AL EAST
Orioles: A fresh season
Similar to the Braves in the National League, the Orioles had a nightmare season despite having a really solid roster. Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday were the only two position players to play a full season in a lineup plagued by injuries. The pitching staff also dealt with injuries and underperformance. Orioles fans should be excited for a fresh start with an elite young core, now bolstered by the signing of superstar first baseman Pete Alonso.
Red Sox: An exciting young core of players
The Red Sox have one of the most exciting young teams in baseball. Garrett Crochet pitches like a true ace at 26, and the outfield of Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony, and Jarren Duran is loaded with upside. What could Roman Anthony do over a full MLB season? He posted a 3.1 WAR in just 71 games in 2025. Add in 2025 Rookie of the Year finalist Caleb Durbin, and this roster is filled with young players who have All Star potential.
Yankees: Running it back with proven superstars
The Yankees’ biggest offseason move was re-signing outfielder Cody Bellinger, which reflects their approach for 2026: do it again. There is not much to add to a lineup that already features MVP Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Jazz Chisholm. The rotation projects to include Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, and Luis Gil. The pieces are there, it just comes down to taking care of business come postseason time.
Rays: A young lineup with potential
The Rays have leaned into acquiring prospects, leaving them with a young roster heading into 2026. There is room for growth, but Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda both broke out in 2025. Chandler Simpson could be next, and sophomore infielder Ben Williamson, recently acquired from Seattle, adds another MLB-ready piece. This is a lineup with real upside that could take a big step forward.
Blue Jays: Building off a World Series run
After a devastating extra-inning loss to the Dodgers in the World Series, the Blue Jays come back with something to prove. They added starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, along with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. Losing Bo Bichette hurts, but the roster has improved since that World Series run.
AL CENTRAL
Guardians: Jose Ramirez signs extension
There are several positives for Cleveland in 2026, but none bigger than locking up Jose Ramirez. It is rare to see a superstar show that level of loyalty to his team and city. Ramirez is under team control through 2032 at an average of $25 million per year, a team-friendly deal compared to the massive contracts being handed out around the league.
Tigers: Skubal stays for 2026
The biggest offseason question for Detroit was whether Tarik Skubal would be moved. Instead, he remains for at least one more run. The Tigers added Framber Valdez as a true No. 2 starter, giving them a strong front of the rotation. With a reliable lineup already in place, Detroit enters 2026 as the favorite in the AL Central.
Royals: Bobby Witt and company
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered in 2025 with 38 stolen bases, 23 home runs, and a 7.1 WAR season. Behind him are Maikel Garcia, who posted a 5.8 WAR at age 26, and Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit 32 home runs at age 28. If top prospect Jac Caglione can develop and tap into his power, this lineup could take another step forward.
Twins: An elite starting rotation
The Twins’ rotation is one of the most overlooked strengths in the division. Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez headline the group, with Lopez posting a 2.74 ERA across 14 starts in 2025. Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods-Richardson, and Bailey Ober round out a deep and effective staff that gives Minnesota a high floor every series.
AL WEST
Athletics: A loaded lineup under contract
It has been a while since the words “fantastic” and “Athletics lineup” belonged together, but this group has real staying power. Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler are all signed through at least 2032, with club options beyond that. Brent Rooker is under contract through 2030, and the lineup also features Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, and Jeff McNeil.
Astros: Proven top-end talent
The Astros continue to rely on a core of proven major league players. Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Hunter Brown provide a strong foundation. There are still some holes in the outfield and at the back of the rotation, but this roster has enough proven production to remain a factor.
Angels: Breakouts from former prospects
The Angels quietly had a solid lineup in 2025. Jo Adell and Zach Neto both took steps forward, giving the team more offensive punch than in recent years. If Christian Moore and Nolan Schanuel continue to develop, the Angels could field a deeper, more complete lineup in 2026.
Mariners: A premier rotation
The Mariners’ biggest strength remains their starting pitching. The rotation finished with the best starter ERA in baseball, and three of their five regular starters posted ERAs under 4.00. With Luis Castillo returning from injury in 2026, this group has a chance to be one of the best in the league again.
Rangers: A top 10 rotation
The Rangers also bring back a strong rotation led by Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter. The addition of Mackenzie Gore gives them another quality arm, and younger pitchers like Kumar Rocker or Jacob Latz can fill out the back end. This is a deep and talented staff capable of carrying the team.
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