Houston Astros
The Houston Astros went from 101 wins in 2017 to 103 wins in 2018, and they deserved even better.
That was Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer’s down seasons. That should not happen in 2019. Factor in newcomer Michael Brantley’s presence, and this crime can recapture its history-making attempt of two decades back.
The rotation appears weaker than it did in 2018, as it’d Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. in crucial roles. Nonetheless, it’s still based on co-aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Meanwhile, a bullpen which was one of MLB’s greatest at the second half of 2018 is largely unchanged for 2019.
In a nutshell, another 100-win year and further American League West excellence are in Houston’s future.
Playoff chances: 90 percent
Oakland Athletics
Observing a surprise 97-win 2018, the Oakland Athletics will not sneak up on anyone in 2019. For that matter, the rotation could keep them from even getting off the ground.
Sans Sean Manaea, who is out after shoulder operation, the turning lacks anything even resembling an ace. It is largely composed of spare parts, the best of which are infamous home run magnets Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada.
Then again, the A’s did not have great starting pitching in 2018 either. They survived on a potent offense, spectacular defense and a great bullpen. All those components are equipped to flourish once again in 2019.
It will be tough for the A’s to keep up with the Astros, but they ought to be the top rated wild-card competition outside the AL East once again.
Playoff opportunities: 50 percent
Los Angeles Angels
After winning 80 matches for the second straight season in 2018, the Los Angeles Angels used the offseason to round out their thickness.
The biggest beneficiary was the pitching team, which includes new toys in Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill and Cody Allen. On crime, Justin Bour, Jonathan Lucroy and Tommy La Stella are in to support Mike Trout, Justin Upton, Andrelton Simmons and, if healthy, Shohei Ohtani.
However the question of whether the Angels have sufficient celebrities round Trout persists. Specifically, they’d look a good deal better when they had higher offensive upside in their infield along with a No. 1 starter.
In the beginning, the Angels are an team. Even in the wild-card race, that would make them a long shot for its 2019 postseason.
Playoff chances: 20 percent
Seattle Mariners
It required a huge level of fortune to the Seattle Mariners to win even 89 games last season.
As opposed to try to push their luck further, the Mariners broke up the band and formed a new one around Edwin Encarnacion, Jay Bruce, Mallex Smith, Domingo Santana, Yusei Kikuchi and quite a few more beginners. If nothing else, the finished product is strangely intriguing.
When it’s any good is another matter. The Mariners have lots of recognizable names, but Smith and Kikuchi are the only ones coming off successful seasons. Everyone else is trying to turn back the clock to better times.
In all likelihood, this brand new band is only going to continue so much as the trade deadline.
Playoff chances: 10 percent
Texas Rangers
Even after losing 95 games last year, the only rebuilding move the Texas Rangers made this offseason was to trade Jurickson Profar into Oakland.
Instead, they will try to rally round a core of young hitters–Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara–along with a veteran starting rotation. If it works, the upside could take the Rangers all the way to October.
Yet it’s hard to ignore the turning has three guys (Drew Smyly, Shelby Miller and Edinson Volquez) coming off Tommy John surgery. Likewise, there aren’t any superstars in the lineup.
In the beginning, the Rangers are likely a .500 team. More likely, they will be worse than that.
Playoff chances: 10 percent
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