2021 MLB predictions: Breaking down the AL East

2. Tampa Bay Rays

The focus with the Tampa Bay Rays always comes down to who they lost. But year in and year out, the Rays make prognosticators look foolish. That will probably be the case with majority of the 2021 MLB predictions this year as well.

No, the Rays do not have the same pitching staff they had last year when they went to the World Series. However, they do boast impressive depth, potentially going eight deep in their starting rotation. As teams will be facing unprecedented innings jumps all year, having that depth could be the Rays’ greatest strenght.

Likewise, the offense is still solid. Randy Arozarena broke out as a postseason star and is still rookie eligible. Austin Meadows was an All Star in 2019 before collapsing last year. The Rays offense could break out again in 2021, covering up any possible issues with the rotation.

Every year, people want to count out the Tampa Bay Rays. And every year, they do better than expected.

1. New York Yankees

The biggest question with the New York Yankees is their health.

On paper, and if healthy, the Yankees have one of the most talented teams in the game. Their lineup is filled with impressive power, while their pitching staff has several top of the rotation arms and a deep bullpen. This is a team that could not only win the division, but go on a deep run in the playoffs.

But the question is whether or not they can stay healthy. The Yankees have been hammered by the injury bug over the past few years, particularly when it comes to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon, their two biggest pitching acquisitions, are coming off of injury as well. The talent is there, but so are the question marks.

The New York Yankees are betting that they can stay healthy in 2021. If that happens, this is the team to beat in the AL East.