1x Thought To Sum Up Every American League Team's Season So Far
1x Thought To Sum Up Every American League Team's Season So Far
Who is a contender and who is a pretender?
Well, the trade deadline has come and gone, meaning we are heading into the season's final stretch. Some teams are out of it, some are sitting comfortably and some have work to do. Some quick thoughts from what I have been observing.
American League East:
Baltimore Orioles (67-47)
Will the rest of the kids be able to handle the pressure come playoff time? The Orioles have been able to assemble one of the most impressive farm systems in all of baseball. They are currently reaping the benefits of that talent collection with All-Stars like Gunnar Henderson (23) and Adley Rutschman (26). I am concerned about the pitching depth for a deep playoff run but if guys like Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, and Coby Mayo all put it together here soon. Watch out as this will be one of the deepest lineups in all of baseball.
Boston Red Sox (61-51)
Management has kept this team from hitting their full potential and becoming a true contender this year. I understand they didn’t want to sell the house to acquire talent but there have been so many times they could have added pitching which is what they need according to Dean. They arguably have the best offense in baseball.
New York Yankees (67-46)
Right now the lineup lacks consistency even with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Pitching has over delivered so far but I am still suspect of how it will hold up in a playoff series. That being said I like the pitching just wish they had another reliable starter. If Volpe, Torres, DJ, Rizzo, and the Martian can all come alive and get to full health here in the next few weeks, the Yankees can have a legit contender.
Tampa Bay Rays (57-55)
Rays are going to Ray. This is one of my favorite expressions in baseball because it is a statement that truly defines the way the Rays operate. With multiple injuries and key departures, the Rays management has been able to add promising talent to the farm via trade, and maintain a competitive team on the field all while the future continues to look bright.
Toronto Blue Jays (52-61)
The Vladdy Jr./Bichette regime has not played out the way Toronto fans would have expected so far. The good news is they held on to both of them at the deadline so they will have two prominent bats to start the rebuild with in 2025. Keyword “rebuild”.
American League Central:
Chicago White Sox (28-88)
28-88…………………..sell the team please and thank you. At least new management would have some youth in the farm system to work with going forward.
Cleveland Guardians (67-45)
Why not be aggressive at the deadline? Just one time it would be nice to see Cleveland act like an apex predator. Other than that the Guardians organization has had a wonderful season both in the major leagues and with the development of its minor league assets.
Detroit Tigers (54-60)
They need to continue adding to the farm system as the big league roster just isn’t there yet. Tarik Skubal would win the American League Cy Young if the decision was made today. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers start to look promising at the end of next year with a core of Skubal, Greene, Keith, Jobe, Malloy, and Dingler.
Kansas City Royals (63-52)
They have found their superstar in Bobby Witt Jr. After a multitude of small deals the Royals organization has been able to put together a competitive ball club and are making a push to make the playoffs. Kansas City fans should be all smiles right now.
Minnesota Twins (63-49)
Most boring team in baseball. They win more games than teams in their division more often than not and then lose early in the playoffs because they don’t get aggressive at the deadline after drafting well. It doesn’t make sense and I am making the Twins my least favorite team in baseball going forward.
American League West:
Houston Astros (58-55)
Does the evil empire have one more run in them? Realistically Houston has this year and possibly next to make a deep playoff run with the old guard. Kyle Tucker has been out for a while, there is definitely something up that we are not hearing about his injury. I don’t think Houston will be able to muster the firepower to make a run in 2024. That being said if they bring back Bregman next year the lineup could again have players like Altuve, Alvarez, Bregman, and Tucker. They might be getting older but I will always show respect.
Texas Rangers (54-60)
World Series hangover? Yes, I know probably the most overused expression to describe the Rangers this season but I am tired so I am going to roll with it. Wyatt Langford is coming along and Seager continues to mash. The pitching as a whole is bottom third of the league when it comes to ERA (4.21) which can’t take the whole blame but there are just so many guys under contract that are not throwing right now.
Seattle Mariners (59-55)
Probably the biggest waste of an elite rotation that I have watched unfold in a while. Seattle did make a few deadline trades to improve the batting order but now their superstar Julio Rodriguez is on the IL. He will come back this season but will he be able to contribute? I love the arms on the roster and would like to see them make a playoff run. Time will tell if J-Rod can get healthy and get it together.
Los Angeles Angels (49-63)
No Shohei, No Trout, No future. It would be really hard to be an Angels fan right now. Their farm system has some intriguing guys but it lacks the depth of talent the Angels need it to be at to realistically compete at the big league level.
Oakland Athletics (47-68)
I honestly feel bad for the players who get drafted or traded to Oakland. The fan base is incredible but the management is so bad. They do not put this team in a position to win or even be competitive for that matter. There are some bright spots but this team needs a new owner more than any other organization in professional sports.
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