The season is about to get underway, and with that comes out 2021 MLB predictions. First on the docket will be one of the more intriguing divisions in the game – the AL East.
This division holds the defending AL champions in the Tampa Bay Rays, the powerhouse New York Yankees, and the up and coming Toronto Blue Jays. In addition, the Boston Red Sox hope to contend in 2021 and the Baltimore Orioles are trying to come out of their rebuild.
2021 MLB predictions: The AL East
With Opening Day fast approaching, teams are starting to sort their rosters out, aligning their pitching staff and getting their regulars ready to go. Hope springs eternal, even if there does not seem to be much reason for it.
Who will win the AL East? Let’s look into our crystal ball and find out.
5. Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are in a rough spot. Not only are they still in the midst of a rebuild, but they are attempting to retool their roster in one of the more difficult divisions in the game.
Baltimore does have some pieces. John Means appears to be a solid middle of the rotation arm. The farm system, long one of the worst in the game, now boasts five top 100 prospects, including two pitchers that the Orioles hope can front their rotation.
While they have been building the farm system, the Orioles have done what they can to pare down their payroll. In theory, this will allow them to extend those youngsters to solidify their core. However, the continued presence of Chris Davis and his bloated contract does limit their flexibility.
The future may be bright for the Baltimore Orioles. But that future will not come in 2021.