The Major League Baseball season will open in Tokyo on March 17-18 with a two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The other big-league teams, meanwhile, will open their seasons later in March.
Ahead of Opening Day, Yardbarker MLB writers offer a best-case scenario record for every team in the American League.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (Best-case record: 88-74) | The Orioles are the beneficiaries of a Yankees team that is weakened by injury. Most projection sites, including PECOTA, have Baltimore and New York almost neck and neck in the AL East, but the Orioles may have the edge despite an underwhelming offseason.
BOSTON RED SOX (Best-case record: 89-73) | Like the Orioles, Boston benefits greatly from a compromised Yankees club. After adding third baseman Alex Bregman and pitchers Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman to complement their burgeoning farm system, the Red Sox seem to be the new AL East favorites.
NEW YORK YANKEES (Best-case record: 86-76) | Let’s get one thing straight about the Yankees: Despite all of their major injuries heading into 2025, they haven’t endured a losing season since 1992. That’s an impressive streak that will likely continue this season, even if they’re not the juggernaut they were projected to be going into the season.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (Best-case record: 84-78) | The Rays are underrated in 2025, which will happen when they share a division with the Yankees, Orioles and Red Sox. But at its best, Tampa could be a pitching machine with its ace left-hander Shane McClanahan returning. Plus, they sport a sneaky-good lineup with the addition of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (Best-case record: 77-85) | The Blue Jays got better with the additions of OF Anthony Santander and starting pitcher Max Scherzer, but even in a best-case scenario, they’re still at the bottom of the AL East pack. Much of their success (if any) will hinge on what the tandem of SS Bo Bichette and 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can accomplish in what looks to be their last dance together in Toronto. — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (Best-case record: 81-81) | The A’s finally opened the checkbook, signing pitcher Luis Severino and extending DH Brent Rooker and outfielder Lawrence Butler. The A’s may not be ready to contend in the AL West, but reaching .500 would be a step in the right direction.
HOUSTON ASTROS (Best-case record: 90-72) | The Astros are at a crossroads as they are attempting to supplement a veteran core with one of the worst farm systems in baseball (per MLB.com). If the Astros’ attempt to build an outfield without outfielders (2B Jose Altuve is in left and 3B Cam Smith in right) goes well, they could squeeze out another division title.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (Best-case record: 75-83) | The Angels have not had a winning record since 2015. Maybe that can change if OF Mike Trout stays healthy, closer Kenley Jansen has another strong season and starters Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks find success. However, virtually everything has to go right for a .500 season. That’s unlikely.
SEATTLE MARINERS (Best-case record: 92-70) | The Mariners arguably have the best pitching staff in the majors, coupled with one of the worst lineups. An MVP-level performance from CF Julio Rodriguez and All-Star caliber seasons from outfielder Randy Arozarena and catcher Cal Raleigh may be necessary for the Mariners to return to the postseason.
TEXAS RANGERS (Best-case record: 92-70) | The Rangers could be one of the best teams in the AL if they can stay healthy. That may be easier said than done as pitcher Jon Gray will begin the season on the injured list and pitchers Cody Bradford and Tyler Mahle have had their own injury scares. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (Best-case record: 63-99) | Just showing competence would be a step in the right direction for the White Sox. A best-case scenario involves rental options such as pitcher Martin Perez and outfielder Luis Robert performing well enough to trade while Chicago’s future core gains valuable big-league experience.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (Best-case record: 92-70) | The Guardians again will need to ride one of the best bullpens in the majors. If OF Steven Kwan (14 HR, .292 BA) replicates his 2024 performance and another player helps provide protection for star third baseman Jose Ramirez, the Guardians could be dangerous again.
DETROIT TIGERS (Best-case record: 90-72) | The Tigers got deeper, adding second baseman Gleyber Torres and reuniting with pitcher Jack Flaherty. If their young hitters take a step forward and Tarik Skubal puts together another Cy Young-caliber season, the Tigers could win the division and surprise in the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (Best-case record: 90-72) | The Royals’ success again will come down to SS Bobby Witt Jr. and the pitching staff. Another MVP-caliber year from Witt (32 HR, .332 BA in 2024) will go a long way toward another playoff berth.
MINNESOTA TWINS (Best-case record: 86-76) | It all comes down to health for the Twins. If OF Byron Buxton, SS Carlos Correa and infielder Royce Lewis stay healthy, the Twins could surprise. However, as Lewis is already injured, that best-case scenario may have already passed by. — David Hill
