The Biggest Unknown: How will the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays pivot?
One supposes what we have here are three big unknowns, but let’s not split hairs. All three of these clubs had big hopes for 2026 after making the playoffs in 2025, only to fall prey to a Monty Python-style foot squish:
All three have “I’ll be back” energy to some degree or another, though the Yankees’ is the least inspiring. They’ll do stuff this winter, sure, but they’re also running it back with Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman for reasons only they know why. To boot, Aaron Judge couldn’t stay healthy and will soon be 35 years old.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have the most to fix this winter. Namely, an offense that finished last in MLB in scoring and a pitching staff that was gutted by injuries. It’s not an enviable task in the slightest.
So, dare we say don’t sleep on the Red Sox?
They finished third overall in Wins Above Replacement this year, and that was with next to nothing from Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony. Them being healthy in 2027 bodes well enough, and even more so if Boston leverages its financial and trade capital to bring in a big name or two during the offseason.
Projected 2027 AL East Standings