The Baltimore Orioles shocked the MLB world by signing Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract. According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the New York Mets "were shocked Alonso got a five-year deal." The Mets didn't want to commit to more than three years, but the Orioles are serious about returning to the postseason after missing out last season. The 31-year-old has, at a minimum, hit 34 home runs and played in 152 games in seven of his eight major league seasons (the only exception is the 2020 shortened season).
Alonso joins what could be the best lineup in all of MLB, depending on bounce-back potential from a few players. He joins a lineup that will consist of Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Dylan Beavers, Sam Basallo, Colton Cowser, and the newly-acquired Taylor Ward. There could easily be six players who can hit 20 or more home runs. That doesn't include Rutschman, Beavers, and Basallo, who struggled last season, though if they return to form, the entire order will be dangerous.
Orioles, Pete Alonso set stage for all-time great AL East clash in 2026
It'll be fun to watch this offense next season; however, they desperately need another starting pitcher and multiple relievers. Regardless, the Orioles have narrowed the gap with the other AL East teams. This division could be one of the greatest divisions in MLB History.
The Toronto Blue Jays look primed to make another deep postseason run next season after adding Dylan Cease to a stout starting rotation. They are rumored to be linked to top-tier free agents, Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Robert Suarez.
The New York Yankees have been extremely quiet this offseason, but they return the majority of the team that pushed the Blue Jays for the AL East title right down to the last game of the season. Their general manager, Brian Cashman, doesn't historically stay quiet in the offseasons. There will likely be a big move that keeps them in the mix.
The Boston Red Sox had a disappointing season in 2025, but the future looks bright with their young prospects from last season, Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell, all ready to make more noise. They will return as likely contenders next season with Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo in tow, making four teams on paper who could easily win the division.
However, don't sleep on the Tampa Bay Rays, who could be a surprise next season. If their pitching staff can stay healthy, they are among the top starting rotations in MLB. There are rumors of Brandon Lowe being available for a trade, and Yandy Díaz is always in the rumor mill based on his age, so we will have to wait and see what their lineup looks like before we consider them contenders.
We haven't heard the last of any of these teams this offseason. Thus, it's premature to deem next season's AL East as the greatest division in MLB history. But no matter what happens from here on out, the race for the division title should be a fun one to watch.