Overview
- Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly projects the Yankees to finish below 94 wins, citing a strengthened division that tightens the margin for New York.
- The Orioles added Pete Alonso, Chris Bassitt, Taylor Ward and Shane Baz, and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi says they could see the American League’s biggest year-over-year win jump.
- Toronto, the defending AL champion, upgraded its rotation with Dylan Cease and remains a leading threat for the division title.
- The Yankees largely retained their 2025 core, with Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and others returning as the club emphasizes continuity.
- Injury variables shape New York’s outlook, with Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John surgery, Carlos Rodón coming off elbow bone spur removal, Luis Gil facing durability questions and Anthony Volpe set to miss the start of the season.