2021 MLB predictions: Predicting the AL West

2. Houston Astros

The battle for the AL West division will come down to the Houston Astros and the Oakland A’s. For now, uncertainty about the Astros’ pitching staff keeps them behind Oakland.

George Springer‘s departure leaves a major void in the Astros’ lineup, but this is a team that should still score runs. The core of the lineup is still in place, and Houston did manage to retain Michael Brantley when it appeared that he would join Springer in Toronto. Scoring runs should not be a problem.

However, there are plenty of questions with the pitching staff. Zack Greinke and Jake Odorizzi are a solid 1-2 punch, but the Astros need Lance McCullers Jr. to finally last a full season and other arms to step up. Ryan Pressley is hardly a proven option as a closer, and the rest of the bullpen is filled with question marks.

The Houston Astros may have enough to contend for a postseason berth due to a weaker division, but there are too many holes to take back the AL West.

1. Oakland A’s

The Oakland A’s had done nothing to upgrade their roster until February. Then suddenly, they filled most of the holes on their roster.

Oakland found their new shortstop in a trade with division rival Texas, landing Elvis Andrus to hold down the fort. Trevor Rosenthal was brought in to take over as their new closer. The rotation was inconsistent last season, but should benefit from a normal season, while the bullpen should be a strength once again.

That does not mean that everything is perfect in Oakland. Second base is a giant question mark once again, with Jed Lowrie as the potential answer for 2021. Health will be a major factor as well, as all world third baseman Matt Chapman saw his effectiveness wane before his season was cut short due to hip surgery.

The Oakland A’s should have enough to defend their AL West title. However, it is not going to be as easy as winning the division was last year.