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MLB: Updated 2017 Playoff Predictions

By Jason Reed

Oct 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of Wrigley Field prior to workouts the day before game one of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of Wrigley Field prior to workouts the day before game one of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 4, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; A Seattle Mariners hat sits on top a mitt during a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Rangers won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; A Seattle Mariners hat sits on top a mitt during a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Rangers won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports. MLB. /

Nearly three months ago I put together my very early 2017 playoff predictions. Now, with the off-season practically over, and spring training underway, lets look at the changes from then to now.

Predicting the MLB playoffs so soon can be a risky thing, as you are risking looking like a fool. At the beginning of the off-season I put together a prediction that I thought was pretty accurate. Now, months later and some deals later, the landscape of my prediction is different. While the same general baseline will still be intact, there are several teams that might move up or down in the rankings.

Therefore, lets jump right into the predictions and attempt to predict our playoff teams for next season.

AL West:

  1. Seattle Mariners (Up 2)
  2. Houston Astros (Down 1, WC #1)
  3. Los Angeles Angels (Up 1)
  4. Texas Rangers (Down 2)
  5. Oakland Athletics

Back in November I predicted the Houston Astros to win the division with no other playoff team coming out of the AL West. Now, after a multitude of moves, the AL West shall see two playoff teams, with the Astros moving down to the wild card spot. Since the last prediction, the Astros have not done much significantly, as the Mariners have increased drastically. While the Astros  still have improved, not as much as the already better Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners have dealt and swapped some key prospects and have brought in some key contributors. Since the last list the Mariners have acquired Jean Segura, Jarrod Dyson, Chris Heston, and Drew Smyly to name the few. While they did not bring in any superstars, they did fill out their team as a whole and will definitely improve from their 86-76 record last season.

The Los Angeles Angels also moved up to number 3, as I believe they will go over .500. The Angels brought in more depth with in with Danny Espinosa, Cameron Maybin, Ben Revere, and Luis Valbuena. If they stay healthy the Angels can achieve this 3rd place finish, and potentially could see themselves in wild card contention.

As for the Rangers, well they have lost more this off-season than they have gained. I have preached time and time again why they will regress, with the overall idea being they shouldn’t have been as good as they were last year,  and will only get worse. The A’s just aren’t on track to do much, while they have a surplus of young guys full of potential, they are not quite there yet.

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