The 2017 season will run alongside the MLB Tournament of Champions for about three and a half months up until we hit time for that postseason. You can read up on more about that here.
As is my custom, I preview each division individually, going with one each day. I alternate leagues, and always end with the division containing the defending champion. So finally, I get to end with the one I've always wanted to. But for now, we start in the American League, and we'll start out east.
Last year: 93-69 (1st in AL East), 10 wins above COAS Prediction; Lost in ALDS
It's going to be weird seeing the Red Sox play without David Ortiz after over a decade of his presence in the lineup, but there's still a ton of talent here that his retirement shouldn't be detrimental. The outfield is full of good youth, the infield is full of good veterans, and Hanley Ramirez shifts to the DH spot. The starting rotation though... holy crap. David Price may miss a little time, but between him, Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, and ace Chris Sale making up the top three, plus a solid bullpen, and the Red Sox are going to be the team to beat here.
2017 Prediction: 99-63
Last year: 89-73 (T-2nd in AL East), 13 wins above COAS Prediction; Lost in AL Wild Card Game
Don't let their second place prediction here distract you from the fact that Buck Showalter left his best pitcher in the bullpen as Edwin Encarnacion walked off the AL Wild Card Game. Zach Britton will slam the door shut on any leads the O's will get this year, and they will get plenty. This offense is loaded with Manny Machado, Chris Davis, Adam Jones, and Mark Trumbo making up a lethal heart of the order. My biggest concern is their starting rotation, which doesn't have any names that strike fear into my heart. But there aren't really any slouches here either, which means the O's should be in playoff position once again.
2017 Prediction: 89-73, Wild Card
Last year: 89-73 (T-2nd in AL East), 4 wins below COAS Prediction; Lost in ALCS
Coming off of back to back ALCS appearances, the Blue Jays have some question marks coming into this year in my opinion. They still have a potent lineup with Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, and Troy Tulowitzki leading the way, but Edwin Encarnacion's departure creates a little bit of a hole, and their starting rotation is decent, but doesn't pack any one starter that really strikes fear into your heart. There are some early injury concerns, but nothing long term that threatens the Blue Jays' season. I think they threaten for a playoff spot, but fall just short in the end.
2017 Prediction: 88-74
Last year: 84-78 (4th in AL East), 1 win below COAS Prediction; Missed playoffs
I had the Yankees sneaking into the postseason last year, which obviously didn't happen, but they only finished five games out of a playoff spot. They'll be in the mix a little bit again this year, with a good blend of youth and experience in the lineup, though I'll be interested to see how the addition of Matt Holliday will add to this group. The starting rotation is decent with Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda, and CC Sabathia leading the way. It's not enough to get them over the hump, but they'll be a decent team once again.
2017 Prediction: 82-80
Last year: 68-94 (5th in AL East), 10 wins below COAS Prediction; Missed playoffs
I don't know why I was higher on the Rays last year than I should have been. I guess I was a little to high on Chris Archer, but he alone can't keep this club afloat. There's way too much unproven youth around guys like Evan Longoria, though guys like Colby Rasmus, Logan Morrison, and Steven Souza, Jr. aren't bad players. Given the talent level in the AL East though, it could be a long year in south Florida again.
2017 Prediction: 69-93
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