The most surprising developments for each team.
There has been no shortage of surprising developments in the 2024 season. Whether they are good or bad developments, or on the player or team-wide level, there are plenty of trends that have already shifted the arc of this season.
With the help of each club’s MLB.com beat writer, here are the most surprising developments for each team
American League East
Blue Jays: An underperforming bullpen
Save for the departure of Jordan Hicks, Toronto’s relief corps looks very similar to the one that ended 2023 with MLB’s eight-best bullpen ERA (3.68). The group entered Wednesday with an MLB-worst 5.27 ERA. Erik Swanson has struggled since being activated on April 16, allowing 11 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings, and the Blue Jays have yet to see real dominance from guys like Tim Mayza and Jordan Romano. One bright spot has been Yimi García (0.68 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings), but he hasn’t pitched since April 28 with a lower-back issue. — Julia Kreuz
Orioles: The rotation has thrived despite numerous key injuries
Kyle Bradish (right UCL sprain) and John Means (left forearm strain) both started the season on the injured list before making their 2024 debuts last week. Grayson Rodriguez (right shoulder inflammation) and Tyler Wells (right elbow inflammation) are now on the IL. Despite the injuries, the rotation has been a strength, recording a 3.21 ERA through 35 games that ranked fifth in MLB and third in the AL. Baltimore knew it would get consistent strong outings from new ace Corbin Burnes and other top starters, but Cole Irvin (a 2.86 ERA through six starts and currently on a career-long 20 2/3-inning scoreless streak) has been better than expected. — Jake Rill
Rays: Who’s kept them afloat
The Rays battled through the first month of the season without a bunch of key contributors, including left-handed hitters Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe and Jonathan Aranda, while All-Stars Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena scuffled through dramatic season-opening slumps and their bullpen was a surprising weakness. But they’re hovering right around .500 thanks mostly to quality starting pitching, Isaac Paredes’ steady production and some unexpected offensive contributions from newcomers Ben Rortvedt (.813 OPS), Richie Palacios (.846), José Caballero (.694, 14 steals), Amed Rosario (.758) and Jonny DeLuca (1.172). — Adam Berry
