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Biggest concern for every American League team
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
More must-reads:
- Red Sox star refuses to change positions
- Mike Trout's position change reminiscent of similar move by baseball legend
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields found out he has a long way to go following his performance at Tuesday's joint practice with the New York Giants. Per Connor Hughes of SNY TV, Fields started hot at the practice before struggling during the move-the-ball period. "Very interesting practice for #Jets QB Justin Fields," Hughes posted on X. "He finished 7 of 12 with a TD. 5 of 5 to start practice. Then 0 for 4. Finished 2 of 3 with the really impressive TD to Jeremy Ruckert in red zone (starter 18 yard line). "The offensive performance was a bit alarming in move-the-ball period of practice. Fields Co. had three attempts to get down field. They didn’t gain a first down. Only gained yards twice (two short Breece Hall runs). Three sacks. That needs to be fixed. #Giants defense toyed with NYJ during that period." Some Jets fans online thought Hughes was using hyperbole to characterize the practice, but he doubled down on his judgment of the offense. Fields looked strong on his first and only drive in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. He went 3-of-4 passing for 42 yards and rushed two times for 14 yards and a touchdown. However, the Giants defense at the joint practice is a much better unit than the short-handed one the Packers trotted out for the first preseason game. Fields' issues seen with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with holding the ball too long and not being able to pass consistently downfield, were a factor against the Giants. Following Saturday's game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Fields was getting better but had a lot to improve on. Tuesday's practice was a humbling reminder that Fields needs to become a consistent passer if the Jets are going to move the ball on good defenses in the regular season.
Bryson DeChambeau divulges Scottie Scheffler's biggest advantage
We all know Scottie Scheffler is the best golfer on the planet by a fairly large margin, but what makes him so much more consistent than other stars in professional golf? Bryson DeChambeau, one of Scheffler's biggest rivals in major championships, thinks he knows the answer. In Tuesday's appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," DeChambeau detailed how Scheffler dominates the PGA Tour weekly. "He's got the best spin and distance control I've ever seen," DeChambeau said. "He controls the golf ball from a spin perspective so much better than everybody else. Like, if you're 175 yards out, and it's 10 miles [an hour] into the wind, he knows how to control the flight and spin to get that ball to land right next to the hole every time. Probably since Tiger [Woods], he's the best that we've seen." The stats confirm DeChambeau's breakdown. Scheffler has ranked first on the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach in three straight seasons. He also ranks first in proximity to the hole and greens in regulation percentage over the last four years. Iron play is Scheffler's superpower, but it wasn't always that way. "I played with him in college a bunch, and I've said it before, but he's definitely improved since college for sure," DeChambeau said with a chuckle. "It's impressive to see what he's done, and we're all aspiring to do that. That's something I've gotta get better at. I can hit it farther than him. I can hit it probably straighter than him. I can make just as many putts as him, but, really, it's about my iron play right now and wedges to get a little more consistent." Iron play is the biggest indicator of success in professional golf. If you're giving yourself more birdie chances from close range than anyone in the field, you're going to have the best chance to win by Sunday afternoon. No one is better at hitting specific distances more consistently than Scheffler. Just look at how accurate he is. DeChambeau has the best chance to catch Scheffler as the best player in the world because he's elite off the tee and on the greens, but that won't happen unless he makes a major improvement to his iron game.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Makes Direct Statement About Mason Rudolph's Spot On QB Depth Chart
NFL legend Tom Brady unleashes on current climate in college sports
Dan Campbell questions whether he set Lions up for failure
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell thinks he set his team up for failure last season with the messages he sent. The Lions won the NFC North and the top overall seed in the NFC Playoffs by going 15-2, but lost in their first playoff game to the Washington Commanders. In a new interview with WXYZ in Detroit, Campbell confessed that he thinks his messaging led the Lions to get too complacent after achieving the goal of securing the No. 1 seed. “There was a little part of me last year, I’m like, Man, did I put such an emphasis on the one-seed, playing at home, all these things that it was almost like — the set of circumstances, we had a bunch of injuries — that it was like, [sigh]. We took a deep breath,” Campbell said. “And then it was like, ‘Oh man, we reached one of those goals,’ but the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl.” “So I just, in my own head, did I set us up for failure by the way that I spoke about it? I think about little things like that. Whereas, you know what? We didn’t lose on the road last year. What if we had gone on the road?” Campbell is quick to take responsibility when his team loses, but last year’s playoff exit was particularly shocking. The Minnesota Vikings pushed them all the way to Week 18, giving them no real opportunity to exhale. Their playoff bye may have given them an opportunity to do that when they shouldn’t have. Of course, Campbell was plenty confident in his team heading into the playoffs. Still, the messaging will clearly be different in Detroit this season.
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