Overview
- Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly forecasts the Yankees to finish below last year’s 94 wins, pointing to rotation uncertainty with Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John surgery, Carlos Rodón’s offseason elbow procedure, and Luis Gil’s durability questions.
- The Yankees largely retained their 2025 core and expect Cole back early, with David Bednar set to close after Devin Williams’ departure and Ryan Weathers added to a mostly unchanged rotation.
- MLB Network insider Jon Morosi told Yahoo Sports the Orioles might post the American League’s biggest year-over-year win increase after adding Pete Alonso, Chris Bassitt, Taylor Ward and Shane Baz.
- Baltimore’s outlook centers on a stronger staff—Morosi sees the rotation as a potential asset—backed by new power in the lineup and a bullpen led by closer Ryan Helsley.
- The division picture remains crowded, with the Blue Jays still viewed as a threat after adding Dylan Cease despite losing Bo Bichette, and the Red Sox and Yankees projected to contend in a tightly bunched AL East.