MLB AL East Report Card 2022
The end of the 2022 MLB season means school is now in session and when it comes to a tough division like the American League East, there are clearly teacher pets and others who may need some extra credit to get a passing grade.
New York Yankees (99-63): A-
Unlike the other team from the city that never sleeps, the Pinstripes stayed awake in their playoff berth. Although they ultimately got swept 4-0 by the Astros in the ALDS, they did lose to the World Series Champions.
There’s not much more that a fan could have asked from the Bombers. Their season was incredibly strong all year, highlighted with Aaron Judge’s chase for the single-season home run record which he achieved on Oct. 4.
In spite of their remarkable season, it wasn’t without hiccups. They were plagued with injuries and players who underperformed. After July 9, the Yankees finished with a 38-40 record and really had to battle to beat the Guardians in the postseason.
The future for New York is extremely promising, but the Yankees still lose their 4.0 this season.
Toronto Blue Jays (92-70): B-
The only MLB team from Canada had a strong showing this season but ultimately face-planted in the postseason. It’s no secret that the Blue Jays are good, they just struggle to earn the trophy.
One of the highlights of their season was rookie and potential ace Alek Manoah. He charted a 2.24 ERA over 196 ⅔ innings pitched, but his most impressive accomplishment? His consistency, which was a key asset for the team this season.
Ironically, pitching is also the department that Toronto needs help with. They simply lack depth.
It’s time for the strong Jay’s to move past their 8-1 postseason meltdown and try again next year. They definitely have the power to do so.
Tampa Bay Rays (86-76): C
Finishing third in the AL East, the Rays entered the postseason as the sixth seed and lost in just two games to the Cleveland Guardians. Although a playoff run should always be seen as an accomplishment, this is not the case for Tampa Bay.
It was a letdown season with the team recording their lowest winning percentage since 2017 and had the quickest postseason exit in franchise history, in spite of taking the elimination game to fifteen innings.
The Rays are going to be good for years to come with large contracts for both Wander Franco and Tyler Glasnow secured. Glasnow heads their starting rotation along with Shane McClanahan and the defense really gelled together which allowed for the Rays’ 86 wins.
Although the season was a disappointment, they’ll look to next year where they hope to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time.
Baltimore Orioles (83-79): B+
The O’s unofficially win breakout team of the year. While they may have missed the playoffs by a meager three games, the 2022 Orioles were a solid team.
The Birds are flying quickly to the top. In just one season, their win record increased from 52 to 83 and their pitching also improved, changing from a 5.84 ERA in 2021 to a 3.97 ERA in 2022.
It could be argued that star rookies carried the team. Adley Rutshman recorded 13 home runs and 35 doubles which led him to be a Silver Slugger finalist. Gunnar Henderson was also called up for the last month of the season and was a valuable defensive addition. He’ll be on the watch for Rookie of the Year next season.
The Orioles are promising for next season and could have a big offseason. Team general manager Mike Elias has stated the focus will be the offense and starting rotation.
Boston Red Sox (78-84): C-
When talking about the AL East, the Boston Red Sox were the bottom of the barrel this year. Although they finished last in their division and missed the postseason by eight games, the Boston Red Sox were not “the worst team in baseball.”
It came down to pitching. Boston finished 13th in ERA for the season and were at the bottom of the league for most categories.
Chris Sale only made two starts and went the season without a win. Other starters Nathan Eovaldi, Micheal Wacha and Rich Hill were all unable to record 30 starts for the team.
While their offense was acceptable, they were in too many one-run games this year. Out of their 162 games played, 46 were one-run games and the Sox only won 22 of them.
However, the Red Sox didn't fail this season. They are in a tough division and around the league twelve teams finished with a worse record.
Allie Wenskoski is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, please email amw7637@psu.edu.
