New York Yankees
Pitcher health is likely going to be a common theme among the teams at the top of the AL East as health can be the biggest thing that knocks the king off the mountain. This holds true for most teams, but especially the Yankees. More than just health, the Yankees rotation is also going to need to perform up to their capabilities to hold off the Red Sox and Rays in this division.
Luis Severino is already dealing with shoulder issues, and Masahiro Tanaka will try to pitch another season on a partially torn UCL. James Paxton has never pitched more than 160 innings in a single season, and relying on a 38-year-old C.C. Sabathia sounds like a risky proposition.
The Yankees do have intriguing depth pieces for the rotation in Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga who should be able to fill in admirably throughout the season. However, the team will need a clean bill of health from most of their main guys to successfully navigate through the season.
This rotation is also going to need to live up to their fullest potential as the Yankees have a couple of incredibly talented teams in their division to hold off. The rotation is easily the weakest unit on the team and they are going to need the best out of Severino, Paxton, and Tanaka to come away with the division.
A surprise season from one of the young guys would be a welcome sign in the Bronx as well as that might be necessary with all the question marks in the rotation. The Yankees could even benefit from using the opener strategy now and then.