The Main League Baseball season will open in Tokyo on March 17-18 with a two-game sequence between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The opposite big-league groups, in the meantime, will open their seasons later in March.
Forward of Opening Day, Yardbarker MLB writers supply a best-case situation file for each staff within the American League.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (Finest-case file: 88-74) | The Orioles are the beneficiaries of a Yankees staff that’s weakened by harm. Most projection websites, including PECOTA, have Baltimore and New York nearly neck and neck within the AL East, however the Orioles might have the sting regardless of an underwhelming offseason.
BOSTON RED SOX (Finest-case file: 89-73) | Just like the Orioles, Boston advantages enormously from a compromised Yankees membership. After including third baseman Alex Bregman and pitchers Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman to enrich their burgeoning farm system, the Pink Sox appear to be the brand new AL East favorites.
NEW YORK YANKEES (Finest-case file: 86-76) | Let’s get one factor straight concerning the Yankees: Regardless of all of their main accidents heading into 2025, they haven’t endured a losing season since 1992. That’s a formidable streak that may doubtless proceed this season, even when they’re not the juggernaut they had been projected to be going into the season.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (Finest-case file: 84-78) | The Rays are underrated in 2025, which can occur once they share a division with the Yankees, Orioles and Pink Sox. However at its greatest, Tampa could possibly be a pitching machine with its ace left-hander Shane McClanahan returning. Plus, they sport a sneaky-good lineup with the addition of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (Finest-case file: 77-85) | The Blue Jays received higher with the additions of OF Anthony Santander and beginning pitcher Max Scherzer, however even in a best-case situation, they’re nonetheless on the backside of the AL East pack. A lot of their success (if any) will hinge on what the tandem of SS Bo Bichette and 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can accomplish in what seems to be to be their final dance collectively in Toronto. — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (Finest-case file: 81-81) | The A’s lastly opened the checkbook, signing pitcher Luis Severino and increasing DH Brent Rooker and outfielder Lawrence Butler. The A’s might not be able to contend within the AL West, however reaching .500 can be a step in the proper route.
HOUSTON ASTROS (Finest-case file: 90-72) | The Astros are at a crossroads as they’re trying to complement a veteran core with one of the worst farm systems in baseball (per MLB.com). If the Astros’ try to construct an outfield with out outfielders (2B Jose Altuve is in left and 3B Cam Smith in proper) goes properly, they might squeeze out one other division title.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (Finest-case file: 75-83) | The Angels haven’t had a successful file since 2015. Perhaps that may change if OF Mike Trout stays wholesome, nearer Kenley Jansen has one other robust season and starters Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks discover success. Nevertheless, nearly every little thing has to go proper for a .500 season. That is unlikely.
SEATTLE MARINERS (Finest-case file: 92-70) | The Mariners arguably have the most effective pitching employees within the majors, coupled with one of many worst lineups. An MVP-level efficiency from CF Julio Rodriguez and All-Star caliber seasons from outfielder Randy Arozarena and catcher Cal Raleigh could also be essential for the Mariners to return to the postseason.
TEXAS RANGERS (Finest-case file: 92-70) | The Rangers could possibly be the most effective groups within the AL if they will keep wholesome. Which may be simpler mentioned than executed as pitcher Jon Grey will begin the season on the injured list and pitchers Cody Bradford and Tyler Mahle have had their very own harm scares. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (Finest-case file: 63-99) | Simply displaying competence can be a step in the proper route for the White Sox. A best-case situation entails rental choices akin to pitcher Martin Perez and outfielder Luis Robert performing properly sufficient to commerce whereas Chicago’s future core features priceless big-league expertise.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (Finest-case file: 92-70) | The Guardians once more might want to experience the most effective bullpens within the majors. If OF Steven Kwan (14 HR, .292 BA) replicates his 2024 efficiency and one other participant helps present safety for star third baseman Jose Ramirez, the Guardians could possibly be harmful once more.
DETROIT TIGERS (Finest-case file: 90-72) | The Tigers received deeper, including second baseman Gleyber Torres and reuniting with pitcher Jack Flaherty. If their younger hitters take a step ahead and Tarik Skubal places collectively one other Cy Younger-caliber season, the Tigers may win the division and shock within the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (Finest-case file: 90-72) | The Royals’ success once more will come all the way down to SS Bobby Witt Jr. and the pitching employees. One other MVP-caliber yr from Witt (32 HR, .332 BA in 2024) will go a great distance towards one other playoff berth.
MINNESOTA TWINS (Finest-case file: 86-76) | All of it comes all the way down to well being for the Twins. If OF Byron Buxton, SS Carlos Correa and infielder Royce Lewis keep wholesome, the Twins may shock. Nevertheless, as Lewis is already injured, that best-case situation might have already handed by. — David Hill
