AL West preview: Time for a changing of the guard?
The AL West has run through Houston in recent years.
The Astros have won the division in six of the past seven years, only failing to take home the title during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Two championships and four total World Series appearances have been the result. However, the Texas Rangers took home the championship in 2023, tying the Astros with 90 wins in the regular season before winning the ALCS in seven games. Add a competitive Seattle Mariners team to the mix and the Astros' hold on the AL West is not as firm as it had been.
Will the Astros be able to summit to the division for another year? Here's how we think the AL West will shake out. (Last year's record and standing are in parenthesis.)
1. Houston Astros (90-72, first)
There are cracks in the Astros' armor.
Starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr will begin the season on the Injured List. First baseman Jose Abreu suddenly stopped being a run producer. Longtime catcher Martin Maldonado signed with the White Sox, handing the reins to young backstop Yainer Diaz. Manager Dusty Baker retired, leaving Joe Espada in charge. While Espada had been viewed as a future manager for years, this is his first chance in the role. Add third baseman Alex Bregman's impending free agency and an older core to the mix and the Astros' window may be starting to close.
The Astros still have enough talent to win the AL West. It just is not a forgone conclusion any longer.
2. Texas Rangers (90-72, second)
Texas' 2023-24 offseason approach has been a departure from recent years.
The Rangers had spent the last two offseasons making splash after splash to supplement the roster. Shortstop Corey Seager, second baseman Marcus Semien and starting pitchers Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray and Nathan Eovaldi were among the players added to build a contender. This year, the Rangers' biggest signings have been Tyler Mahle and Andrew Knizner. Given that the Rangers have payroll constraints due in part to questions about their broadcasting revenue, a lack of activity had to be expected. The Rangers could still use another arm in the rotation and bullpen help, but the roster is in much better shape than it has been.
The Rangers had a quiet offseason after winning the World Series. That may be just what they needed.
3. Seattle Mariners (88-74, third)
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto cannot help himself.
He has continually tinkered with the Mariners' roster, trying to find some formula for success. This offseason was much of the same although some of that could be blamed on payroll constraints. Starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales, reliever Justin Topa and outfielder Jarred Kelenic are amongst the players who were traded away. Pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was acquired and traded within 24 days. In their place, the Mariners added reliever Gregory Santos, outfielder Luke Raley, infielder Jorge Polanco and brought back outfielder Mitch Haniger. Mitch Garver adds catching depth and some pop to the lineup as the designated hitter.
However, the Mariners' hopes will ride on the development of young starters Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller. If either or both can take another step forward, the Mariners could finally win the division.
4. Los Angeles Angels (73-89, fourth)
Yes, the biggest news surrounding the Angels involved Shohei Ohtani's departure. But that does not mean the Angels sat around feeling sorry for themselves.
Instead, the Angels made moves that should have been made during Ohtani's tenure. The bullpen was finally addressed in a meaningful capacity with relievers Robert Stephenson, Matt Moore, Drew Pomeranz and Adam Cimber. Outfielder Aaron Hicks provides needed depth. Evan White and Miguel Sano are intriguing buy-low options. The biggest change, though, may be on the bench, where the well-respected Ron Washington has taken over. He already made it clear that he will not tolerate a lack of effort or willingness to play. That mentality should make as big a difference as the new pieces, if not more.
The Angels offseason was dominated by the loss of Shohei Ohtani. It should not be defined that way.
5. Oakland A's (50-112, fifth)
To paraphrase Charlotte E. Keyes and her article from the October 1966 edition of McCall's magazine, suppose they held a baseball game and no one came?
The A's may be about to find out. Fan boycotts of what could be the franchise's final season in Oakland have led to ticket giveaways for Opening Day. The A's added some pieces to shore up the pitching staff in Alex Wood and Ross Stripling, but that is akin to putting a shovelful of dirt in the Grand Canyon. Ownership has their eyes elsewhere, the fans are done and the players are caught in the middle.
The A's should win more than 50 games but will anyone notice? Based on attendance expectations, probably not.
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