1st: Houston Astros (91-71)

It’s just tough to bet against the Astros. Even though the entire world (myself included) outside of Astros fans are ready for them to be knocked off their division throne, I just don’t think we’re quite there yet. Their lineup is still way too dangerous and their rotation is still good. Also remember that Justin Verlander is back and healthy. Though he is 100 years old at this point, never count him out. But the main thing with this team is the lineup. Yordan Alvarez is capable of hitting 50 homers if healthy, Kyle Tucker is now one of the best hitting outfielders in the game, Michael Brantley is one of the purest hitters in the game, Bregman is one of the best players in the game, and Altuve is still going to produce at a high level.

2nd: Seattle Mariners (87-75)

Seattle was the closest team to knocking off the Astros last season, compiling a 90-win season. And they are getting better and better. I just don’t quite think they are ready yet. They have some great young talent, including outfielders Jerred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez, but they need to first prove they are ready for the show. I am interested in seeing how former Cincinnati Reds’ Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez produce for the team though, especially Suarez. One thing to remember is they won’t have Kyle Seager any more since he retired. He never got the recognition he deserved, but he quietly would be around the 30 homer, 100 rbi mark every year. I think pitching will hold the team back a little, but adding Cy Young winner Robbie Ray was huge.

3rd: Los Angeles Angels (80-82)

When typing the team’s name in the above line, I accidentally typed in Loss Angeles Angels, and when I realized it, I almost wanted to leave it because it just seemed right. Every year I want this team to make the playoffs for Mike Trout, and every year they disappoint me and the rest of the baseball world. I think this will be the most interesting team in the AL West to watch this season. The talent is there, there’s no denying that. Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon, and Noah Syndergaard are big time names that could carry this team far. The question is whether they can stay healthy or not. If they do, it’s a playoff team. If they don’t, well, they’re not. Unfortunately I don’t think this team makes it through the season without injuries being a problem. Lastly, it would be absolutely huge if Jo Adell could contribute like he’s capable of doing. Is he finally ready to take that next step? We’ll see.

4th: Oakland Athletics (73-89)

The A’s have produced a consistent very good-very solid team for a while now. But this is the season we will see them regress. They seem to be entering rebuild mode since we’ve seen them trade away Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Chris Bassitt. You have to wonder how much longer some of the other vets will hang around. As a Braves fan, I’m interested to see how Christian Pache does in Oakland, since he is a very good talent that just didn’t work out in Atlanta. Athletic fans shouldn’t expect much this year, but I still think they stay out of the division cellar.

5th: Texas Rangers (70-92)

The Rangers will be in the cellar. Even though they added some big bats in Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, it won’t get them too far. They are coming off a 60-win season, so they will see improvement from that. But the lineup is still not very good and the rotation is awful. If they are serious about being a legitimate team, they will have to improve a rotation that is throwing Jon Gray out there as their #1 and Martin Perez out there as their #2.

Garett

2022 AL West Division Prediction