You could definitely call the AL East the “group of death” right now. With the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Yankees all so close, the division title is still up for grabs with just a week left in the season. And amid this race, the first war cry came out of the Blue Jays’ camp. After Toronto clinched its postseason spot, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made clear what’s next. “The job is not finished. We want to win the division.”

That was a direct message to the Yankees that the Blue Jays aren’t slowing down. But it didn’t take long for New York to fire back, with Cody Bellinger making it just as clear what their next step is after locking in a playoff berth.

“So, you know, it’s step one in our group. And, uh, you know, ultimately, we’ve got bigger plans, but this is step one.” Bellinger sounded confident as he spoke with the YesNetwork amid their celebration for securing the postseason berth.

The Yankees are just a game back of the Blue Jays, which means this division is wide open down the stretch. And if you remember, that comfy six-game cushion Toronto once had is gone. So, guess what!

Bellinger might not be exaggerating at all about their chances of grabbing the division crown.

Looking at the schedules, the Yankees might actually have the edge. Because they wrap up at home with two more against the struggling White Sox before hosting the Orioles for three. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays still have two with the Red Sox, then face the Rays over the weekend. And that’s not exactly an easy ride.

However, the one thing working in Toronto’s favor is that they hold the tiebreaker. So if both teams finish even, the Jays take the division! But before that, Bellinger is all set to take the fight to Toronto’s camp.

The Yankees are betting on the Red Sox now

The Yankees and Red Sox might sound awkward, but the current scene in the AL East is pointing in the same direction.

The Blue Jays are presently sitting at 90 wins and taking on the Red Sox right now, which makes their last five games a huge deal. And for once, the Yankees are actually rooting for Boston. Because a Red Sox win over Toronto would open the door for New York to jump to the top if they can take care of business against the White Sox and Orioles.

But if the Jays handle Boston, it really won’t matter what the Yankees do against the weaker teams.

So, it’s a weird twist of the Bleacher Creatures pulling for the Red Sox, but there’s a catch. Imagine if Boston sweeps Toronto and the Yankees stumble against Chicago or Baltimore! Then the Sox could sneak back into the picture since they’re only three games behind New York. Imagine the madness right now in the AL East!

Whoever ends up taking the crown, one thing’s clear for us. This division has delivered everything fans love about baseball: Unpredictability, drama, and plenty of thrills!