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The American League East is set for an intriguing competition this year, and the champion may come as a surprise to many. Additionally, we discuss Alex Verdugo’s new home, Cam Smith’s impressive performance at Astros camp, and Ken’s take on some Toronto front-office statements.
I’m Levi Weaver, alongside Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!
Division Previews: Will Anyone Separate Themselves in the AL East?
This division could witness some fascinating developments, and there’s a possibility it might not be close. Starting with the Yankees (94-68 in 2024), who are the reigning AL champions, they lost Juan Soto to the Mets but made reasonable efforts to fill the gap. However, injuries took their toll, leaving them without Gerrit Cole and a questionable Giancarlo Stanton, among others.
On the other hand, the Red Sox (81-81) have seen the return of Garrett Crochet and acquired Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, with hopes of a healthy Trevor Story. Furthermore, they secured Walker Buehler, who pitched in the last game of the 2024 World Series. After a delayed commitment to going “full throttle,” the Red Sox have finally stepped up, even with several roster spots still undecided.
The Orioles (91-71) might have sparked expectations two years back, but recent losses, including Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, along with uncertainties around Grayson Rodriguez’s health, cloud their pitching depth. Yet, their young core, featuring talents like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, remains noteworthy.
The Blue Jays (74-88) haven’t made significant strides to challenge for the title, although acquiring Santander and Max Scherzer adds some intrigue. Their rotation featuring Kevin Gausman and José Berríos looks promising, yet offensive consistency could hinder playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Rays (80-82) opted for a quiet offseason amidst stadium uncertainty, with key players returning from injury being their main highlights.
Against the odds, I’m inclined to side with Jen McCaffrey’s bold prediction: I believe the Red Sox will clinch the division this year.
Ken’s Notebook: Jays and Vlad Jr. at a Turning Point
Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro discussed the ongoing negotiations with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He expressed optimism about an extension, saying, “I think we’re going to sign him.” However, it’s important to note that concrete actions often speak louder than these words.
Currently, there exists a $50 million disparity between the Blue Jays’ last offer of $450 million and Guerrero’s asking price of $500 million over 14 years, equating to about $3.57 million annually. While some might argue that Guerrero’s valuation is inflated, the Jays’ offer during a period when they were the sole bidders complicates that debate.
The question remains whether the Jays genuinely want Guerrero long-term, as their previous indecisiveness suggests otherwise. Shapiro was quoted saying, “Sometimes free agency provides the clearest access” to appraising a player’s worth. But as Guerrero progresses toward free agency, his value will likely increase, particularly since he would be stepping into the market at age 27.
Finally: Alex Verdugo Closes the Free-Agent Chapter
The mystery surrounding our free-agent Top 40 Big Board has finally been resolved with the signing of Alex Verdugo. The Atlanta Braves secured him for one year at $1.5 million. His addition aims to improve the team’s depth, especially while Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers.
In light of last week’s discussions, Ken referenced that the Braves may be the primary threat to the defending Dodgers. Detailed insights on the Braves will follow in our upcoming NL East preview.
Fresh Perspectives: Cam Smith Makes Waves
Throughout spring training, there have been reports indicating that 22-year-old prospect Cam Smith is getting every chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster with the Astros. Acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade from the Cubs, Smith had low expectations upon his arrival, but his spring performance is turning heads.
At the time of writing, his impressive stats show a .419/.500/.871 average with four home runs in just 31 at-bats over 13 games. This enthusiasm is echoed by teammate Mauricio Dubón, who boldly claimed, “I think he’s going to be the next 60-homer guy.” While still early, Smith’s credentials and his peers’ respect could soon make him a significant contributor.
Community Updates
This week, discussions surrounding MLB’s expansion in Japan have intensified, with Evan Drellich exploring whether Japan’s NPB can grow in America. Meanwhile, the Cubs are gearing back up in Arizona ahead of domestic Opening Day.
Lastly, catcher updates: In Philadelphia, Rafael Marchán is set to back up J.T. Realmuto. The Reds have also extended Jose Trevino for three years and nearly $15 million. As we wrap up, we hope this serves as the concluding update regarding the Jackie Robinson/Department of Defense saga.
Most-clicked in our previous newsletter: Check out our ranking of the top 100 position players in baseball.
(Top photo: Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images)
