Predicting the 2022 AL East standings
By David Hill
4. New York Yankees
It is difficult to see how the New York Yankees got better during the offseason. In fact, with each of their moves, the other team improved.
As it was, the Yankees had a flawed roster heading into the offseason. They did not have a center fielder, the middle of the infield was a mess, the rotation after Gerrit Cole was a giant question mark, and the bullpen was a disaster in the making. Now that the offseason is over, the only real difference is that they somehow managed to get weaker behind the plate.
That just is not going to cut it. While it is foolish to count the Yankees out at any point in time, they are worse than they were at the end of last season. Chances are, this will lead to a fourth place finish in the AL East as they hover around .500.
3. Tampa Bay Rays
Every year, the Tampa Bay Rays seem to defy expectations. That may well be the case in 2022 as well, but there is a lot working against them.
Yes, the Rays have the potential for a great deal of firepower in the lineup. Having Wander Franco for a full season, as well as the impending ascensions of Josh Lowe and Vidal Brujan, can make the Rays batting order far more dangerous.
The problem is the starting rotation. Shane Baz is going to miss the first few weeks of the season. Tyler Glasnow could miss the entire 2022 season. Several other arms are day to day. The Rays have done a great job of being able to withstand injury, but in such a difficult division, they are behind the eight ball to start the year.