(This article was created with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please contact us if you find any errors.)
The AL East is emerging as one of the most unpredictable divisions in baseball this season. In the latest installment of “Baseball Bar-B-Cast,” hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman delved into the current state of affairs within this intriguing division.
Let’s take a closer look.
The mystery of the Yankees
The Yankees have been a pleasant surprise thus far, with their offense exceeding expectations. According to Mintz, they have a remarkable team WRC+ of 140. However, the bigger picture remains unclear.
Mintz pointed out the Yankees’ unexpected struggles with their rotation, noting, “They have the highest ERA of any rotation in baseball. They’ve only had one quality start all season.”
Combining pitching woes with a recent road trip featuring cold weather games, it seems like this team is still finding its footing. Fans eagerly await performances that live up to the hype and the storied tradition associated with the pinstripes.
Red Sox’s hope and uncertainty
The season began with high expectations for the Red Sox from both hosts, who predicted them to be strong contenders for the division title. However, their current 8-9 record does not yet reflect the talent they possess in flashes. It’s unclear whether this is the start of a promising streak or just fleeting moments of brilliance.
As Mintz mentioned, “Red Sox fans are eager to be irrationally positive right now, and they have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. … The only thing holding them back is their sub-.500 record.”
A significant positive for the Red Sox has been Garrett Crochet’s impressive performance in the rotation. The challenge for the Red Sox will be to translate these bright spots into consistent success throughout the season.
Bright spots for the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays currently lead the division, but despite their displayed power and talent, doubts linger. Yet, watching the bottom of Toronto’s lineup getting on base, featuring players like Ernie Clement and Myles Straw, instills an unwavering belief in the 9-7 Blue Jays’ potential to clinch the division.
Another positive for Toronto is the strong performance of the bullpen, spearheaded by offseason addition Jeff Hoffman. Shusterman praised Hoffman’s impact, stating, “I believe Jeff Hoffman is currently the best reliever in the world.”
Will the Blue Jays’ hot streak endure long enough to ward off the competitive strength of their divisional rivals?
Orioles’ topsy-turvy beginning
Baltimore Orioles fans are no strangers to turbulent seasons, and the start of this season may feel all too familiar. Despite not yet securing a series win, the Orioles are just a couple of games behind the division leaders.
As Shusterman observed, “They may be in last place, but they’re only two-and-a-half games out of first. So, they are doing just fine.”
The hosts discussed Baltimore’s growing potential and how various factors could turn the Orioles’ season into one filled with hope and promise.
The 2025 MLB season is still in its early stages, and the hosts acknowledge that they are still figuring out the AL East.
As Mintz summarized, “Every team, you watch them for a few innings, and you’re convinced they’ll win the division. Then, after a few more innings, you think they’ll be relegated, and you’re left unsure.”
To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to “Baseball-Bar-B-Cast” on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.