AL Pennant Race: Rise of the Orioles and Fall of the Yankees

by

Jul 31, 2023

The Tampa Bay Rays remain at the pinnacle in the race for the AL Pennant, but their thunder is being stolen by the surprisingly robust performance of the Texas Rangers. The once-dominant New York Yankees are perilously close to being discounted as viable competitors. The clock is ticking for them to make a move if they hope to salvage the season.

The Baltimore Orioles might lack the commanding pitching presence seen in some other teams, but the Orioles are poised to be a formidable adversary once we reach the postseason. While the Orioles are likely to add a pitcher or two before the trade deadline, it’s their offense that sets them apart.

Their ability to put runs on the board surpasses any team in the American League. The Toronto Blue Jays and the Rangers have shown promise, but the Orioles’ prowess at the plate is hard to match. The Orioles’ current AL Pennant odds on FanDuel Sportsbook stand at +700, a significant leap from the +2500 they were at just a few weeks ago.

Not to be forgotten, the Rays are likely to come out of their shell and pose a substantial threat. Their silence hints at the possibility of a strategic move before the deadline.

The Yankees, on the other hand, might manage to claw their way back into the postseason. However, their repeated, unsuccessful attempts in the past few years and the lack of substantial additions to their lineup make it challenging to view them as genuine World Series contenders. Numerous early exits mark the Yankees’ dance card, and this season seems likely to follow that pattern.

As we inch closer to the postseason, the contest for the AL Pennant is becoming a thrilling ride, with underdogs and giants clashing on the diamond. It’s not a year to underestimate the unexpected, and the Orioles, once dark horses, are emerging from the pack.

Whether it’s the pitching prowess of the Rays, the surprising performance of the Rangers, the potential resurgence of the Yankees, or the sheer power of the Orioles, it’s clear that the AL Pennant race is far from over.

The weeks leading up to the MLB postseason promise excitement, nail-biting finishes, and, possibly, the rise of a new champion.

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Thumbnail photo via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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