2024 MLB Division Previews: AL West
Houston Astros
2023 - 90-72, 1st place, lost ALCS to Rangers
Offseason - signed RP Josh Hader, extended Jose Altuve (5 years), hired new manager Joe Espada
2024 Outlook - The Dusty Baker era in Houston is over and now begins the Joe Espada era. The Astros will once again be in the top group of contenders for the World Series. They went out and signed the best relief pitcher on the market in Josh Hader to bolster their bullpen. Justin Verlander is expected to return from the injured list early this season and will join Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier in the rotation. Houston boasts a great offensive force with Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Jose Abreu, and Jeremy Pena all returning. Astros have been a consistent contender for the past several years, don’t expect that to diminish in 2024.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 92.5 - Over. Never bet against Houston.
Texas Rangers
2023 - 90-71, 2nd place, won World Series
Offseason - nothing of note
2024 Outlook - The Rangers got hot at the right time and had a historic run to a World Series Championship last season. They did that despite their ace pitchers in the injured list who are still on the mend entering 2024. Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom are expected to make a return at some point but Texas will have to start the season without them. There’s no doubting the offensive firepower on this team led by Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis Garcia. Can the Rangers find that same magic in 2024?
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 89.5 - Under. A lot of things went right for the Rangers last season. I’m not sure if they can repeat based on the pitching staff. As good as the bullpen was in October, they were awful for most of the season and didn’t improve much over the offseason. The pitching health is also a major concern.
Seattle Mariners
2023 - 88-74, 3rd place, missed postseason
Offseason - traded for IF Jorge Polanco, traded for OF Mitch Haniger, signed C Mitch Garver
2024 Outlook - The Mariners took a long time to find their groove in 2023. A late season run almost earned them a postseason spot but they just ran out of time. I think Seattle will build on that late season success going into 2024. They have great pitching, especially in the rotation led by Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert. The offense is the question mark. Past Julio Rodriguez, they need guys to step up. I like the offseason additions and I expect the Mariners to be back in the postseason hunt early and often this season.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 86.5 - Over. This is still a team on the rise. They had a hiccup last season but that is expected with young teams. I think they will improve in 2024.
Los Angeles Angels
2023 - 73-89, 4th place, missed postseason
Offseason - signed OF Aaron Hicks, hired new manager Ron Washington
2024 Outlook - Shohei Ohtani is an Angel no longer. Now, it is time for this organization to move on. They made a great hire with Ron Washington as the new manager. Mike Trout is still on the team and they have some young talent that haven’t hit their peak yet. I don’t expect a ton of wins from the Halos in 2024 but I do think there will be a palpable culture shift with the new manager and the distraction of the Ohtani sweepstakes gone. IF they stay healthy, this isn’t a terrible team.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 71.5 - Over. I don’t know why I feel optimistic about the Angels but I’m going with my gut.
Oakland Athletics
2023 - 50-112, missed postseason
Offseason - traded for SP Ross Stripling
2024 Outlook - I’m not gonna sugar coat it - things are bad in Oakland. It’s not going to get better anytime soon. This team will not have their own home ballpark after this season. The drama of the team moving to Las Vegas is a major distraction. There is no reason to think that 2024 will be any better than 2023. The light at the end of the tunnel is still far, far away.
Over/Under Wins Prediction - 56.5 - Under. How will this team improve by 7 games from last year’s total? I know 50 wins is terrible but they are what they are.