Who Will Be The Kings Of The AL West?

Diving Into The Projected Rankings For Each Team In The West

Here to conclude the American League is the West. This division may not be as dominant as the East, but the competition among the top 3 teams is fierce. Although there are still notable free agents available who could potentially change the competitive landscape with a single move, these rankings are based on the current rosters. Overall, I anticipate this division to be highly competitive at the top, and I will provide my reasoning below for the rankings, as well as the significant additions and subtractions to each team's roster.

1. Houston Astros 🥇 

Additions: Josh Hader, Victor Caratini
Subtractions: Hector Neris, Martín Maldonado, Michael Brantley, Phil Maton
Why? This is a high-floor team that should be good for 90+ wins. That said as key players on the roster get another year older, the potential for underperformance could creep up, maybe not this year but soon.

2. Seattle Mariners 🥈 

Additions: Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Luis Urías, Mitch Haniger
Subtractions: Justin Topa, Eugenio Suárez, Robbie Ray, Teoscar Hernández
Why: This team will be over the 85-win mark with the addition of Garver and Polanco adding strength to the lineup. As this team continues to cut down on its offensive strikeouts, they will have a high ceiling this year.

3. Texas Rangers 🥉 

Additions: David Robertson, Kirby Yates, Tyler Mahle
Subtractions: Will Smith, Martín Pérez, Mitch Garver, Jordan Montgomery, Aroldis Chapman, Robbie Grossman
Why: The Rangers have had a rather quiet offseason, but expect to add some serious talent to their lineup via their farm system with names like Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter. Rangers fans will be mad at me for putting them in third place, especially after just winning the World Series, but the starting rotation has gotten older, they’ve lost pieces like Montgomery and haven’t added much strength to the bullpen. Unless they bring back or replace Montgomery, I’m taking the under on their 89.5-win total in Vegas.

4. Los Angeles Angels

Additions: Luis Garcia, Willie Calhoun, Zach Plesac, Miguel Sanó, Aaron Hicks, Robert Stephenson
Subtractions: Shohei Ohtani, Gio Urshela, C.J. Cron, Mike Moustakas
Why: Some might say the loss of Shohei Ohtani will be a difficult void to fill. After a 73-win season with an MVP Season from Ohtani, I’d be stunned if they surpassed that number this year.

5. Oakland Athletics

Additions: Alex Wood, Ross Stripling
Subtractions: Tony Kemp, Trevor May
Why: Insert the “This is fine” meme with the building on fire. This roster isn’t as bad as it might seem but the organization is as dysfunctional as any in the league. Sure, they could win 70 games, but that’s the absolute ceiling for this team.

• The LA Dodgers are MLB’s first team to have pitchers and catchers report starting… TODAY. We made it guys. Baseball season is upon us.

• Gary Sanchez signs with Milwaukee Brewers for 1yr, $7M.

• Corey Kluber announced his retirement.

After his son gets the nod for MLB The Show ‘24 cover athlete, we have to celebrate Vladimir Guerrero’s 49th birthday. The Impaler was one of my favorite players to watch growing up. The crack of his bat and arm were second to none and that’s why he ended up in Cooperstown. I’m going to spend some time today and this weekend to watch some Vlad highlights, and I encourage you to do the same.

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