OTW 271 - 2027 Opportunity Knocking: AL East

On The Wire Episode 271 — Opportunity Knocking: AL East

Adam and Kevin take “Opportunity Knocking” to the AL East as the Rays close in on the World Series. The division’s lineups have more open questions than its rotations, especially crowded infields in Boston and New York. Kevin shares live ADP from in-progress NFBC draft-and-holds, and the hosts look at how Teruaki Sato’s posting could play out around the CBA’s December 1 expiration.

Welcome and Introduction 0:00-5:00

AL East kickoff as Tampa Bay nears a World Series berth

Boston Red Sox 5:00-25:00

Few free-agent holes, but a crowded, banged-up infield clouds playing time
Players Discussed: Sonny Gray, Garrett Whitlock, Curtis Mead, Caleb Durbin, Trevor Story, Franklin Arias, Nick Sogard, Mickey Gasper, Jarren Duran

Rotation set if Gray returns; Chapman stays the closer
Players Discussed: Garrett Crochet, Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez, Jake Bennett, Brayan Bello, Aroldis Chapman

New York Yankees 25:00-40:00

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s exit opens second base; Spencer Jones takes center field
Players Discussed: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones, José Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Luis García Jr., Ben Rice, Teruaki Sato

Bullpen rebuild starts with Bednar’s free agency; rotation stays deep
Players Discussed: David Bednar, Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Will Warren, Carlos Lagrange

Toronto Blue Jays 40:00-50:00

Five starters hit free agency, leaving two rotation spots open
Players Discussed: José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Dylan Cease, José Soriano, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, Louis Varland

Left field opens with Springer gone; Barger likely slides to the outfield
Players Discussed: George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Andrés Giménez, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger

Baltimore Orioles 50:00-1:10:00

Late-season injuries cloud the lineup; Basallo is a top-10 catcher
Players Discussed: Luis Robert Jr., Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, Blaze Alexander, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso

Rotation needs a starter; Bautista vs. Helsley for the closer job
Players Discussed: Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Cade Povich, Anthony Eyanson, Félix Bautista, Ryan Helsley

Tampa Bay Rays 1:10:00-1:30:00

Peralta departs; expect a one-year veteran signing
Players Discussed: Freddy Peralta, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Shane McClanahan, Ryan Pepiot, Bryan Baker

Late-season outfield breakouts and an Aranda leap could mean more plate appearances
Players Discussed: Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Díaz, Chandler Simpson, Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Ryan Vilade, Carson Williams

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