A Christmas list for each AL East team
This year, the Christmas List for AL East teams is hefty. Will Santa be able to fulfill your favorite team’s every wish?
In the interest of fairness, let’s begin with the worst team in the AL East in 2018, the Baltimore Orioles. The 2018 team lost more games than any other Orioles team in the history of the franchise, so they’re in desperate need of every item on their Christmas list.
Let’s just hope they’re on the “nice” list.
Baltimore Orioles
The O’s have been busy this offseason bringing the organization to the 21st century. After picking off a couple of pieces off of the Astros tree, pieces like Mike Elias and Sig Mejdal, the O’s are looking to mimic what the Astros managed to accomplish after losing 100 or more games for three straight seasons form 2011-2013.
The Astros success came from their ability to scout young talent. Despite being the best team in baseball over the last two seasons, they still manage to maintain a great farm system. So, we can surmise that first on the list for the O’s is a Scouting Director. Someone adept at finding young talent.
Secondly, with the Orioles finishing last in ERA and FIP in 2018, the second thing on their list is a pitching coach that can help develop young pitching into reliable arms in the staff. O’s pitching was so bad last season that they ranked last in HR allowed, WHIP, and BA against among many other stats.
Finally, the O’s need to completely revamp their offensive stats. Because of this, third on their Christmas list is a hitting coach. According to Tom Verducci, half of big league teams have replaced hitting coaches since the end of 2018. No team needs a revamp more than the Birds from Baltimore.
Last season, the Orioles ranked 2nd to last in OBP, had the 6th worst SLG, and ranked 5th worst in wRC+. If you can’t score runs, you can’t win games.
The Blue Jays Christmas List
First on the Blue Jays Christmas list is a pitching coach. Last season, the Jays had the 4th worst ERA and WHIP in MLB. They also had the 3rd worst FB%, a terrible attribute for a team in the launch angle revolution.
Second on the list is to trade Marcus Stroman. After rumors began to swirl that the Padres were interested in the SP, Blue Jays fans lost it. The fact of the matter is, the Jays can get a good package for Stroman. And if the plan is to rebuild, you might as well go ALL IN.
Finally, the Blue Jays need to stop playing games and give the fans what they want: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. Has there been a more highly touted prospect like Vladimir Jr.? The last one I can remember was Bryce Harper more than seven years ago.
The Rays Christmas List
First, after shocking the baseball world by winning 90 games last season, the Rays need to go out and get another starting pitcher. Blake Snell won the Cy Young award in 2018 by being lights out, but a single pitcher does not a rotation make. A pitcher like Ervin Santana proved to be a reliable starter over his career, and just two seasons ago anchored a rotation that led the Minnesota Twins to the Postseason. He won’t cost too much money either.
Secondly, the Rays should reacquire Sergio Romo (aka “The Opener“). Romo proved to be the perfect “Opener” for the Rays, who successfully used the strategy last season. If not Romo, bolster the bullpen with other arms, like Britton (familiar with the division) or Ottavino (nasty stuff).
Lastly, while the Rays offense was not the problem last season – they ranked 3rd in OBP – they lack some pop. Nelson Cruz, who seems to be aging in reverse, could be a potential 50 HR hitter at the Trop, providing the organization with the power they’ve been lacking.
The Yankees Christmas List
Firstly, the Yankees have addressed their starting pitching needs… sort of. This offseason the Yankees resigned CC Sabathia, J.A. Happ, and traded for “The Big Maple”. This isn’t enough to remedy the weakest part of their team. So, on their Christmas List is another ace. With Miguel Andujar on the block, the Yankees can make offers for Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer, heck even Madison Bumgarner has been floated around for a time.
Secondly, this offseason David Robertson and Zach Britton are unrestricted free agents, if they decide to sign elsewhere, it could potentially decimate the strongest part of the team. It is for this reason that the Yankees need to go after Adam Ottavino, who despite having a 5+ ERA two years ago, rebounded last season. He also fits the Yankees mold of pitchers who steer clear of using fastballs too much.
The Red Sox Christmas List
The Boston Red Sox had the best season in franchise history in 2018. It is because of this that the Red Sox have decided to keep their list brief.
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This offseason, the only thing the Red Sox want is relief pitching. With Joe Kelly opting to go to Los Angeles and Craig Kimbrel asking for a 9-figure deal, an already weak Red Sox bullpen has gotten weaker.
Considering that reports have floated around stating that the Red Sox want to slash payroll, the chances that they’ll go out and spend big money on bullpen arms is slim. However, if they wanted to improve their bullpen, there are a few arms they can go out and get. David Robertson is one of them. Robertson will be 34 next season, but he has been one of baseball’s most reliable bullpen arms since he emerged with the Yankees in 2008.
Cody Allen is an attractive option too. After being considered one of baseball’s premier RP, Allen had a horrible season last year. He’ll be looking for a chance to redeem himself and might be willing to ask for less money in return.
Next. Impact relief options for the Yankees. dark
It’s unclear if Santa will be able to fulfill every AL East team’s wishlist, after all, these are teams owned by millionaires and billionaires. A fan can hope, and that’s why we keep coming back for more baseball, year after year, no matter the results.
Merry Christmas everybody!