Predicting the Final AL East Standings in 2016

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Sep 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates his grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays with center fielder Mookie Betts (50), second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) and right fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (R) during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports /

In a year of parity across Major League Baseball, the American League East was perhaps the most complicated of all – as seemingly any team could have made a run at the division crown. While only the Red Sox (78-84) and Tampa Bay Rays (80-82) finished under .500, each team remained competitive for at least a portion of the season.

This season figures to be more of the same in the AL East. With the retooled Red Sox ready to compete with the likes of an intimidating New York Yankees bullpen and a potent Toronto Blue Jays lineup, there’s no clear front-runner to win the division. The Baltimore Orioles are expected to take a step backward after losing rotation staple Wei-Yin Chen and failing to sign a viable third outfielder, while the Rays look to be mediocre on offense once again.

While moves can still be made this offseason, here’s our predictions for how things will shake out in the AL East in 2016.

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