The 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is scheduled to get underway on March 30. As always, the American League East is expected to be one of the toughest – and most exciting – divisions in the league.
With the new campaign on the horizon, it’s time to take a closer look at all five American League East teams. Below, I assess the preseason MLB odds, analyze the teams and share my predictions. Are you ready? Let’s go!
New York Yankees Team Preview 2023
To Win the Division (+105)
To Win the League (+340)
To Win the World Series (+700)
The New York Yankees head into the new season as the defending American League East champions, having registered 99 victories last year. Not only are they favored to win the division, but they are also second in the bookmakers’ 2023 World Series odds.
The Yankees last won the World Series back in 2009, but they will be confident of triumphing this year. With record-breaking AL MVP Aaron Judge leading the way, the Yankees look set to dominate the AL East in 2023.
Toronto Blue Jays Team Preview 2023
To Win the Division (+220)
To Win the League (+650)
To Win the World Series (+1300)
Thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays, the American League East boasts two of the top three favorites to win the AL pennant this year. Of course, the Houston Astros are favored to triumph, but the Blue Jays will fancy their chances of challenging the Yankees.
Toronto finished second in the division last season, with pitcher Alek Manoah starring throughout the campaign. Having recently signed nine international free agents, the Canadian team could spring more than a few surprises this year.
Tampa Bay Rays Team Preview 2023
To Win the Division (+370)
To Win the League (+1100)
To Win the World Series (+2200)
The Tampa Bay Rays picked up their second successive division title in 2021 and even managed to clinch the AL pennant in 2020. However, they ended up finishing third in the AL East last year – losing eight of their final ten regular season games.
In all honesty, it is difficult to predict how the Rays will fare in 2023. They have plenty of top-quality players in their ranks, but they will likely need to add more offensive firepower after struggling with the bat last season.
Boston Red Sox Team Preview 2023
To Win the Division (+1900)
To Win the League (+3000)
To Win the World Series (+6000)
The Boston Red Sox claimed three consecutive division titles between 2016 and 2018, capping that run with a World Series triumph. Since then, however, they have flattered to deceive – finishing rock bottom of the AL East for the second time in three seasons last year.
Red Sox owner John Henry has been criticized for his lack of investment in recent times and the team could endure another disappointing campaign if Henry doesn’t provide the funds required to strengthen the roster.
Baltimore Orioles Team Preview 2023
To Win the Division (+2200)
To Win the League (+3000)
To Win the World Series (+7000)
Having last won the American League East back in 2014, the Baltimore Orioles are not expected to end their drought this year. Odds of +2200 tell you everything you need to know about Baltimore’s chances of winning the division in 2023.
2023 American League East Winner Prediction
1. New York Yankees
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. Tampa Bay Rays
4. Boston Red Sox
5. Baltimore Orioles
