Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, MLB, AL East, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees

2026 AL East Predictions!

It’s that time of the year when America’s favorite pastime is starting up. With the MLB season starting up tonight, the AL East has become one of the most competitive divisions in the league. With superstars such as Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Garrett Crochet, the East is riddled with talent. Let’s dive into my predictions for one of the most talented divisions in the MLB!

Least in the East: Tampa Bay Rays (5th)

Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, AL East — Tampa Bay Rays’ Third Baseman Junior Caminero – BRWalkoff / via X

Coming off a 4th-place finish last season, I have the Tampa Bay Rays finishing in last place in the AL East this season. I believe they are a young and exciting team led by Third Baseman Junior Caminero, who hit 45 home runs last season. The only problem with being a young team with a lot of power is that it doesn’t translate to much regular-season success.

As for their pitching staff, it’s hit-or-miss at best. They don’t have someone who you can count on to start on the mound and give you 8-10 quality starts. However, keep your eye on Joe Boyle. The 6’8 RHP packs some serious heat with his fastball, ranking in the 96th percentile in his fastball velo. If he can continue to work on his command of the strike zone, the 26-year-old might be a surprising face for the 2026 season.

Upward Trajectory: Baltimore Orioles (4rd)

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles, AL East, MLB — Baltimore Orioles’ Shortstop Gunnar Henderson – BRWalkoff / via X

I don’t know what the hell happened in Baltimore last year. Coming off a 101-win season in 2023 and a 91-win season in 2024, the Orioles fell off a cliff last season with only 75 wins. With the dynamic duo of Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, I believe they will improve, but the top of the division is too stacked. I like the addition of Pete Alonso at first base. He brings a heavy bat that can bring more pop to this balanced lineup.

Here is where the team will hold their breath. All of their pitchers are solid. Nothing on the high end; Shane Baz is good, not great, as are Trevor Rogers, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin. The talent this team has in the field can be enough to contend for a Wild Card spot, but their pitching can be their downfall.

Slight Drop-off: Toronto Blue Jays (3rd)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, AL East — Toronto Blue Jays’ First Baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – BRWalkoff. via X

Coming off a World Series loss, the Toronto Blue Jays lost a core piece of their core. Losing Bo Bichette will leave a big hole in that lineup. Without him, they still have a plethora of talent, starting with superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. I still believe this is a strong, dangerous team, but nothing to the level they were last season. Lastly, could there be some WS hangover? Coming so close but yet so far might lead to an early slump.

I love the addition of Dylan Cease to their pitching rotation. I believe they have one of the best starting rotations in the MLB, headlined by young star Trey Yesavage. Yesavage had a monster postseason, and he is primed to continue it. With other veterans in the rotation like Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer, they definitely have the pitching to contend for back-to-back AL East titles.

Just Short: Boston Red Sox (2nd)

Garrett Crochet, MLB, Boston Red Sox, AL East — Boston Red Sox Pitcher Garrett Crochet – BRWalkoff / via X

I believe the Boston Red Sox are in a prime position to take a jump in the AL East standings. They won 89 games last season with a relatively young roster on the rise, led by Roman Anthony. I think he has all the tools to be one of the best players in the MLB before we know it. Then you mix in players like Jarren Duran and Marcelo Mayer to give this lineup some consistent offensive production. Don’t sleep on Trevor Story having a solid season as well.

When you think about the best pitching staffs in baseball, it’s hard not to argue for the Red Sox. Garrett Crochet is dominant, finishing second in the AL Cy Young race last year. Adding Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray is just what the doctor ordered. They needed two pitchers outside of Crochet whom they could trust to eat innings and give them a chance to shut down some of the best offenses in the MLB. However, I have them finishing second in the AL East.

AL East Champs: New York Yankees (1st)

Aaron Judge, New York Yankees, MLB, AL East — New York Yankees’ Right Fielder Aaron Judge – BRWalkoff / via X

To the surprise of maybe no one, I have the New York Yankees winning the AL East. This lineup is too stacked. I don’t see a drop-off at all from where they were last season. They dominated in every aspect of the offensive side of the plate. Aaron Judge isn’t slowing down anytime soon. I expect him to lead this team with another MVP-level season. Ben Rice will take another step forward as well.

With the return of Gerrit Cole, their starting rotation has it all. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon have proven to be elite pitchers, while Will Warren and Cam Schlittler are still developing. My only issue is their bullpen. Do I think their pen is elite? No, but they are good enough that it won’t blow enough regular-season games to make a difference in the AL East standings.

Final Thoughts

This is one of the most competitive divisions in the MLB, and I am excited for the season to start tonight. What do you think of my predictions? Do you think the Blue Jays will win back-to-back AL East titles for the first time since 1992-1993? Lastly, who do you have winning the division?

As always, thank you so much for checking out my predictions for the AL East standings for 2026! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.