliber player. However, the Orioles don’t have many other players that they can know what to expect from in 2016. The pitching is particularly worrisome, considering all five of their projected starters for this season had an ERA above 4.00 a year ago. Granted, Baltimore has been more than respectable the last few years, but this roster just seems undermanned in this division.

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