Rays head to World Series as Yankees extend Cashman – AL East roundup

There were no games on the schedule for the AL East, but the division still made news as the Tampa Bay Rays geared up for the World Series and the New York Yankees doubled down on stability in the front office.

Rays chase first title and dominate the spotlight

The Tampa Bay Rays (98-64) are preparing to take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. CBS Sports notes that Game 1 is slated for Friday in Milwaukee and that a first-time champion between these two franchises will be crowned when the series is over. Another CBS Sports piece points out that both clubs have prior World Series experience but are still seeking their first title.

CBS Sports also breaks down World Series MVP odds and predictions, highlighting several candidates, including stars such as Jackson Chourio on the Brewers’ side. A third article from the outlet offers three reasons why the Brewers can finally win a championship, describing them as the best team in baseball in 2026 and noting they are four wins over the Rays away from a first crown.

MLB Trade Rumors’ "The Opener" focuses on the matchup as well, emphasizing Freddy Peralta’s start against his former team, the presence of Jake Bauers with the Rays, and the choice of a Game 1 starter. The site’s latest podcast also dives into a post-mortem of the Rays’ and Brewers’ playoff runs and touches on broader league storylines.

Behind the scenes, the Rays are set to lose a key figure in their international operations. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Chicago Cubs are expected to hire Steve Miller, the Rays’ longtime international scouting director, as vice president of their international scouting department.

Yankees lock in Brian Cashman

For the New York Yankees (93-68), the offseason opens with a clear message of continuity. MLB Trade Rumors reports that general manager Brian Cashman told reporters he has agreed to a contract extension, though final details are not yet official. The same report notes that manager Aaron Boone will also return next season, meaning the Yankees are running it back with the same leadership on and off the field.

CBS Sports adds that, two weeks after their playoff elimination, Yankees executives held end-of-season press conferences. According to the outlet, they fielded questions on Boone’s job status, Aaron Judge’s comments, and issues related to the salary cap.

Red Sox planning busy winter as Kelly rehabs

The Boston Red Sox (87-75) are already being framed as an offseason team to watch. In an “Offseason Outlook,” MLB Trade Rumors notes that Boston has made the playoffs in two straight years but has been bounced quickly both times. The outlet adds that several players will need to rebound from injury heading into 2027 and that the club faces a number of important decisions before then.

On the pitching side, MLB Trade Rumors reports that reliever Zack Kelly landed on the 60-day injured list in July with what was initially described as right elbow inflammation. Follow-up testing revealed an elbow fracture. The article states Kelly is slated to resume throwing in a few weeks and remains part of Boston’s bullpen mix, while also mentioning impending changes to the coaching staff.

There were no major updates for the Baltimore Orioles (79-82) or Toronto Blue Jays (79-83), who now watch divisional rivals either extend their season on the biggest stage or dive straight into offseason planning.