Every season Major League Baseball has new players that emerge as x-factors for their teams. This article will examine the potential x-factors for the AL East.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES X-FACTOR: ADLEY RUTSCHMAN
In 2022 when the Baltimore Orioles called up Adley Rutschman, he changed the team’s trajectory. Baltimore came within three games of an AL Wildcard berth. Going into the 2023 season, Rutschman will be a fixture in the O’s lineup. Adley can be the second coming of Buster Posey and could provide the Orioles with that type of leadership. This for Baltimore Adley Rutschman is their 2023 x-factor.
BOSTON RED SOX X-FACTOR: TRISTON CASAS
The Boston Red Sox are in a precarious position in 2023. Boston lost another homegrown star in Xander Bogaerts, severely weakening the team. And while the Red Sox signed Rafael Devers to a long-term deal, there remains a plethora of questions surrounding the team. One such question is about their “first baseman of the future” and x-factor, Triston Casas. Boston has struggled with the first base position for at least the last half-decade. And that makes Casas all the more critical for Boston in 2023. The Red Sox are searching for consistency and hoping that Casas can become the next great Red Sox first baseman.
NEW YORK YANKEES X-FACTOR: DJ LEMAHIEU
The New York Yankees were utterly embarrassed during the 2022 ALCS by the Houston Astros. New York’s offense went cold and dried up. One glaringly obvious omission from the postseason roster was DJ LeMahieu. DJ brings a different look to the Yankees lineup. LeMahieu is a contact-oriented player that brings balance to the Yankees. For New York, DJ LeMahieu is the x-factor because of his lineup versatility, not just in the lineup but also in the field. For the Yankees to succeed at their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, DJ LeMahieu will be critical.
TAMPA BAY RAYS X-FACTOR: WANDER FRANCO
Not long ago, Wander Franco was the top prospect in all of MLB. There’s a reason that the Rays handed out the most money in franchise history by signing Franco to an extension. Franco hasn’t been able to stay healthy. For Tampa to be successful, Wander must prove that he is healthy and remains on the field. If Franco can play in 145-150 in a season, then Wander won’t just be the Rays’ x-factor but also a potential AL MVP candidate.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS X-FACTOR: JOSE BERRIOS
For the Toronto Blue Jays, several players could be the X-factor. The player we are selecting is entering a make-or-break season. Jose Berrios has been a disappointment thus far in his career. Berrios could be among the elites in MLB. However, Jose hasn’t found that next level to unlock his ability. Consistency has been missing from Berrios’ game in the Majors. For Toronto, if Berrios can find that next gear and become consistent, he can push the Blue Jays all the way to the World Series.
