Hope springs eternal for most MLB fans this time of year. But all teams have concerns — some massive, others relatively minor.
Ahead of this week’s start of spring training games, Yardbarker MLB writers identify the biggest concern for each American League team. (2024 regular-season records are in parentheses.)
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (91-71) | They didn’t do enough this offseason | Few teams can boast a position-player core as young and talented as the Orioles, but they did not capitalize on the opportunity to supplement it this offseason. Will their modest moves be enough to keep pace with the Yankees and Red Sox?
BOSTON RED SOX (81-81) | Sacrificing defense to make a splash | The Red Sox added veteran infielder Alex Bregman, a Gold Glove winner at 3B for the Astros last season, on a three-year, $120M contract, but apparently intend to play him at second base. That’s not exactly wise if you look at the defensive metrics, however. Current third baseman Rafael Devers, an elite hitter, grades poorly with the glove.
NEW YORK YANKEES (94-68) | Health | It’s that simple for the Yankees, who always seem to deal with some sort of injury bug each season. The conversation starts with OF Aaron Judge needing to play every day, but New York also needs a full season from ace Gerrit Cole, newly signed left-hander Max Fried, OF Jasson Dominguez, DH Giancarlo Stanton and others.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (80-82) | Playing home games in a minor-league stadium | Because of hurricane damage temporarily closing Tropicana Field, the Rays will play 2025 home games at 11,000-seat George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Perhaps the smaller field and summer heat could play into the Rays’ favor this season, especially given the team’s shortcomings at the plate, but this is a prove-it season for Tampa Bay.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (74-88) | They didn’t add enough (again) | The Blue Jays usually struggle to sign free agents, though they did sign OF Anthony Santander and starting pitcher Max Scherzer in FA. But can they power Toronto to the playoffs, especially considering that most of the roster returns from a 74-win club in 2024? — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (69-93) | The starting rotation | The A’s surprisingly spent more than $150M this offseason, highlighted by signing righty Luis Severino and acquiring lefty Jeffrey Springs in trade. However, the rotation remains a concern.
HOUSTON ASTROS (88-73) | Third base | Alex Bregman’s departure for the Red Sox leaves a gaping hole in the lineup. The 2024 Gold Glove winner’s absence at 3B may be felt most defensively, as expected replacement Isaac Paredes is rated as slightly below average with the glove.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (63-99) | Will regression hit Yusei Kikuchi? | Pitcher Kikuchi parlayed 10 strong starts for the Astros into a three-year, $63.68M contract with the Angels. He has struck out a little more than a batter an inning in his career. However, Kikuchi has not put everything together for an entire season, something the Angels are counting on as they look to finish above .500 for the first time since 2015.
SEATTLE MARINERS (85-77) | Will they hit enough? | The Mariners, who finished a game out of the playoffs last season, had a quiet offseason, with infielders Donovan Solano and Jorge Polanco the major additions. Neither is much of an upgrade to a lineup that ranked 22nd with a .687 OPS in 2024.
TEXAS RANGERS (78-84) | Rotation health | On paper, the Rangers have a formidable rotation with Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle and Jon Gray. However, all three have battled injuries in recent years. For the Rangers to contend for the postseason, that trio must be healthy. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (41-121) | Pretty much everything | When a team loses 121 games in a season, virtually everything must be a concern. This season is a matter of finding pieces for the future. Even a 99-loss season would mark a 22-game improvement over 2024.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (92-69) | Finding another bat (again) | Third baseman Jose Ramirez has established himself as one of the best at the position in the big leagues. He’s a consistent threat in the lineup. The problem is finding another bat or two to take the pressure off of Ramirez, especially since first baseman Josh Naylor was traded to the Diamondbacks.
DETROIT TIGERS (86-76) | Have they done enough? | The Tigers improved the roster by adding second baseman Gleyber Torres and pitchers Jack Flaherty and Alex Cobb. However, Detroit is still missing a proven middle-of-the-order bat. Its failed pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman may loom large in what should be a competitive division.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (86-76) | Can they improve their hitting? | The Royals rode a drastically improved rotation and a top-heavy lineup to a surprising playoff berth in 2024. Kansas City fortified the pitching staff, but an outfield that posted a MLB-worst .643 OPS returns intact and may be the Achilles’ heel.
MINNESOTA TWINS (82-80) | Finishing out the season | The Twins collapsed in the second half in 2022 and 2024, missing the playoffs both seasons. A quiet offseason in which infielder Ty France was the biggest signing could lead to more of the same in 2025. — David Hill
