Predicting the 2022 AL West standings

2. Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners snuck up on everyone last year. That will not be the case in 2022.

It was actually a relatively quiet offseason by Jerry Dipoto’s standards. They did add pieces to the lineup, including Jesse Winker and Adam Frazier while signing a hoped for ace in Robbie Ray. However, it is difficult to say if the Mariners are appreciably better than they were at the end of the 2021 season.

If the Mariners are going to take the next step, they need two things to happen. First, their top prospects will need to perform as soon as they are promoted to the majors. Second, Ray will need to prove that his bounceback campaign last year was not a fluke. If that does not happen, the Mariners’ streak of missing the playoffs may well continue.

1. Houston Astros

Yes, the Houston Astros have lost key pieces from their lineup. However, they are still the class of the AL West.

That does not mean that they are devoid of questions. Justin Verlander is the ace of their staff, but he has pitched all of six innings in the past two seasons. Carlos Correa departed for Minnesota, leaving rookie Jeremy Pena as their starting shortstop. Hector Neris, who has been napalm at times in Philadelphia, was brought in to replace Kendall Graveman. The Astros have definitely taken a step back to the rest of the division.

But this is a team that knows how to win. They have been to the World Series three times in the past five years, and almost made it for a fourth year when they shocked everyone in the 2020 postseason. Sometimes, that is enough to overcome what could appear to be a lack of talent. The Astros are certainly hoping that is the case.

Who do you think will take home the AL West title? Let us know in the comments below!