AL West preview: Astros will look different, and that could mean a new division champion this year

The AL West is shaping up to be an exciting division in 2025, with the Houston Astros no longer the undisputed powerhouse they’ve been in recent years. While they’ve dominated the division since 2017, this season could bring change due to roster shifts, injuries, or other factors.

 

**Houston Astros:**

The Astros have consistently been a strong contender in the AL West, but they will look different this year. With some key players potentially departing or aging, the roster may not be as formidable as it once was. Their pitching staff, once considered one of the league’s best, may not be as dominant as it used to be, and some younger players will need to step up to maintain the Astros’ high standards. They still have stars like José Altuve and Yordan Álvarez, but they’ll need a solid team effort to maintain their supremacy.

 

**Seattle Mariners:**

The Mariners are an intriguing team in the AL West. They’ve built a solid roster with young talent like Julio Rodríguez and established stars like Eugenio Suárez. The addition of key players and continued growth of their young stars could help them challenge the Astros for the division title. Seattle’s pitching staff, led by Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, is also one of the best in the league and could be the X-factor in a division that might see a shift in power.

 

**Texas Rangers:**

Texas made significant moves last offseason, including the acquisition of stars like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Their roster is much improved, and if their pitching staff, which includes ace Jon Gray and newcomer Nathan Eovaldi, performs well, they could be in the mix for the division crown. The Rangers have been improving, and if everything clicks, they could surprise many and take the division.

 

**Los Angeles Angels:**

The Angels have long been a team with star power in the form of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, but they’ve never quite put it all together. While they’re always a dangerous team, their pitching and depth remain the biggest concerns. If their starting rotation improves and the offense stays healthy, the Angels could make a push for the postseason, though questions remain about their consistency.

 

**Oakland Athletics:**

The A’s are in the midst of a rebuild, and they’ll likely struggle to keep up with the other teams in the division. Their roster doesn’t have the same star power as it once did, but they’re known for finding undervalued talent, and their young players could be the foundation for future success. For now, the A’s are more focused on development than contending for a title.

 

### Conclusion:

The Houston Astros are still a threat, but they’re not the juggernaut they once were. The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers are both poised to challenge for the division title in 2025, making the AL West a wide-open race this season. With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, expect a more competitive division with the potential for a new champion.