"It's safe to say that the Jays exceeded expectations last year, finishing in a tie for the division lead, which they won due to holding the tiebreaker over the Yankees. The club utilized their strengths in the lineup under new hitting coach David Popkins to keep passing the baton down the order, whittling down opposing starters and bullpen options while the pitching staff was striking out opposing bats regularly."
"With all this in mind, the 2026 season is going to be a battle. While the New York Yankees haven't made the big acquisition fans expect from the club this winter, other teams within the division continue to find ways to get better. Here are some notable players that teams within the AL East have added: Baltimore Orioles add: RHP Shane Baz, RHP Andrew Kittredge, RHP Ryan Helsley, 1B Pete Alonso, LF Taylor Ward"
"Boston Red Sox add: RHP Sonny Gray, RHP Johan Oviedo, LHP Tyler Samaniego, LHP Jake Bennett, 1B Willson Contreras (pending), OF Isiah Jackson New York Yankees add: LHP Ryan Yarbrough, RHP Paul Blackburn (pending), OF Trent Grisham Tampa Bay Rays add: LHP Steven Matz, RHP Steven Wilson, RHP Luis Guerrero, CF Cedric Mullins, RF Jake Fraley, numerous prospects (RHP Michael Forret, LF Jacob Melton, C Caden Bodine, OF Slater de Brun, OF Austin Overn)"
The Toronto Blue Jays exceeded expectations in 2025, finishing tied for the AL East lead and winning the division via tiebreaker over the Yankees. The lineup, guided by new hitting coach David Popkins, consistently produced through the order while the pitching staff generated regular strikeouts. The team took several months to coalesce but maintained a strong clubhouse and found ways to win into October. The 2026 season projects as a divisional battle as rivals add talent: Baltimore, Boston, New York and Tampa Bay made multiple moves to bolster pitching and offense. Several high-profile free agents remain available and could still alter the race.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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