With Gerrit Cole out for the season, the American League’s landscape has changed. Experts weigh in on the best team, with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees emerging as top contenders. The Orioles are favored due to their position player talent, while the Yankees’ potential roster adjustments keep them in the mix.
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With the New York Yankees’ star pitcher Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season due to Tommy John surgery, the dynamics of the American League have shifted. CBS Sports’ MLB experts weigh in on which team might now claim the title of the best in the AL.
Who Takes the Top Spot in the AL?
Matt Snyder: I continue to advocate for the Texas Rangers. Despite last season’s underperformance, the team has significant upside. The offense, which was hampered by injuries and inexperience, is poised for a rebound. Additions like Joc Pederson and Jake Burger will bolster the lineup. The rotation, featuring Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, both recovered from Tommy John surgery, and Cody Bradford, is strong. The bullpen might need some adjustments, but I’m confident in this team’s potential.
R.J. Anderson: I’m leaning towards the Baltimore Orioles. Despite challenges like Grayson Rodriguez’s injury and Gunnar Henderson’s status for Opening Day, they have the potential to win over 90 games. The AL is wide open this year, with many teams projected to be competitive. PECOTA and ZiPS projections show a tight race at the top, suggesting a thrilling season ahead.
Mike Axisa: I think the Orioles have a slight edge over the Rangers and Astros, and the Yankees are not far behind even without Cole. FanGraphs projections still favor the Yankees, though their lead is narrower without Cole. Baltimore’s position players are exceptional, even if their rotation is a bit concerning with Rodriguez’s injury. The Rangers are strong, but Tyler Mahle’s health is a question, and Jacob deGrom’s durability is uncertain. The Astros have lost some star power, and the Red Sox have also faced pitching injuries. Overall, the Orioles seem to have the most upside.
Dayn Perry: The AL appears relatively weak this season, but I still believe the Yankees are the top team. They are likely to address their rotation issues, either soon or by the trade deadline. Max Fried is a solid No. 1 starter, and Cody Bellinger could have a standout year at Yankee Stadium. I expect the Yankees to win around 90 games, which might be enough to secure the top seed in the AL.
