This season was an interesting one in the American League East, with multiple teams in this division that were given chances to win the American League pennant. The New York Yankees were the favorite to win this division going into the season, but this division belonged to just about everyone else in 2023. Here, we look at this year’s AL East futures odds in what should be a very exciting season in this division once again.
2024 AL East Futures Betting Odds
New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles: Racing to the Finish
The New York Yankees were the favorites to win this division going into the season. So far, things in New York have gone well, as Juan Soto has helped bolster a lineup that also features AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge. But the Yankees are not alone near the top of the AL East standings, as the Baltimore Orioles have joined them to set up a great race for this division title.
Last year’s Baltimore Orioles were one of the feel-good stories in all of baseball last season, as they finished the regular season with the most wins in the American League. But the Orioles were beaten in three straight games in the ALDS, ending their postseason at 0-3 on the year. This season, the Orioles once again have a talented group of young players to rely on and they appear to be well on their way to proving that last season was no fluke, as they are right up there with the Yankees in the AL East standings.
Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox: In the Wild Card Mix
The Tampa Bay Rays made the postseason last season, doing so as a Wild Card team. But they got swept in the Wild Card round, creating plenty of questions going into 2024. Tampa no longer has Tyler Glasnow to help them on the mound, but they are still in a position to fight for an American League Wild Card spot despite their roster upheaval going into the year.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East last season. But they have had a very nice start to their 2024 campaign, as they are not out of Wild Card contention just yet. Tanner Houck is off to a great start on the mound for the Sox, who are above .500 and could put pressure on the rest of the American League if they continue fighting the way they have.
Toronto Blue Jays: AL East Longshots
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees were dueling for last place in the AL East last season, with Boston ending up on the bottom of the totem pole in this division. This year, the Toronto Blue Jays appear to be headed for that dubious distinction. The Jays have had the worst offense in this division by a decent margin, making it so that pitchers like Kevin Gausman are not enough to make up for their offensive shortcomings.