Five potential X factors in the AL East

While the stars on any team will generate the most attention, their performances may not be the difference in their team's success. Oftentimes, it is an overlooked player who either steps up or struggles who proves to be a difference-maker. Let's take a look at a potential X factor for each team in the American League East.

Baltimore Orioles - corner infielder Coby Mayo

Mayo's stature as a top prospect has disappeared due to his struggles at the major league level, as he has posted a .201/.285/.349 batting line in his 340 plate appearances, hitting 11 homers and 12 doubles while striking out 106 times. He will get another chance to establish himself over the first few weeks, as infielder Jordan Westburg will start the season on the Injured List due to a partially torn UCL. If Mayo can recapture the form that made him a top prospect, he could give the Orioles another impressive power bat in the lineup.

Boston Red Sox - infielder Caleb Durbin

Durbin had a strong rookie season for the Brewers, posting a .256/.334/.387 batting line with 11 homers and 25 doubles in his 508 plate appearances while stealing 18 bases. He is now tasked with taking over at third base, following Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers. Although second base is also a question mark, the Red Sox have options at the keystone. That is not the case if Durbin is unable to replicate his 2025 success; Isiah Kiner-Falefa may be a solid utility option, but he should not be a starting third baseman on a team with playoff aspirations.

New York Yankees - Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton has not been able to avoid the IL since 2018, his first year with the Yankees. There is plenty of reason to suspect that Stanton will return to the IL again this year, as he is "unable to open a bag of chips" due to tennis elbow in both of his arms. However, Stanton was still productive when he managed to get into the lineup, posting a .273/.350/.594 batting line with 24 homers in 281 plate appearances. Given how dependent the Yankees' lineup is on outfielder Aaron Judge, a relatively healthy Stanton could make a tremendous difference.

Tampa Bay Rays - pitcher Shane McClanahan

McClanahan has not appeared in a major league game since August 2, 2023, as he missed the last two years due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve injury in his left triceps that also led to his going under the knife. When healthy, McClanahan was a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Rays, posting a 3.02 ERA and a 1.105 WHiP in his 404.2 career innings, striking out 456 batters with 116 walks. The movement on his pitches and velocity are down thus far in spring training, which is understandable given his lengthy absence. However, if McClanahan can stay healthy, he could be that top-of-the-rotation starter the Rays have been missing.

Toronto Blue Jays - pitcher Trey Yesavage

The 12th-ranked prospect, and third pitching prospect, per MLB.com, Yesavage rocketed through all four levels of the minors before making his major league debut for the Blue Jays in September. He pitched well enough in his 14 innings to be part of their postseason roster, with his 27.2 playoff innings surpassing his major league and Triple-A totals. Yesavage is expected to be a key part of the Blue Jays' rotation even with the additions of Cody Ponce and Dylan Cease. If he can build off of his meteoric 2025 season, the Blue Jays could have the best rotation in the majors.