Blue Jays: The AL East is in for a shift in the landscape

The AL East power structure started to shift in 2022, but depending on how this offseason goes we could be in for a lot of change in MLB’s toughest division.

First and foremost, I’m very interested to see how much a more balanced schedule will benefit teams in the AL East, which has long been a deep and competitive division. In the past they’ve had to play inter-division teams for a total of 76 games (19 each), and that number will drop to 52 in 2023. In theory, it should have a positive effect on the Blue Jays and their division rivals.

Speaking of division rivals, it could be a very active offseason for the Blue Jays, and the same could be said for the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles. Each team is in a different position, and I thought it would be worth a look at each scenario to try and get an early gauge on what could happen, and where the division chips could fall by next spring. My guess is that every team will be looking to add to their rosters to varying degrees, but at least a few GM’s will have some tough decisions to make, including Ross Atkins of the Blue Jays.

It will be an important offseason for Atkins and the Jays as they look to take another step toward being true World Series contenders. They’ve moved into the tier of teams we can expect to play postseason baseball, but the same could arguably be said about each of the five teams in the AL East.

Let’s have a look at what the offseason could bring for each of them.