The AL East is the best division in baseball. Every team in this division, even the Orioles, got better during the offseason. The Orioles probably won’t win 60 games this year, but the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rays all have extraordinary talent throughout their lineups and some of the best pitchers in the league.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I think the winner of the 2022 World Series comes from the AL East. Let’s look at how each team is shaping up:
Toronto Blue Jays
I love everything about the Blue Jays this season. They have a top-3 rotation to go with an offense that could lead the league in runs per game. With the way Vladimir Guerrero Jr. swung the bat last season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the top 3 for AL MVP. The only factor that concerns me about Toronto is their mediocre bullpen, but they will likely add an arm or two at the trade deadline if they’re on track for a postseason spot. The Blue Jays are a serious contender in 2022 and have a real shot to win their first championship since 1993.
Best bet: Blue Jays to win the World Series (+900)
Check out our full Toronto Blue Jays team preview
New York Yankees
A big factor of New York’s success in 2022 is if Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson will outweigh the absence of Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez in their lineup. Regardless, New York still has Aaron Judge, DJ LeMahieu, and Giancarlo Stanton in the heart of their order, which is a nightmare to opposing pitchers. With one of the best pitching staffs in the league, New York is ready for another playoff run.
Best bet: Under 91.5 wins (-110)
Check out our full New York Yankees team preview
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays will be going for their 3rd consecutive division title in 2022. Following a 100-win season in 2021, Tampa Bay made very few moves in free agency besides signing Corey Kluber and Brooks Raley to small contracts. The Rays are obviously confident in the group of guys from last season, but they lost Michael Wacha and Rich Hill during the offseason and might not get Tyler Glasnow back all season. Once again, the Tampa Bay’s starting pitching could be their Achilles’ heel.
Best bet: Over 89.5 wins (-110)
Check out our full Tampa Bay Rays team preview
Boston Red Sox
It looked like the Red Sox were going to go the entire offseason without making any major moves, but with just a few weeks before Opening Day, they got their guy. Trevor Story will move to 2nd base to complete an infield that is now loaded with power, featuring Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, and Bobby Dalbec. However, Boston will be without their ace Chris Sale for the first few weeks which will leave them vulnerable in their starting rotation. The Red Sox offense will need to be top tier in order for them to make up for their lackluster pitching.
Best bet: To make the playoffs (-120)
Check out our full Boston Red Sox team preview
Baltimore Orioles
The fact that Jordan Lyles got $5.5 million is baffling. Lyles has had an ERA well above 5.00 for 3 of the last 4 seasons and will join a Baltimore rotation that is horrendous when John Means isn’t on the mound. Yet, Baltimore does have a lot of young talent in Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle, who will be the core of this team for years to come. Orioles’ fans should also finally see Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez in the big leagues this season which signifies a new era in Baltimore, but don’t expect them to win more than 60 games in 2022.
Best bet: Under 62.5 wins (-115)
Check out our full Baltimore Orioles team preview
American League East prediction
Getting the AL East to be the winning division at +280 on DraftKings is a steal. I think there is a solid chance that 4 AL East teams could be featured in the postseason, which gives added value to this bet. The Blue Jays have the most potential of every AL East team, so Toronto to win the World Series at +900 is also an eye-catching bet.
Read our 2022 MLB season preview, which includes a +4000 World Series longshot!
Pickswise is the home of free sports picks, news and best bets. Check out our expert NFL Picks, NBA Picks, MLB Picks and NHL Picks for the latest game picks.
