The American League East is one of the best divisions in all of baseball. They represented the American League in the 2025 World Series, and the division has another great opportunity to repeat in 2026. The American League East is a historic division, represented by some of the greatest teams in sports history. It will be a true battle through 162 games to see who can make the postseason. This is the one division in all of baseball that has five potential playoff teams.
The race for the American League East is wide open. The New York Yankees are always going to compete, and the Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a World Series appearance. However, the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays have all made moves to become better and potentially make the postseason.
Just like the other MLB articles, I am going to give my prediction on the over or under on season win totals for each team. I want to mention, this is not betting advice, nor am I endorsing gambling. I am using FanDuel’s numbers only as a reference to the predictions of other major sites have.
*Projections are directly from FanDuel. Other information will come from MLB.com and Sports Reference.
New York Yankees – 90.5 Wins
2025 Record – 94-68 (2nd Place in the American League East)
Entering the 2025 offseason, the historic New York Yankees were coming off an embarrassing World Series loss. To make things worse, then-Yankee outfielder Juan Soto decided to stay in New York, but made the move to the New York Mets. Even with losing one of the best offensive players in baseball, the New York Yankees were one of the best teams in all of baseball in 2025.
Cody Bellinger played himself into a new contract with the team, Trent Grisham’s power caught the attention of all of the MLB, and new lefty Max Fried performed to the level of one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Aaron Judge won another MVP and the pitching staff struggled at times, but it was also the team’s strength during points of the season. Their big trade acquisition from 2024, Jazz Chisholm, had a career year as well. However, they were not able to win the American League East, finishing in second place to the Toronto Blue Jays. Just like in the divisional race, the Toronto Blue Jays took down the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Even after a great season, most fans thought things needed to change.
The 2026 offseason has seen few changes; however, New York felt they needed to retain their breakout talent. Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger were brought back to solidify the outfield, and that is almost all of the New York Yankees headlines consist of. They revamped the bullpen a bit, but with the loss of Devin Williams, New York seems to be comfortable with the bullpen from last season. Gerrit Cole will be making his return from Tommy John surgery this season, and this could be huge for the New York Yankees rotation. With Max Fried and Carlos Rodon playing at a high level, adding another high-ceiling arm could help them push for the American League East.
I expected another great season from the New York Yankees. Even though they weren’t able to sign any big-time free agents, I believe they retained the right talent. They may not win the American League East, but they are going to fight through 162 games. I have faith in the New York Yankees.
Prediction: Over 90.5 Wins
Toronto Blue Jays – 88.5 Wins
2025 Record – 94-68 (1st Place in the American League East)
Toronto shocked the baseball world with an incredible season in 2025. They were able to win the American League East and represent the American League in the World Series. They pushed one of the best teams in MLB history to seven games, and some believe they should have won. Even after a great season, Toronto made some big changes this offseason, becoming one of the most expensive teams in all of baseball. While retaining great talent and adding new pieces, Toronto could be a force once again.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is coming off a solid 2025 season, including an unbelievable performance in the postseason. Alejandro Kirk posted a career season as well, becoming a great catcher in baseball. However, what made their postseason run possible is the effort from the “other” guys. Ernie Clement solidified his role with the organization, having an incredible postseason, and is now playing for Team USA. Davis Schneider, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, and Daulton Varsho played great baseball down the stretch and into the postseason. George Springer turned back the clock, playing his best baseball in years. The pitching staff stood tall when they needed to, especially Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage.
Toronto found success and decided to build on it this offseason. Dylan Cease signed a long-term contract, healthy Shane Bieber resigned, and the big signing was infielder Kazuma Okamoto from the NPB. Toronto has become one of the most expensive teams in baseball, and they perfected their 2026 offseason.
2026 should be another great year for the Toronto Blue Jays. They brought in more established talent and have the best offensive depth in all of baseball. Vladdy is the face of the franchise, and even with the loss of Bo Bichette, Toronto should be okay. With more pitching depth and another year of Trey Yesavage, I believe that Toronto will be fighting for the top spot in the American League East.
Prediction: Over 88.5 Wins
Boston Red Sox – 87.5 Wins
2025 Record – 89-73 (3rd Place in the American League East)
Boston is coming off a season of controversy, trading away All-Star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Despite battling injury and a blockbuster trade, Boston was able to make the postseason, falling short in the Wild Card round. Boston has been active this offseason and has completely revamped their roster, and it might be what it needed.
Former top prospect Roman Anthony became a star last season and will continue to be the future of the Boston Red Sox. After losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, prospect Marcelo Mayer is going to have the chance to earn the starting third base job. Tristan Casas is coming back after missing almost all of 2025. Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Carlos Narvaez are all returning to the lineup, making one of the most well-rounded lineups in all of baseball. The starting rotation is led by Garrett Crochet, but most of the starting rotation has been revamped.
Caleb Durbin is a big acquisition for Boston, giving great depth around the infield. The starting rotation has been completely revamped. Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras were acquired from St. Louis, Ranger Suarez signed a long-term contract, and Boston traded for starter Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a completely different rotation and new infield depth, Boston could compete among the best in baseball.
After looking at the top three teams in the American League West, I feel the same way about all of them. I love the offseasons each team has had, especially the Boston Red Sox. Instead of running the same squad back, they decided to make big-time moves to compete against the best teams in baseball. The trend stays the same. I believe this could be the best team in the American League East.
Prediction: Over 87.5 Wins
Baltimore Orioles – 85.5 Wins
2025 Record – 75-87 (Last Place in the American League East)
The Baltimore Orioles suffered for years, being one of the worst teams in baseball for half a decade. However, 2023 changed everything, winning over 100 games. They would have another successful season in 2024, winning 90 games. In those two years, they would fail to secure one playoff win. Then, 2025 came along, and Baltimore hit rock bottom, finishing with 75 wins and at the bottom of the American League East. They were active this offseason, making moves to try to compete in a loaded American League East.
Baltimore has created one of the youngest lineups in baseball from years of bottoming out. Adley Rutchsman and Gunnar Henderson are coming off down years (compared to their standards), Jackson Holiday showed promise, and Jordan Westburg has struggled to stay healthy. With many question marks throughout the lineup, the core is in place. Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers are going to play a big role in the 2026 season as well. The starting rotation is filled with solid pitchers. Trevor Rodgers is coming off an incredible season, but some question if he will continue his great ability. The rest of the rotation is solid, but questionable.
Baltimore made the first big move of the offseason, signing Pete Alonso to a long-term deal, solidifying first base. Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt were brought in to provide depth for the starting rotation. Kyle Bradish is coming off an injury and could provide a stable arm if he can stay healthy. Top prospect Samuel Basallo could work his way into becoming the starting catcher of Rutchsman, but he will for sure have a role on the big league squad.
Baltimore is one of the most confusing teams in baseball. They have a great young core; however, they have failed to develop a solid rotation. The bullpen could be a weakness, and the lack of starting caliber talent could cost Baltimore another year off their young core’s career. I am not a fan of the offseason Baltimore had, and I believe they could struggle yet again.
Prediction: Under 85.5 wins
Tampa Bay Rays – 76.5 Wins
2025 Record – 77-85 (4th Place in the American League East)
Tampa Bay always finds a way to win enough games to stick around and compete, regardless of who is throwing and playing the field. They have taken over the “Moneyball” method (read my article about the effects of Moneyball) and have one of the best development systems in all of baseball. However, last season was a down year for Tampa Bay, struggling to win just 77 games. Injuries to their starting rotation and an inconsistent lineup were devastating for a team that is used to success.
Junior Caminero fully broke onto the scene in 2025, hitting over 40 home runs and becoming one of the best power bats at third base. He is the anchor for Tampa Bay and will be looked upon as the team’s franchise player for the future. Jonathan Aranda broke onto the scene as well, becoming a first-time All-Star. Yandy Diaz was the only other solid bat in the lineup; unfortunately for Tampa Bay, the rest of their lineup was incredibly inconsistent. Young shortstop Carson Williams and speedster Chandler Simpson could help fill out the rest of the lineup in 2026. The starting rotation has dealt will lot of injuries the past few seasons, headlined by Shane McClanahan. Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot threw well in 2025, earning a spot in the 2026 rotation.
After struggling in 2025, Tampa Bay decided to revamp their lineup and back-end of their rotation. They brought in starters Nick Martinez and Steven Matz to help with depth in the starting rotation. Offensively, this team was desperate to find some pop, and they may have found it this offseason. Jake Fraley, Gavin Lux, and Cedric Mullins were cheap free agents and trade acquisitions with high upside for 2026. The bullpen is solid as well, especially after acquiring Griffin Jax at last year’s trade deadline.
I am very high on most of the American League East, and the Tampa Bay Rays could be a sneaky good team in the American League. With a solid rotation and a great development system, I believe they will find ways to win games. With Shane McClanahan potentially returning this season, their ace could be back on the mound and competing at a high level. I am high on the Tampa Bay Rays, and so should you.
Prediction: Over 76.5 Wins
The American League East is one of the most historic divisions in all of sports. With so many great teams, this race could be an excellent show to watch. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are teams most people expect to compete for the division crown. However, the Boston Red Sox are arguably the most improved team in the sport. I may not believe in the Baltimore Orioles hype, however, the Tampa Bay Rays could shock baseball with their underrated offseason. It should be an incredible season for the American League East in 2026.
