One storyline to watch for every AL West team in 2025

For the next seven months, 30 MLB clubs will compete for a chance to make the postseason and secure a World Series title. 

With a new season underway, there is a lot to look forward to, especially in the highly competitive American League West. 

Let's take a look at one storyline to watch for every AL West team in 2025. 

Houston Astros: How will the new-look Astros fare in 2025?

The Astros may not be the juggernaut they were as recently as 2022, when they cruised through the postseason with an 11-2 record and beat the Phillies in the World Series, but they remain among the top contenders in the American League. 

This offseason, the Astros waved goodbye to several notable players from the 2022 championship team, including third baseman Alex Bregman (Red Sox), right fielder Kyle Tucker (Cubs), starting pitcher Justin Verlander (Giants) and reliever Ryan Pressly (Cubs). Despite that, the Astros still boast a potent lineup, led by slugger Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, and could make noise in the AL West. 

Per ESPN, however, the Rangers are an overwhelming favorite to win the division over the Astros, who are picked to earn a wild-card berth.

Los Angeles Angels: How much does Mike Trout have left in the tank?

A three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, Trout has already stamped his ticket into Cooperstown. With four years remaining on his contract, though, its fair to wonder what to expect from the 33-year-old outfielder.

Despite his undeniable talent, Trout (.299 career BA with 378 HR) has struggled mightily to stay on the field in recent years. Limited by various injuries, including a left meniscus tear that sidelined him the bulk of the 2024 season, the Angels star has missed nearly 400 games over the past four seasons. 

With so many injuries piling up, it's possible that one of the game's brightest stars is fading. 

Seattle Mariners: Will J-Rod make a push for MVP?

CF Rodriguez is an ascending star, although his numbers in 2024 (20 HRs, 68 RBI) declined from 2023 (32 HRs, 103 RBI). Through the first three seasons, he has lived up to the hype that made him the Mariners' most highly touted prospect. 

The five-tool outfielder burst onto the scene in 2022 with an impressive AL Rookie of the Year-winning campaign. The following season, Rodriguez won his second Silver Slugger award in as many seasons and finished fourth in MVP voting. 

Now, with three years of his experience under his belt, Rodriguez could be in store for an MVP-caliber season. 

Texas Rangers: Can Jacob deGrom lead the rotation?

Texas starter deGrom is one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors when healthy.

Unfortunately, a clean bill of health has been hard to come by for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. 

After missing the bulk of 2024 season with an elbow injury, deGrom (2.52 career ERA, 46th all time) looks to re-establish himself among the elite pitchers in the majors. 

Since signing a five-year, $185M contract with the Rangers in 2022, deGrom has been limited to just nine starts. 

This season, the Rangers hope to have their ace on the mound more often. 

“One of the things I'm most excited about is a healthy season from Jacob, and for our fans to see what that looks like and how good he is,” Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said at Rangers Fan Fest, via ESPN. “He’s just electric. Coming to the ballpark every day, knowing that he's pitching, knowing that we've got a great chance to win the game, it's an exciting feeling."