Post by Commissioner Erick on Jun 13, 2021 16:16:00 GMT -5
The AL West was extremely competitive in 2025 with four teams finishing within four games last season. Texas should be the clear favorite in 2026, but if they stumble, the three runners up from 2025 should be right there nipping on Texas' heels for the AL West 2026 crown.
1) Texas Rangers
2025: 89-73, AL West Champions. Defeated Detroit 4-2 in ALDS. Defeated Baltimore 4-3 in ALCS. Lost to Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: Texas had the best rotation in the American League, leading the league in ERA and riding Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, and Alex Claudio to a World Series. Despite injuries to Nick Gordon and Ozzie Albies, Texas finished fourth in batting average though a few easy outs limited them to finishing ninth in runs.
Offseason Review: Texas made a few splashy signings to solidify themselves as one of the top two teams in the league, if not the best team. Nick Pratto and Freddie Freeman will provide offensive muscle, replacing the inconsistent Rougned Odor and the aging Paul Goldschmidt. Nomar Mazara is an offensive superstar who’ll take the offense to the next level, and Jeimer Candelario and Jurrickson Profar will fight to be Texas’ next injured Third Baseman. Kyle Barraclough and Josh Staumont have left and they were two strong relievers for Texas. Silvino Bracho will be tasked with replacing Barraclough, but he’s been mediocre the last two seasons. Texas should be one of the two best teams in the AL though.
On The Farm: Jason Crabbe is the next starting outfielder for Texas and he should be patrolling Globe Life Park in 2027. “Genghis Kahn” Josh Butler should be able to provide depth this year if needed, while Chris Ely is a big arm who could be a difference maker in 2028. There are some depth pieces in the mid-minors, but not much talent in the deep minors.
Best Case Scenario: Nomar Mazara wins back-to-back World Series MVPs
Worse Case Scenario: The Rangers are pretty shallow, and a couple of injuries can set them back in a strong division.
Key Questions: Will Esteban Valadez be a starting pitcher for you this year or will he work out of the bullpen?
Why the decision to not resign Trent Clark?
2) Seattle Mariners
2025: 86-76, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: A devastating 14-game losing streak in late June and early July prevented a strong Mariners team from capturing the AL West. Offensively, the Mariners were second in batting average and first in steals. On the pitching front, they were second in strikeouts, third in preventing walks, and first in preventing hits. Francisco DeJesus was a superstar with 56 home runs, and the Japanese combination of Tomoya Mori and Tomoyuki Sugano provided high-end veteran talent to compliment them. The team struggled to get good play from its middle infield, holding the offense back.
Offseason Review: Seattle made a bold move this offseason, shipping out superstar Francisco DeJesus for Reese McGuire and a few prospects in a cost-saving move. Wilmer Flores was brought aboard on the cheap to replace DeJesus, with Jeison Rosario coming on to replace the disappointing Jonathan Capellan. Curt Gemma should provide depth to the bullpen, and the hope is that a return to health for Lucius Fox should help their middle infield woes.
On The Farm: There’s some good talent in the upper minors. Caleb Swift could be the club’s starting First Baseman after Wilmer Flores’ contract expires after 2027, while Pal Khan’s speed and patience could have him batting leadoff on the same timeframe. Jamie Nelson is a season away from stepping into the club’s rotation and there are a few good defenders working through the mid-and-upper minors as well. There aren’t too many high-level prospects though, especially in the lower minors.
Best Case Scenario: Chad Woods steps in and hits immediately, fueling a team built on speed, defense, and pitching to a Wild Card berth.
Worst Case Scenario: DeJesus’ departure eliminates any margin of error Seattle has. The club takes a step back in a tough division and goes 81-81.
Key Questions: What are your plans for Mori and McGuire if you can’t trade one of them?
Who will be your starting Second Baseman to start the year and why?
3) Houston Astros
2025: 85-77, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: Houston’s band of sluggers produced the high home run totals and high strikeout numbers people expected from them., finishing second in the AL on both fronts. However, their pitching staff was solid, ranking fifth in ERA, allowing the club to exceed expectations. Despite finishing fourth, they were only four games out of leading the division.
Offseason Review: Houston acquired Austin Meadows to get one more bat and a little more defense on the club. The team is hoping the moves made during last year’s trade deadline help the staff, and the veterans repeat their performances from last year.
On The Farm: It’s a good system skewed heavily towards pitching. Sergio Murillo should be on the team as soon as he refines his command. He’s the number 25 ranked prospect at the moment, while 2023’s first overall pick, Jeff Morrison, should also debut this year. There are a trio of strong arms in the mid-minors as well as number 16 overall pick Luis Detres, number 59 overall Ryan Cain, and number 80 overall Aaron Smith give Corpus Christi fans chances to watch Shutouts all season long. Josh Ewing is the only position player of note, a speedy power hitter with a questionable hit tool.
Best Case Scenario: An improved staff complements the sluggers and Houston reaches the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: Some of the hitters decline, or a pitcher suffers an injury. There isn’t a lot of depth on the team, especially in the rotation.
Key Questions: It appeared that you had a strong group of position players, but you chose to focus on Austin Meadows as your big offseason target. How do you feel he’ll help the team?
You have Jeff Morrison listed as a Closer. What will his role be this year? Closer? Starter? Major Leaguer? Minor Leaguer?
4) Oakland Athletics
2025: 87-75: 2nd Place AL West
Who They Were: After being mired in a financial quagmire, Oakland solved their financial issues and built a strong team too. They finished second in doubles and sixth in home runs behind bad boy Juan Castereno, and A.J. Puk developed into an ace with a 19-5, 2.68 season.
Offseason Review: Oakland didn’t add anyone significant, though they didn’t lose many key pieces either. Bobby Wahl and Jarred Cosart were strong bullpen pieces who will have to be replaced internally. The team is hoping a young squad maintains their level from last year and Castereno has another gear in their quest for the AL West.
On The Farm: Milt Pool finally had a chance to hit above Rookie Ball last year and had a big season in Beloit. He still hasn’t filled out his frame, but scouts see his strong doubles power turning into home run power before too long. John Woodard projects to have a good bat, good power, good legs, and a good glove, and could be starting as early as 2027. Steve Arb and Angel Garcia can be strong number two arms, but both are some years away.
Best Case Scenario: The gains made last year are real and Oakland wins 85 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Puk and T.J. Collett take a small step back and Oakland loses more than they win.
Key Questions: What will Byron Buxton’s role be this year?
You’ve had some bullpen departures the past two seasons. Are you confident in the unit you have?
5) Los Angeles Angels
2025: 58-104, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels had more talent than previous iterations, but were still hopeless. The club floundered to a third straight 100-loss season, and a fourth in five years. Willy Adames was a bright spot, and Patrick Leonard clubbed 63 home runs, but five regulars has negative WAR, and the team’s bullpen was a disaster.
Offseason Review: The team didn’t lose much, and added Jonathan Arauz and Kyle Barraclough. There’s still a severe lack of talent however, and the team should continue to be one of the worst in the game.
On the Farm: Considering the lack of major league talent, it’s not a strong farm. Tukey Gifford and Luis Acosta have big talent, but are forever away. Jeff Steed is closer and could be a good starter if the changeup develops, but if not he’s a reliever. There’s decent pitching depth in the mid and upper minors, but aside from Acosta, there’s little position player talent in the system.
Best Case Scenario: The team only loses 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: The Angels are worse than the Marlins
Key Questions: Troy Montgomery has been a negative WAR player his last three seasons. Will he start for you again this year?
Cash Case had a good cup of coffee for you in 2024. Will he be with your big club in 2026?
1) Texas Rangers
2025: 89-73, AL West Champions. Defeated Detroit 4-2 in ALDS. Defeated Baltimore 4-3 in ALCS. Lost to Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: Texas had the best rotation in the American League, leading the league in ERA and riding Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, and Alex Claudio to a World Series. Despite injuries to Nick Gordon and Ozzie Albies, Texas finished fourth in batting average though a few easy outs limited them to finishing ninth in runs.
Offseason Review: Texas made a few splashy signings to solidify themselves as one of the top two teams in the league, if not the best team. Nick Pratto and Freddie Freeman will provide offensive muscle, replacing the inconsistent Rougned Odor and the aging Paul Goldschmidt. Nomar Mazara is an offensive superstar who’ll take the offense to the next level, and Jeimer Candelario and Jurrickson Profar will fight to be Texas’ next injured Third Baseman. Kyle Barraclough and Josh Staumont have left and they were two strong relievers for Texas. Silvino Bracho will be tasked with replacing Barraclough, but he’s been mediocre the last two seasons. Texas should be one of the two best teams in the AL though.
On The Farm: Jason Crabbe is the next starting outfielder for Texas and he should be patrolling Globe Life Park in 2027. “Genghis Kahn” Josh Butler should be able to provide depth this year if needed, while Chris Ely is a big arm who could be a difference maker in 2028. There are some depth pieces in the mid-minors, but not much talent in the deep minors.
Best Case Scenario: Nomar Mazara wins back-to-back World Series MVPs
Worse Case Scenario: The Rangers are pretty shallow, and a couple of injuries can set them back in a strong division.
Key Questions: Will Esteban Valadez be a starting pitcher for you this year or will he work out of the bullpen?
Why the decision to not resign Trent Clark?
2) Seattle Mariners
2025: 86-76, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: A devastating 14-game losing streak in late June and early July prevented a strong Mariners team from capturing the AL West. Offensively, the Mariners were second in batting average and first in steals. On the pitching front, they were second in strikeouts, third in preventing walks, and first in preventing hits. Francisco DeJesus was a superstar with 56 home runs, and the Japanese combination of Tomoya Mori and Tomoyuki Sugano provided high-end veteran talent to compliment them. The team struggled to get good play from its middle infield, holding the offense back.
Offseason Review: Seattle made a bold move this offseason, shipping out superstar Francisco DeJesus for Reese McGuire and a few prospects in a cost-saving move. Wilmer Flores was brought aboard on the cheap to replace DeJesus, with Jeison Rosario coming on to replace the disappointing Jonathan Capellan. Curt Gemma should provide depth to the bullpen, and the hope is that a return to health for Lucius Fox should help their middle infield woes.
On The Farm: There’s some good talent in the upper minors. Caleb Swift could be the club’s starting First Baseman after Wilmer Flores’ contract expires after 2027, while Pal Khan’s speed and patience could have him batting leadoff on the same timeframe. Jamie Nelson is a season away from stepping into the club’s rotation and there are a few good defenders working through the mid-and-upper minors as well. There aren’t too many high-level prospects though, especially in the lower minors.
Best Case Scenario: Chad Woods steps in and hits immediately, fueling a team built on speed, defense, and pitching to a Wild Card berth.
Worst Case Scenario: DeJesus’ departure eliminates any margin of error Seattle has. The club takes a step back in a tough division and goes 81-81.
Key Questions: What are your plans for Mori and McGuire if you can’t trade one of them?
Who will be your starting Second Baseman to start the year and why?
3) Houston Astros
2025: 85-77, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: Houston’s band of sluggers produced the high home run totals and high strikeout numbers people expected from them., finishing second in the AL on both fronts. However, their pitching staff was solid, ranking fifth in ERA, allowing the club to exceed expectations. Despite finishing fourth, they were only four games out of leading the division.
Offseason Review: Houston acquired Austin Meadows to get one more bat and a little more defense on the club. The team is hoping the moves made during last year’s trade deadline help the staff, and the veterans repeat their performances from last year.
On The Farm: It’s a good system skewed heavily towards pitching. Sergio Murillo should be on the team as soon as he refines his command. He’s the number 25 ranked prospect at the moment, while 2023’s first overall pick, Jeff Morrison, should also debut this year. There are a trio of strong arms in the mid-minors as well as number 16 overall pick Luis Detres, number 59 overall Ryan Cain, and number 80 overall Aaron Smith give Corpus Christi fans chances to watch Shutouts all season long. Josh Ewing is the only position player of note, a speedy power hitter with a questionable hit tool.
Best Case Scenario: An improved staff complements the sluggers and Houston reaches the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: Some of the hitters decline, or a pitcher suffers an injury. There isn’t a lot of depth on the team, especially in the rotation.
Key Questions: It appeared that you had a strong group of position players, but you chose to focus on Austin Meadows as your big offseason target. How do you feel he’ll help the team?
You have Jeff Morrison listed as a Closer. What will his role be this year? Closer? Starter? Major Leaguer? Minor Leaguer?
4) Oakland Athletics
2025: 87-75: 2nd Place AL West
Who They Were: After being mired in a financial quagmire, Oakland solved their financial issues and built a strong team too. They finished second in doubles and sixth in home runs behind bad boy Juan Castereno, and A.J. Puk developed into an ace with a 19-5, 2.68 season.
Offseason Review: Oakland didn’t add anyone significant, though they didn’t lose many key pieces either. Bobby Wahl and Jarred Cosart were strong bullpen pieces who will have to be replaced internally. The team is hoping a young squad maintains their level from last year and Castereno has another gear in their quest for the AL West.
On The Farm: Milt Pool finally had a chance to hit above Rookie Ball last year and had a big season in Beloit. He still hasn’t filled out his frame, but scouts see his strong doubles power turning into home run power before too long. John Woodard projects to have a good bat, good power, good legs, and a good glove, and could be starting as early as 2027. Steve Arb and Angel Garcia can be strong number two arms, but both are some years away.
Best Case Scenario: The gains made last year are real and Oakland wins 85 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Puk and T.J. Collett take a small step back and Oakland loses more than they win.
Key Questions: What will Byron Buxton’s role be this year?
You’ve had some bullpen departures the past two seasons. Are you confident in the unit you have?
5) Los Angeles Angels
2025: 58-104, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels had more talent than previous iterations, but were still hopeless. The club floundered to a third straight 100-loss season, and a fourth in five years. Willy Adames was a bright spot, and Patrick Leonard clubbed 63 home runs, but five regulars has negative WAR, and the team’s bullpen was a disaster.
Offseason Review: The team didn’t lose much, and added Jonathan Arauz and Kyle Barraclough. There’s still a severe lack of talent however, and the team should continue to be one of the worst in the game.
On the Farm: Considering the lack of major league talent, it’s not a strong farm. Tukey Gifford and Luis Acosta have big talent, but are forever away. Jeff Steed is closer and could be a good starter if the changeup develops, but if not he’s a reliever. There’s decent pitching depth in the mid and upper minors, but aside from Acosta, there’s little position player talent in the system.
Best Case Scenario: The team only loses 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: The Angels are worse than the Marlins
Key Questions: Troy Montgomery has been a negative WAR player his last three seasons. Will he start for you again this year?
Cash Case had a good cup of coffee for you in 2024. Will he be with your big club in 2026?
