MLB Rumors: 2 Bold Predictions for AL East

Happy New Year to our beloved fans and thank you for a wonderful opening season. We're happy to provide as much MLB coverage as possible and we hope you're ready for the second half of the double header. 2022 is going to be a great year here at Baseball Rumors and why not go around the horn with three bold predictions for the new calendar year.

Baltimore Orioles Adley Rutschman Wins AL Rookie of the Year

The 23-year-old is one of the best catching prospects to come along in the past 10 years and he appears ready for the bright lights. The Orioles blue chip showed he's bigger than the minor leagues and in 2022 there's a very good chance he wins the starting gig behind the plate out of spring training. The ceiling is non-existent for Rutschman and there's finally a foundational piece in Baltimore to build around. The likes of Cedric Mullens and John Means have another core piece to join forces with. Get your popcorn ready, O's fans. The future is bright. 

Toronto Blue Jays Win the Pennant

The Blue Jays showed in the second half of last season that they are for real. Even with losing the AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray, along with the historic Marcus Semien and another capable starter in Steven Matz, the Jays will be taking steps forward. Toronto has already gone out and brought in Kevin Gausman from the San Francisco Giants and are reportedly considering Freddie Freeman from the World Series winning Atlanta Braves. Money is never an issue north of the border.

The Blue Jays lineup is already loaded with talent that continues to develop and 2022 everything is going to click. Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Bo Bichette will lead Toronto to the promised land along with an underrated rotation and newly established stable bullpen. Look for the Jays to add another late-inning reliever and some more bench depth. The sky is the limit for this ball club and expect the Blue Jays to come out of the American League in 2022.

Photo credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports