Predicting AL East standings after Gerrit Cole’s injury: Where do Rays land?

This season-ending injury to the Yankees ace starter is quite possibly the biggest news of the spring so far. Due to the ramifications involved in a player of his caliber missing the entire season, the divisional standings will certainly be affected. Nobody wishes an injury to any team or individual player, but this one will benefit each team in the AL East division, as the top club just dropped down a notch.

Gerrit Cole has been arguably the best pitcher in the AL East since his arrival in 2020. The California native has only improved his game since joining the Yankees and his loss will greatly impact the team in pinstripes. Cole has appeared in three All-Star games and won his first Cy Young award unanimously in 2023 to go along with his impressive resume.

The 34-year old right-hander has especially seen success against Rays hitters in recent years. In 2022, Tampa Bay collected a total of only 13 hits in 25 innings which equaled a dismal .149 AVG. Therefore, his absence will unquestionably result in more opportunities for the Rays offense.

Without further ado, let's analyze how this division could play out after the disappointing loss of the Yankees ace. Here's our prediction for the AL East standings:

Especially after this tragic news for Yankees fans, the Red Sox seem primed to reclaim the division for the first time since 2018 when they defeated the Dodgers in the World Series. Boston added some very high-profile players in Alex Bregman, Garrett Crochet, and electric closer Aroldis Chapman. They improved every asset of their club and will likely be the most talented roster heading into Opening Day.

We decided to place the Rays in 3rd place which wouldn't be an awful finish for a team that limped into 4th place last season. Even with this injury, the AL East is still arguably the most formidable division in the majors. The worst roster contains some of the most talented players in the division. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Kevin Gausman will suit up for the Blue Jays in 2025 as they can't be counted out.

Therefore, health and divisional wins will be essential this season as it's ultimately anyone's division to win. The arguments for the lesser clubs certainly exist, but they're harder to formulate. As the depth charts stand, Boston has the best chances to claim the AL East with the Evil Empire looking less and less fearsome as spring training develops.