Predicting the 2022 AL East standings
By David Hill
Finally, after an extended lockout and months of labor strife, the 2022 MLB season is almost upon us. April 7 cannot come soon enough, the day when the regular season begins anew and we can all hopefully forget the ugliness of those labor negotiations.
It is also a time of hope. That is the case in the AL East in particular, where four of the five teams in the division have postseason aspirations. With the expanded playoffs, it is entirely possible each of those four teams will realize their goals.
Predicting the 2022 AL East standings
Strange things can happen. Unexpected teams can rise up and make noise. The AL East, which had four teams win over 90 games last season, should be a powerhouse once again. But the games still have to be played.
The 2022 MLB season is fast approaching. Let’s take a look at the possible standings for the AL East at the end of the upcoming year.
5. Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are starting to put the pieces of a core together. Adley Rutschman, DL Hall, and Grayson Rodriguez should be in the majors by the end of the year. Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, and John Means are a good start. The problem is that they need a lot more.
Let’s face it – any team that is looking at Jordan Lyles as their second starter and Rougned Odor as a key part of the lineup is in trouble. That is especially the case given that the Orioles play in one of the tougher divisions in the majors. This is not a good team and that will reflect in the standings.
It is safe to say that the Baltimore Orioles will finish in the AL East basement. The only question is whether or not they will be closer than 39 games behind fourth at the end of the year.