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A Christmas list for each AL East team

By Manny Gómez

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 28: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, wearing a Santa Claus costume, holds up a "Naughty or Nice?" sign in front of third baseman Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a "Christmas in July" promotion during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 28: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, wearing a Santa Claus costume, holds up a "Naughty or Nice?" sign in front of third baseman Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a "Christmas in July" promotion during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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AL East
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: General view as fans line up to enter Gate 4 before the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day on April 6, 2015 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Major League Baseball has added new security measure in all stadiums including metal detectors. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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.

AL East
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 31: World Series banners outside Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox World Series Victory Parade on October 31, 2018, through the streets of Boston, MA. (Photo by Richard Cashin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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.

More from Call to the Pen

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!

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