The two teams from Texas (and the American League West) made the playoffs last season and they are expected to lead the division once again. Houston was the talk of baseball as they crashed the playoffs about two years ahead of schedule while the Rangers found a way to make it despite being banged up all season long. They are the front runners again, but Seattle looks good enough to make it a three team race. The Angels have Mike Trout, but the surrounding talent is limited while Oakland might be luckier this year, but still not good enough to be good. The race in the American League West will be one of the better ones to monitor throughout the season.
Houston Astros
Odds to win World Series: 15/1
Notable Acquisitions: Ken Giles, Doug Fister
Notable Losses: Scott Kazmir, Chris Carter
The Astros will win because they are ahead of schedule. Last year’s team was adept at hitting the long ball, but this year the core could be that much better and more efficient. When you combine that with a staff that is very good, they have a great chance of being even better than the 2015 version, which nearly ended the Royals run before it started. Adding Giles to the bullpen gives them a dynamic arm back there that they did not have a year ago.
Texas Rangers
Odds to win World Series: 20/1
Notable Acquisitions: Ian Desmond
Notable Losses: Mike Napoli, Drew Stubbs, Yovani Gallardo
The Rangers will win because they have the most complete and established team in the division. Texas has big bats and big arms they can count on. A full season with Cole Hamels will give them a true ace and when Yu Darvish as available, they will have two. Rougned Odor may be the future of the franchise, but Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre are still a lethal combo in the middle of that lineup.
Seattle Mariners
Odds to win World Series: 40/1
Notable Acquisitions: Nori Aoki, Leonys Martin, Adam Lind
Notable Losses: Logan Morrison, Jesus Montero
The Mariners will win because they are flying below the radar. All of the moves the M’s made make sense as they try and become less of a swing and miss team, and more one that can compete on days when they don’t mash a few homers. The outfield defense will be much better, which will save some runs for a team that has an underrated staff. The King and Iwakuma are a very good one-two punch in the rotation, but their bullpen is not that fearsome.
Los Angeles Angels
Odds to win World Series: 40/1
Notable Acquisitions: Andrelton Simmons, Daniel Nava
Notable Losses: David Freese, Shane Victorino
The Angels will win if having the best player in the game is enough to put them over the top. Mike Trout is awesome, but the surrounding talent is ho-hum. Albert Pujols can still go yard and Kole Calhoun is a nice player, but the rest of the lineup is mediocre. As a team, they batted just .246, which was 27th in the Majors. They need more out of their lineup than just Trout.
On the mound Garrett Richards can be scary good, but they are still planning to run Jered Weaver out there every week. He can’t even crack 90 miles-per-hour on the gun anymore. This team is kind of sad, save Trout.
Oakland A’s
Odds to win World Series: 65/1
Notable Acquisitions: Khrys Davis, Yonder Alonso, Ryan Madson
Notable Losses: Brett Lawrie, Jesse Chavez, Ike Davis
The Oakland A’s will win if their reclamation projects can make it work. The A’s have a habit of picking up flawed players and making them better. Case in point: Alonso is a first baseman who can hit, but not hit for power. If he suddenly becomes a 20-homer guy and others follow suit, this team will be a lot more competitive. Last year their luck was terrible as the base number should have yielded more wins. Perhaps that comes around for them this season.
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