Rays punch ticket to World Series: AL East roundup

The Tampa Bay Rays sit atop the AL East in more ways than one. On Monday, they beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 to win the American League Championship Series in six games and secure a spot in the World Series.

Rays advance, Peralta named ALCS MVP

According to La Presse, Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz each hit a two-run homer in the clincher, capping a commanding performance by Tampa Bay. The Rays finish the year 98-64 atop the AL East and now carry that momentum into the Fall Classic.

CBS Sports reports that right-hander Freddy Peralta has been named ALCS MVP. Acquired from the Mets at the trade deadline, Peralta made two starts in the series, including the Game 6 clincher, and also appeared once in relief. The outlet notes that his turnaround since arriving in Tampa Bay has helped drive the Rays’ run to the World Series.

On the Cleveland side, MLB Trade Rumors noted before Game 6 that Shawn Armstrong would serve as the opener after working four scoreless innings earlier in the series. The same report highlighted that Rays righty Drew Rasmussen has continued his strong postseason with another quality start.

Yankees stick with Boone, Orioles add a GM, Red Sox lose an exec

For the 93-68 New York Yankees, the main development is in the dugout. CBS Sports reports that Aaron Boone will return as manager in 2027, which will be his 10th season at the helm. The outlet points out that Boone has enjoyed significant regular-season success over his first nine years but has yet to guide the Yankees to a World Series title. MLB Trade Rumors adds that Boone was already under contract through 2027, the final season of a two-year extension.

In Baltimore (79-82), the Orioles are reshaping their front office. MLB Trade Rumors reports they are hiring Jared Banner as general manager. Banner had been serving as the Cubs’ assistant GM and previously worked for the Mets and Red Sox. CBS Sports frames the move as part of Baltimore’s effort to, according to the outlet, get back on track after a stalled rebuild.

In Boston, where the Red Sox finished 87-75, it is a former executive making news elsewhere. MLB Trade Rumors notes that the Athletics have hired Taylor Smith as president of baseball operations. Smith most recently worked as an assistant general manager with the Red Sox, and his hiring comes after what the A’s described as a wide-ranging search for a new lead executive.

For the Toronto Blue Jays (79-83), there were no major headlines over the past 24 hours, as they watch divisional rivals Tampa Bay and New York set the tone for a still-loaded AL East.