There were many headlines in the American League this past off-season: the Astros’ cheating scandal, Gerrit Cole to the Yankees, and Anthony Rendon to the Angels are just a few. With a new look in the American League, we are in for another exciting season. Today, I present my 2020 American League Standings Predictions.
American League East
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays (WC)
- Boston Red Sox
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Baltimore Orioles
New York: The 2010s became the first decade where the Yankees didn’t win a World Series in 100 years, and it’s clear that the Bronx Bombers aren’t messing around this season. Gerrit Cole brings their pitching rotation to another level and the bullpen is still one of the best in baseball. Although SPs Luis Severino and James Paxton could miss some time, 2018 A.L. ROY runner-up Miguel Andujar returns form injury and enters back into perhaps the best lineup in baseball.
Tampa Bay: The Rays had an interesting off-season, making some questionable moves. But clearly something has been working in Tampa Bay, as the team has the 4th lowest payroll and still has competed at a high level over the past few seasons. Expect them to compete for a wild card spot again.
Boston: The Boston Red Sox have decided to cut their payroll by trading away 2018 MVP winner Mookie Betts and LHP David Price. They still have J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, and Xander Bogaerts in their lineup, their bullpen remains a question mark, and they don’t have a 5th starter.
Toronto: Don’t be surprised if the Toronto Blue Jays finish above Boston, as they have added Hyun-Jin Ryu and Tanner Roark to their rotation and have some great young bats with Vladdy Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavin Biggio.
Baltimore: The Orioles haven’t done much to improve this season, so don’t expect much from the boys out in Baltimore.
American League Central
- Minnesota Twins
- Chicago White Sox (WC)
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Cleveland Indians
Minnesota: Perhaps the weakest division in baseball last year, the A.L. Central has been restocked and could show us one of the closest battles up until the season finale on September 29th. With the off-season signings of acquisitions of Josh Donaldson and Kenta Maeda, the 2019 division winners have bolstered both their powerful lineup and rotation.
Chicago: The Chicago White Sox can’t be taken lightly this season. After acquiring Yasmani Grandal, Dallas Keuchel, Nomar Mazara, and Edwin Encarnacion, the Sox are the most improved team on paper. Combine them with the likes of young studs Tim Anderson, Yoan Moancada, and Lucas Giolito, and the White Sox could prove to be contenders in the Central by competing closely with Minnesota.
Cleveland: The Cleveland Indians are in a limbo phase for the time being after trading their ace, Corey Kluber. The Tribe has a young lineup, and still a ton of talent in their rotation, led by Mike Clevinger, Shane Bieber, and Carlos Carrasco. However, this still may not be enough to compete against the Twins and White Sox.
Detroit: The young Detroit Tigers had the worst record of any MLB team last year, but have added Jonathan Schoop and C.J. Cron for a much-needed power upgrade. Expect them to be slightly better in 2020.
Kansas City: The Royals get Salvador Perez back this season, but K.C. is clearly in a rebuilding phase. 2B Whit Merrifield could even become a potential trade chip at the deadline.
American League West
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Texas Rangers
- Seattle Mariners
Houston: Yeah I know. The Astros cheated, and you may think their reputation will kill them this year. But they’re still one of the best teams in baseball. The ‘Stros lose Gerrit Cole, but get back Lance McCullers Jr., who missed all of 2019. New manager Dusty Baker and Houston will have a tall task this season, we’ll see if showers of “boos” and taunts will fuel them.
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Angels added the best bat in free-agency, Anthony Rendon. Their pitching staff and bullpen remains a big question mark, but they still have 3-time MVP Mike Trout and 2-way Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani. Also, with new manager Joe Maddon at the helm, the Halos have a man who has been there and done that when it comes to the postseason.
Oakland: The Oakland Athletics have won 97 games each of the last two seasons, and were helped tremendously in 2019 by a breakout season from SS Marcus Semien. Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Khris Davis are all big bats, but the biggest question is whether the A’s pitching staff and bullpen will be good enough to compete in the West.
Texas: The Rangers made a big move, trading for 2-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber, who was injured for most of the 2019 campaign. Despite securing an ace, the Rangers’ biggest headline this year will be their new stadium, Globe Life Park.
Seattle: The Mariners are still young and inexperienced. Don’t expect Seattle to do much this year.
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