AL East Preview

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the AL East for the 2025 MLB season, including new teammates, major losses, projected starting lineups, rotations, closers, and live betting odds to win the division. Since we are right in the thick of Spring Training, this analysis uses the most current information available and reflects the state of each team heading into the regular season, which starts later this month. Betting odds are sourced from recent updates available as of early March 2025.

New York Yankees

New Teammates: Max Fried (SP, signed from Braves), Cody Bellinger (OF/1B, traded from Cubs), Devin Williams (RP, traded from Brewers), Paul Goldschmidt (1B, signed as free agent).

Major Losses: Juan Soto (OF, signed with Mets), Gleyber Torres (2B, signed with Tigers), Nestor Cortes (SP, traded to Reds).

Projected Starting Lineup:

1. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B)
2. Aaron Judge (CF)
3. Cody Bellinger (RF)
4. Giancarlo Stanton (DH)
5. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
6. Anthony Volpe (SS)
7. Austin Wells (C)
8. Jasson Dominguez (LF)
9. DJ LeMahieu (3B)

Projected Rotation:

1. Gerrit Cole (RHP)
2. Max Fried (LHP)
3. Carlos Rodón (LHP)
4. Luis Gil (RHP)
5. Clarke Schmidt (RHP)

Closer: Devin Williams (RHP)

Analysis: The Yankees lost superstar Juan Soto but reloaded with Max Fried to bolster the rotation and Cody Bellinger to add versatility. Devin Williams strengthens the bullpen as a top-tier closer. The lineup remains potent with Aaron Judge leading the charge, though losing Soto’s elite production is a blow. The rotation looks deeper and more reliable with Fried alongside Cole.

Live Betting Odds to Win AL East: +110 (favorites, per BetMGM and FanDuel as of early March 2025).

Baltimore Orioles

New Teammates: Charlie Morton (SP, signed as free agent), Tyler O’Neill (OF, signed as free agent), Tomoyuki Sugano (SP, signed as free agent), Seranthony Dominguez (RP, traded from Phillies).

Major Losses: Corbin Burnes (SP, signed with Diamondbacks), Anthony Santander (OF, signed with Blue Jays).

Projected Starting Lineup:

1. Gunnar Henderson (SS)
2. Adley Rutschman (C)
3. Tyler O’Neill (RF)
4. Ryan Mountcastle (1B)
5. Jordan Westburg (3B)
6. Colton Cowser (LF)
7. Jackson Holliday (2B)
8. Cedric Mullins (CF)
9. Heston Kjerstad (DH)

Projected Rotation:

1. Grayson Rodriguez (RHP)
2. Zach Eflin (RHP)
3. Charlie Morton (RHP)
4. Dean Kremer (RHP)
5. Tomoyuki Sugano (RHP)

Closer: Félix Bautista (RHP, returning from injury)

Analysis: Losing Corbin Burnes hurts the rotation significantly, but Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano add veteran presence. Tyler O’Neill replaces some of Santander’s power in the outfield. The young core (Henderson, Rutschman, Holliday) remains elite, and Bautista’s return could make the bullpen dominant. The pitching depth is a concern, though.

Live Betting Odds to Win AL East: +250 (second favorite, per BetMGM and Oddsshark).

Boston Red Sox

New Teammates: Garrett Crochet (SP, traded from White Sox), Alex Bregman (3B, signed as free agent), Walker Buehler (SP, signed as free agent), Aroldis Chapman (RP, signed as free agent).

Major Losses: None significant; mostly depth players like Tyler O’Neill (to Orioles) and James Paxton (to retirement).

Projected Starting Lineup:

1. Jarren Duran (CF)
2. Alex Bregman (3B)
3. Rafael Devers (DH)
4. Triston Casas (1B)
5. Masataka Yoshida (LF)
6. Wilyer Abreu (RF)
7. Trevor Story (SS)
8. Connor Wong (C)
9. Ceddanne Rafaela (2B)

Projected Rotation:

1. Garrett Crochet (LHP)
2. Tanner Houck (RHP)
3. Walker Buehler (RHP)
4. Lucas Giolito (RHP)
5. Kutter Crawford (RHP)

Closer: Aroldis Chapman

Analysis: The Red Sox made a splash with Crochet and Bregman, turning a middling roster into a contender. The rotation has upside with Crochet and a rebounding Buehler, while Bregman adds stability to the lineup. This team could surprise if the pitching holds up.

Live Betting Odds to Win AL East: +440 (third in line, per Oddsshark and BetMGM).

Tampa Bay Rays

New Teammates: Ha-Seong Kim (SS, signed as free agent), Danny Jansen (C, signed as free agent).

Major Losses: None major; mostly depth moves .

Projected Starting Lineup:

1. Yandy Díaz (1B)
2. Brandon Lowe (2B)
3. Junior Caminero (3B)
4. Josh Lowe (RF)
5. Christopher Morel (LF)
6. Jonathan Aranda (DH)
7. Danny Jansen (C)
8. Jonny DeLuca (CF)
9. Taylor Walls (SS)

Projected Rotation:

1. Shane McClanahan (LHP)
2. Drew Rasmussen (RHP)
3. Ryan Pepiot (RHP)
4. Taj Bradley (RHP)
5. Shan Baz (RHP)

Closer: Pete Fairbanks (RHP)

Analysis: The Rays didn’t make big moves but added Kim and Jansen for defensive and catching upgrades. McClanahan’s return could make the rotation sneaky good, though the lineup lacks the firepower to compete with the top teams. They’ll rely on pitching and scrappiness as usual.

Live Betting Odds to Win AL East: +850 (fourth, per VegasInsider and FanDuel).

Toronto Blue Jays

New Teammates: Max Scherzer (SP, signed as free agent), Jeff Hoffman (RP, signed as free agent), Anthony Santander (OF, signed as a free agent), Andres Gimenez (2B, trade).

Major Losses: None major yet; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette remain despite trade speculation.

Projected Starting Lineup:

1. George Springer (RF)
2. Bo Bichette (SS)
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)
4. Anthony Santander (RF)
5. Alejandro Kirk (C)
6. Will Wagner (DH)
7. Daulton Varsho (CF)
8. Andres Gimenez (2B
9. Ernie Clement (3B)

Projected Rotation:

1. Kevin Gausman (RHP)
2. Max Scherzer (RHP)
3. José Berríos (RHP)
4. Chris Bassitt (RHP)
5. Bowden Francis (RHP)

Closer: Jeff Hoffman (RHP)

Analysis: Scherzer adds a veteran ace to a solid rotation, and Hoffman upgrades the bullpen. The lineup hinges on Guerrero and Bichette, but depth is thin. This feels like a last hurrah before potential retooling if they don’t contend.

Live Betting Odds to Win AL East: +1800 (longshot, per VegasInsider).

Summary and Prediction

The AL East remains a powerhouse division. The Yankees (+110) are favored with their revamped rotation and still-potent lineup. The Orioles (+250) have the talent to challenge but need pitching to step up post-Burnes. The Red Sox (+440) are a dark horse with their aggressive offseason. The Rays (+850) and Blue Jays (+1800) seem a tier below unless injuries or breakouts shift the landscape. My pick: Yankees, but the Red Sox could make it a tight race if their new pieces gel.

Note: Lineups and rotations are projections based on current rosters and may shift before Opening Day on March 27, 2025. Odds are live as of early March 2025 and subject to change.