How the Blue Jays can win the AL East

In terms of starting pitching, everything has been relatively ho-hum, which is good news. Yes, Max Scherzer has a minor thumb injury, but overall the starting pitching has been stable.

This is where the Blue Jays have an advantage over the reigning AL East Champions, the New York Yankees The Bronx Bombers will be without their ace Gerrit Cole for the entire year and Giancarlo Stanton could also miss some significant time.

That could push the Yankees win probability down and the Blue Jays probability up.

There seems to be some discord over at the Red Sox camp thanks to the Alex Bregman/Rafael Devers and who will play third base. While it appears to be a minor issue now, it could turn into something bigger and become a season long distraction.

While the Blue Jays may have failed to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to an extension, there appears to be no conflict with management.

Another point in the Blue Jays favour.

The Rays aren't expected to be a contender this year and while one can never count them out, most projections had them finishing behind the Blue Jays.

The Orioles are strong, but they lost Corbin Burnes to Arizona this offseason and there are questions about the health of Gunnar Henderson.

All of these factors could put the Blue Jays over the top.

Of course, the Blue Jays have to do their part as well. They need to continue to hit, their starters need to stay healthy, and they need resurgent seasons from guys like Bo Bichette and George Springer. And they need Vlad to be Vlad.

So far though, all signs point to yes.