1 bold prediction for each American League East team in 2023

2 of 3

Spring Training is a magical moment for baseball fans. Each team is on a level playing field. There is hope. Speculation runs rampant as fans predict big things and have a bold prediction for their club’s future.

In a division like the AL East, this goes ten-fold. For the first time in recent memory, each team has a puncher’s chance at the playoffs. The Yankees, Blue Jays and Rays seem like obvious contenders, but the Orioles and Red Sox both have surprising upside. Expectations will most certainly temper themselves as the season kicks off, but for now each team believes this will be their year.

Here is a bold prediction for each American League East team for the 2023 season.

Baltimore Orioles: Grayson Rodriguez will win Rookie of the Year

The Baltimore Orioles have spent the better part of the past five years amassing a war-chest of top prospects. According to MLB.com, eight of the top 100 prospects in Major League Baseball belong to Baltimore. That includes two prospects in the top 10. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson ranks first, while right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez ranks seventh. While both players have the potential to win Rookie of the Year, my bet is that Rodriguez will pull away from the pack.

Unlike most minor league pitchers, Rodriguez has shown great command with a mix of four effective pitches. His fastball is electric, clocking in at over 100 mph more than once, but his changeup could be even deadlier. Rodriguez’s changeup has filthy movement (almost looking like a screwball at times). Mix in a plus slider, and the potential for a plus curveball, and you’re looking at a strikeout machine. In every level of the minors, G-Rod was notorious for striking out the side. Since entering Single-A, Rodriguez has never had a season with less than 100 strikeouts. As of now, Rodriguez is +1000 to win AL Rookie of the Year by some oddsmakers. Place your bets now because Rodriguez is bound for a breakout year in Baltimore.

Feb 15, 2023; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Masataka Yoshida (7) participates in spring training workouts at Fenway South Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: Masataka Yoshida will live up to his contract

Red Sox fans suffered the loss of shortstop Xander Bogaerts this offseason. Bogaerts, a franchise cornerstone in Boston, left for San Diego with the heftiest of contracts; earning $280 million over 11 years. No single free agent signing could make up for a mistake that size on Boston’s part, but they did bring over an interesting talent from Japan.

Masataka Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million contract. On top of that, Boston paid $15.4 to the Orix Buffaloes of the NPB, Yoshida’s club in Japan, for his player rights. Analysts were confused by the signing. The consensus is that Boston overpaid for the outfielder, but if you delve into the numbers, Boston may have a gem on their hands.

Yoshida is an on-base machine. Since 2017, his OBP never dipped below .400 (topping out at .453 in 2020). Last year the Sox finished sixth in the league in OBP, and Yoshida will only bring that ranking up. Adding a player who walks twice as much as he strikes out can’t hurt. At 29, Yoshida enters the prime of his career. With the Red Sox he will have the chance to play everyday, and if my prediction is right, he will bolster their lineup immensely.

New York Yankees: The Yankees will play in their first World Series since 2009

If you take a minute to think about it, the Yankees have underachieved since the onset of the 2010s. Up until the 2010s, the Bronx Bombers had won an AL Pennant in each decade, dating back to the 1920s. Since then… crickets. Despite power hitting titans like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton populating their lineups, New York has failed to reach the promised land for 14 years. That changes in 2023.

The Yankees did their job this offseason, locking down Judge for the foreseeable future. If that wasn’t enough, the Yanks added pitching ace Carlos Rodón and re-signed first baseman Anthony Rizzo. On paper, the Yankees have a stellar rotation, headed by Gerrit Cole and Rodón. Behind that, the core of their formidable roster which led the league in home runs. The Yankees should make a trade midseason for more help in the outfield (perhaps with Pittsburgh for Bryan Reynolds) and that would fortify their lineup even more.

Their strongest competition may exist within their own division, but if they clinch the AL East, the sky’s the limit. The Houston Astros, the bane of New York’s existence in the past few years, took a step back this offseason, losing Justin Verlander. If New York performs to their capabilities, and meets Houston in the playoffs for a rematch, expect New York to come out on top.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Rays: Wander Franco enters the MVP conversation

When Wander Franco entered the league, the comparisons ran rampant. The line between him and Juan Soto seemed obvious. A wunderkind who walked more than he struck out. A switch-hitting shortstop with an electric bat. The rest of the league was immediately on notice when he hit a game-tying home run in his first big league game. Unfortunately, after signing an 11-year, $182 million extension, Franco only played 83 games in 2022. After struggling through pesky injuries, Franco is due for a bounce back season.

After finally coming back from injury for the final 25 games Franco showed flashes. He finished with 10 extra base hits and an .853 OPS. In Triple-A, Franco’s OPS hovered between .950 and 1.000. Considering Franco’s incredible plate discipline, if healthy, he should be able to translate those numbers to the big leagues. Pressure makes diamonds. Coming off a disappointing year, his first as a pro, Franco has much to prove. However, all the reports coming out of camp point to Franco being healthy. With a rejuvenated body and mind, Franco is primed to take off.

Toronto Blue Jays: Despite high expectations, the Blue Jays miss the playoffs

All eyes are on the Blue Jays. For the past few seasons big expectations have been levied on the “Baby Jays.” Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette have blossomed into bonafide stars, and the fan base feels certain that a World Series is in their future. Will 2022 be the year? No.

The Blue Jays had a head-scratching offseason, marred by questionable signings. The Jays signed Brandon Belt and Kevin Kiermaier, two players who have gone down in production because of injuries. They traded for Daulton Varsho, which may pan out, but Varsho has only played one full season of big league ball. Their best signing was Chris Bassitt, but even Bassitt comes with a downside. Entering his age-34 season, Bassitt could fall off a cliff.

Next. 5 teams that should trade for Bryan Reynolds. dark

The Blue Jays doubled down this offseason, going full hog trying to win a World Series. While many have lauded Toronto for a stellar free agency, I think their signings amount to nothing. While they are certainly notable names, it seems like two years too late. A team built on young superstars invested in aging All Stars, who may not be durable enough to play every day.

Home / AL East