10. Houston Astros
The post-Carlos Correa begins, but there is still plenty of firepower left in the Houston lineup that represented the American League in the World Series last season. Justin Verlander returns to the mound for a team that is the favorite to win the AL West again this season. Houston won 95 games last season, but still has something to prove this year.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
Much like Houston, Milwaukee’s lineup will have a somewhat familiar feel to it this season. Andrew McCutchen as a free agent signing and a trade for Hunter Renfroe will transform the batting order and the outfield. In what will be a tough National League, do the Brewers have what it takes to compete with the Dodgers, Mets, and Braves? Much of that answer could come from how well Christian Yelich bounces back from a tough 2021.
8. New York Yankees
Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will give New York a new look, but there are plenty of outsiders wondering why the Yankees didn’t do more this offseason to keep up with moves made by the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Will New York have enough firepower and pitching to keep up with their American League East rivals?
7. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox ran away with the American League Central last season, winning 93 games before bowing out to Houston in the American League Division Series. The additions of Kendall Graveman, Joe Kelly, and Vince Velasquez will boost an already strong White Sox bullpen and could eventually lead to the trading of Craig Kimbrel. It should be another strong season on the south side of Chicago.
6. Tampa Bay Rays
Wander Franco is the face of the future for a franchise that has figured out how to maximize its roster to become an American League force. The Rays won 100 games last season and look to once again be one of the powers in the AL when the postseason rolls around.