4. Seattle Mariners
If everything goes right for the Seattle Mariners, they could be the team in this division that blows up the 2021 MLB predictions for the AL West.
The Mariners have started to find pieces for their core on offense. Kyle Lewis appeared to be an emerging star as a rookie last season. Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez should reach the majors this season, while Taylor Trammell may finally be ready to live up to his potential. While the pitching is still a bit away, Marco Gonzales has become a solid arm for Seattle, and there is hope that James Paxton can rediscover his form.
Although the Mariners are focusing more on their game to game results in 2021 as opposed to their development, their eyes still have to be on the future. The Mariners have six top 100 prospects according to MLB.com, making their future bright indeed. But can Jerry Dipoto stay patient if Seattle outperforms expectations to begin the season?
The Seattle Mariners could be a surprise team in 2021. However, it is far more likely that their time comes in either 2022 or 2023.
3. Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels are a popular team to contend in the AL West in 2021 MLB predictions around the internet. That seems overly optimistic.
There is no question that this team will hit. A middle of the lineup with Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon will have plenty of offense. David Fletcher is a very underrated piece, and the Angels lineup, with the exception of the corpse of Albert Pujols, is generally solid.
The problem comes with the pitching staff. Once again, the Angels are asking Ohtani and Griffin Canning to be their top starters as they again failed to attract an ace in free agency. Rasiel Iglesias will solidify the back of the bullpen, but he is an impending free agent. Their moves on the pitching side were the same as always – stopgap solutions without a long term solution.
Names may be different, but the Los Angeles Angels are essentially the same as they have been. This is, at best, a third place team until they find the starters they need.