The AL East in 2026 is being described by scouts as a “six-month demolition derby.” After the Toronto Blue Jays fell just one inning short of a title in a legendary 7-game World Series against the Dodgers, and the Baltimore Orioles landed the biggest fish of the winter, the division is officially an arms race.
Here is your 2026 Spring Training Preview for the AL East “Bloodbathed” Division.
New York Yankees: The “Post-Soto” Hunger
After losing Juan Soto to the Mets and falling in the 2025 postseason, Brian Cashman spent the winter building a “high-floor” roster rather than chasing one giant superstar. The pressure is on manager Aaron Boone, who is entering a contract year.
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Key Additions: Ryan Weathers (SP – via trade), Amed Rosario (INF), Paul Blackburn (SP).
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Key Losses: Juan Soto (Mets), Gleyber Torres (Tigers), Clay Holmes (FA).
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Spring Storyline: The Rotation Survival Kit. With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon both projected to miss the first month of the season with minor lingering ailments, the Yankees are relying on trade acquisition Ryan Weathers and breakout candidate Luis Gil to carry the load in March. Watch the “Martian” Jasson Dominguez; there are heavy rumors he could be traded for an ace before Opening Day.
Baltimore Orioles: The “Polar Bear” in the Harbor
The Orioles officially signaled the end of their “rebuild and wait” phase by signing Pete Alonso to a massive 5-year, $155M deal. They are now the most feared power-hitting lineup in the American League.
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Key Additions: Pete Alonso (1B), Ryan Helsley (CL), Taylor Ward (OF).
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Key Losses: Ryan O’Hearn (Pirates), Cedric Mullins (Rays), Seranthony Domínguez (White Sox).
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Spring Storyline: Alonso vs. Camden. All eyes in Sarasota will be on Pete Alonso’s bat. Statcast projections suggest he would have hit 45 homers at Camden Yards last year compared to 38 at Citi Field. If he clicks with Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday, this team could hit 250+ home runs.
Toronto Blue Jays: The “Finish the Job” Mission
Coming off a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the World Series, the Jays didn’t lick their wounds—they went out and bought the best arm on the market to ensure they get back.
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Key Additions: Dylan Cease (SP – 7yr/$210M), Kazuma Okamoto (3B), Tyler Rogers (RP).
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Key Losses: Bo Bichette (Mets), Chris Bassitt (FA).
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Spring Storyline: The Dylan Cease Era. Cease is the highest-paid pitcher in Blue Jays history. Pairing him with Kevin Gausman gives Toronto a “strikeout-per-inning” duo that is unmatched in the AL. Also, keep an eye on Japanese superstar Kazuma Okamoto as he adjusts to MLB pitching in Dunedin.
Boston Red Sox: The “Pitching-First” Pivot
Craig Breslow has completely reinvented the Red Sox’s identity. They’ve moved away from high-priced sluggers (letting Alex Bregman walk) and invested heavily in a “workhorse” rotation.
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Key Additions: Ranger Suárez (SP), Sonny Gray (SP), Willson Contreras (C – via trade).
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Key Losses: Alex Bregman (Cubs), Kenley Jansen (Tigers), Nick Pivetta (Padres).
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Spring Storyline: The “New” Top of the Order. With Bregman gone, the Red Sox are handing the keys to Jarren Duran and Roman Anthony. The big question in Fort Myers is whether Willson Contreras can handle the defensive workload of a revamped pitching staff while still providing 25-HR power.
Tampa Bay Rays: The “Trop Homecoming”
After a nomadic 2025 season playing at the Yankees’ spring site (due to Hurricane Milton damage), the Rays are officially heading back to a repaired Tropicana Field. As usual, they’ve traded away high-priced talent to get younger and weirder.
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Key Additions: Cedric Mullins (OF), Steven Matz (LHP), Elijah Green (OF – via trade).
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Key Losses: Pete Fairbanks (Marlins), Ha-Seong Kim (Braves), Zack Littell (Reds).
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Spring Storyline: The Junior Caminero Leap. Caminero is no longer a prospect; he’s the engine. After a 25-HR rookie campaign, the Rays are moving him to a full-time leadership role. Watch the bullpen battle—with Fairbanks gone, the Rays will likely use a “closer-by-committee” featuring five guys who throw 100 mph.
AL East Projected Standings (Early Vegas Odds)
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Baltimore Orioles (+110)
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Toronto Blue Jays (+130)
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New York Yankees (+250)
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Boston Red Sox (+600)
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Tampa Bay Rays (+1200)
