The players projected to have the best seasons for each team in the American League West (and throughout baseball) include some familiar names.
The obvious goal for the Texas Rangers this season is repeating. As the defending World Series champions, the road to a title will go through Arlington in 2024.
But before the Rangers can entertain thoughts of another magical playoff run, getting through the American League West is challenge enough. The division is stacked with talent, even with the departure of the two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani.
The Los Angeles Angels still employ three-time MVP Mike Trout, the Houston Astros won the division last season (and are favored to do so again by MLB.com) and the Seattle Mariners were a playoff team in 2022.
MLB.com recently compiled a list of the best projected players on all 30 clubs. Starting with the no-brainer choice for the Rangers, here are the picks for the AL West:
The Rangers’ decision to sign Seager to a 10-year, $325 million deal after the 2021 season paid off in a big way last year when the shortstop placed second in the AL MVP race and secured World Series MVP honors for the second time in his career while leading Texas to a championship. He’s projected to top 30 homers for the third straight season with a 140 wRC+, the highest figure among shortstops.
Angels: Mike Trout (4.2 WAR)
With injuries taking their toll, Trout may have trouble returning to the stratospheric heights of his prime years. But if the three-time MVP can stay relatively healthy in 2024, he should still make a major impact, as evidenced by his projected marks of 37 homers, 95 RBIs, 100 runs and a 133 wRC+ over 146 games.
Athletics: Zack Gelof (2.4 WAR)
A second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Gelof burst onto the scene a year ago with 14 homers, 14 steals and a 133 wRC+ over 69 games, which could set up the youngster to produce a 20/20 campaign -- Steamer projects him for 21 homers and 20 steals -- in 2024.
Mariners: Julio Rodríguez (5.6 WAR)
Seattle’s superstar center fielder has recorded 5-plus WAR in each of his first two seasons. If Steamer’s projections come to fruition, J-Rod would make it 3-for-3 and become the first player in AL/NL history to produce multiple 30/30 seasons before his age-24 campaign.
Spring training is right around the corner for the Rangers, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Feb. 14.
Rangers' Jacob deGrom Wants To 'Run It Back'
You can follow Art Garcia on X @ArtGarcia92.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook and X.