The New York Yankees were as active as any team in baseball this winter, as they added all-stars Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman as well as Alex Verdugo and Caleb Ferguson. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Yankees are the favorite for the AL pennant (+450), as of early Spring Traning 2024, but they have their eyes set on World Series title number 28 (+900).
With Soto, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, and Gleyber Torres, this team truly has a Bronx Bombers lineup even without young phenom Jasson Domínguez – the team’s top prospect who was interestingly named after former Yankee Jason Giambi. In terms of the starting rotation, Stroman teams up with AL Cy Young-favorite Gerrit Cole (+590) and Carlos Rodón to help form a strong pitching staff.
Can aaron judge reclaim the mvp award?
2022 MVP Aaron Judge looks for his fourth straight year as an all-star, but he is looking to bounce back after missing out on the Silver Slugger and All-MLB First Team in 2023. Yet, he remains the AL MVP favorite (+600), just in front of teammate Juan Soto (+650).
sleepers in the american league
The Houston Astros will try to be in the way of New York’s first title since 2009. The Astros have dominated the AL West in recent years, and their pitching staff remains strong with Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Cristian Javier. Their offense is led by Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, and Yordan Alvarez. Both their hitting and pitching should keep Houston around 100 wins.
Also in the AL West are the Seattle Mariners, who are coming on strong with three 88-plus-win seasons in a row. They are led by the game’s most exciting player Julio Rodríguez, who is third in the AL MVP odds (+1100). Rodriguez is only getting better at age 23. Unfortunately for Seattle, Jarred Kelenic is no longer a Mariner after being traded. However, if Seattle’s pitching holds up, they have a real shot to compete.
the 2024 teams with young stars
Meanwhile, young phenoms in Baltimore could lead to a 100-win season for the Orioles. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad are five fantastic stars who are bursting onto the scene. They also have a new ace in Corbin Burnes, which was a huge acquisition for the Orioles.
Not only are there impressive young players in Baltimore, but there are also some in Cleveland. Cal Quantrill and Triston McKenzie will look to lead a bounce-back season for the Guardians, who sported a frustrating 76-86 record last season. New manager Stephen Vogt hopes that they can get above .500 this season and fight for a playoff spot.
AL Players to Watch:
– OF Julio Rodríguez, Mariners: After finishing with 32 home runs, 37 doubles, and 37 stolen bases in 2023, Rodriguez is entering just his third season in the majors. He could be the best player in the American League this season.
– SP Gerrit Cole, Yankees: The reigning AL Cy Young winner also led all of baseball in ERA last season. It will be difficult to repeat as the Cy Young winner, but he will try to be the first consecutive winner in the AL since Pedro Martinez (1999 and 2000).
– 1B Andrew Vaughn, White Sox: Last season, he had career highs in both home runs (21) and runs batted in (81). The White Sox are not expected to be a contender, but Vaughn can break out this season.
Yankees early season favorites
Early Season Predictions:
AL Pennant: New York Yankees (+450)
AL MVP: RF Aaron Judge, Yankees (+600)
AL Cy Young: SP Corbin Burnes, Orioles (+1000)
AL Rookie of the Year: OF/1B Heston Kjerstad, Orioles (+3000)
The Yankees and Orioles are primed to be two of AL’s best teams, and both could meet up in the ALCS. The Astros will have something to say about that, as it should be a fun season. We will see if the youthful Orioles can find a way to be on top for the first time since 1983 when they won the World Series in five games.
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