AL West preview: Time for a changing of the guard?

 The AL West has run through Houston in recent years.

The Astros have won the division in six of the past seven years, only failing to take home the title during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Two championships and four total World Series appearances have been the result. However, the Texas Rangers took home the championship in 2023, tying the Astros with 90 wins in the regular season before winning the ALCS in seven games. Add a competitive Seattle Mariners team to the mix and the Astros' hold on the AL West is not as firm as it had been.

Will the Astros be able to summit to the division for another year? Here's how we think the AL West will shake out. (Last year's record and standing are in parenthesis.)

1. Houston Astros (90-72, first)

There are cracks in the Astros' armor.

Starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr will begin the season on the Injured List. First baseman Jose Abreu suddenly stopped being a run producer. Longtime catcher Martin Maldonado signed with the White Sox, handing the reins to young backstop Yainer Diaz. Manager Dusty Baker retired, leaving Joe Espada in charge. While Espada had been viewed as a future manager for years, this is his first chance in the role. Add third baseman Alex Bregman's impending free agency and an older core to the mix and the Astros' window may be starting to close.

The Astros still have enough talent to win the AL West. It just is not a forgone conclusion any longer.

2. Texas Rangers (90-72, second)

Texas' 2023-24 offseason approach has been a departure from recent years.

The Rangers had spent the last two offseasons making splash after splash to supplement the roster. Shortstop Corey Seager, second baseman Marcus Semien and starting pitchers Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray and Nathan Eovaldi were among the players added to build a contender. This year, the Rangers' biggest signings have been Tyler Mahle and Andrew Knizner. Given that the Rangers have payroll constraints due in part to questions about their broadcasting revenue, a lack of activity had to be expected. The Rangers could still use another arm in the rotation and bullpen help, but the roster is in much better shape than it has been.

The Rangers had a quiet offseason after winning the World Series. That may be just what they needed.

3. Seattle Mariners (88-74, third)

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto cannot help himself.

He has continually tinkered with the Mariners' roster, trying to find some formula for success. This offseason was much of the same although some of that could be blamed on payroll constraints. Starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales, reliever Justin Topa and outfielder Jarred Kelenic are amongst the players who were traded away. Pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was acquired and traded within 24 days. In their place, the Mariners added reliever Gregory Santos, outfielder Luke Raley, infielder Jorge Polanco and brought back outfielder Mitch Haniger. Mitch Garver adds catching depth and some pop to the lineup as the designated hitter. 

However, the Mariners' hopes will ride on the development of young starters Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller. If either or both can take another step forward, the Mariners could finally win the division.