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As MLB spring training approaches, The Post offers a preview of the AL East:
Baltimore Orioles
2025
Last season’s record: 75-87
Manager
Manager: Craig Albernaz (entering his first season)
Spring training site
Training location: Sarasota, Florida
Key additions
The Baltimore Orioles made a bold move in the offseason by acquiring Pete Alonso, taking advantage of the Mets’ apparent disinterest in retaining their franchise home run leader. This strategic addition aims to bolster the Orioles’ lineup significantly. In a bid to strengthen their bullpen, Baltimore signed Ryan Helsley, who struggled following a midseason trade to the Mets, but now looks for redemption as the Orioles’ closer.
Key losses
To acquire Ward from the Angels, the Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez, their first-round pick from 2018 who showed plenty of promise — especially in 2024, but he didn’t pitch last season due to a variety of injuries and was shut down after elbow surgery. Former Yankees catcher Gary Sánchez is still a free agent, as is right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who made 30 starts for them as a 35-year-old rookie.
Storylines to watch
Even after an eventful offseason, the Orioles could still use another veteran starter and had been linked to Framber Valdez before he signed with the Tigers. As spring training approaches, plenty of options remain available. Much of the spotlight will be on Alonso and his five-year, $155 million contract. His presence in the lineup is sure to help Baltimore’s young offensive core, including Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Adley Rutschman as they look to bounce back from 2025’s disappointment.
Boston Red Sox
2025
89-73
Manager
Alex Cora (eighth season)
Spring training site
Fort Myers, Fla.
Key additions
When Alex Bregman bolted Boston for the Cubs, the Red Sox addressed their starting pitching by signing Ranger Suárez, adding the left-hander to a rotation that also features newcomer Sonny Gray. He was acquired from the Cardinals, who also shipped catcher/1B Willson Contreras to Boston. The Red Sox also traded for Pittsburgh right-hander Johan Oviedo and signed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa before acquiring Milwaukee third baseman — and former Yankees prospect — Caleb Durbin.
Key losses
Boston’s offseason took a turn when Bregman signed with the Cubs after the Red Sox were confident in bringing him back following his opt-out. Rob Refsnyder, Steven Matz and Dustin May left as free agents, while Jordan Hicks was traded to the White Sox. Lucas Giolito remains a free agent.
Storylines to watch
With Bregman gone, how will Boston’s offense respond? Adding Suárez to a rotation that already included Garrett Crochet will bolster their pitching — as will Gray, if he can handle the pressure of pitching in Boston, something he didn’t do with the Yankees. And their new young core in the lineup — including Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell and Triston Casas (injured for much of last season) — as well as Durbin — will be counted on even more.
Tampa Bay Rays
2025
77-85
Manager
Kevin Cash (12th season)
Spring training site
Port Charlotte, Fla.
Key additions
The notoriously penny-pinching Rays didn’t sign any big-name free agents, although veterans Nick Martinez and Steven Matz give the pitching staff some depth. They also hope experienced outfielders Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley can bounce back. They were busy on the trade market, bringing in infielders Gavin Lux and young third baseman Ben Williamson, as well as outfielder Jacob Melton.
Key losses
A team already weak in major league talent saw some solid performers end up elsewhere, as Pete Fairbanks signed with Miami and Shane Baz, Brandon Lowe and Josh Lowe were all included in trades. Jake Mangum and Christopher Morel are also gone.
Storylines to watch
On the bright side, the Rays will at least have a real home this season returning to Tropicana Field after it was damaged by a hurricane and playing last season at the Yankees spring training home in Tampa, Steinbrenner Field. And as Tampa Bay again looks to the future, they will keep an eye on top prospect Carson Williams, who debuted with them last season at shortstop.
Toronto Blue Jays
2025
94-68
Manager John Schneider (fifth season)
Spring training site
Dunedin, Fla.
Key additions
The Blue Jays struck early in handing Dylan Cease a seven-year, $210 million contract. Cody Ponce hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2021, but excelled in Korea last season and the pair will be important parts of the rotation. The defending AL champs also took a chance on signing third baseman Kazuma Okamoto from Japan to a four-year, $60 million deal and signed righty Tyler Rogers for the bullpen.
Key losses
Bo Bichette left for the Mets, leaving a hole in the infield and the lineup. Right-hander Seranthony DomÃnguez signed with the White Sox and key starters Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt remain unsigned, as does INF Ty France. Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed with Boston.
Storylines to watch
After giving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a long-term contract last season to stay in Toronto, the Blue Jays continued to spend after getting back to the World Series and nearly beating the mighty Dodgers. Can Trey Yesavage build on his success from last season, when he was a key to the Blue Jays’ postseason success after making his MLB debut in September?