*Photo from the Deseret News*
We are getting closer and closer to opening day, baseball season is just days away. With that in mind, before all 30 teams take the field for opening day, it's time to preview each division and how they look for the 2022 season. Up next, it's time to preview the AL West. Order is based off 2021 division standings.
Houston Astros
2021 record: 95-67
The defending AL champions lost superstar Carlos Correa to the Twins in one of the shocking moves of the offseason. Jeremy Pena is waiting in the wings, but they signed Niko Goodrum as a stopgap option if Pena isn't ready for the majors. They replaced Kendall Graveman with Hector Neris, and re-signed Justin Verlander just before the lockout. The Astros will once again be the class of the AL West.
Seattle Mariners
2021 record: 90-72
After missing out on the playoffs by one game last year, the Mariners had a quite active and productive offseason. They got an ace starting pitcher in Robbie Ray, bullpen help in Sergio Romo, Ken Giles and Andres Munoz will return around midseason, and they pulled off blockbuster trades for Adam Frazier, Jesse Winker, and Eugenio Suarez. This team loaded up big time, and will aim for a playoff spot again.
Oakland Athletics
2021 record: 86-76
You knew this offseason was gonna be bad the second Bob Melvin left for San Diego. The A's traded away Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Chris Bassitt, and are said to be shopping Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas as they tear down payroll to the bone. The only big league signings they have made are Jed Lowrie and Stephen Vogt. It's a dark time for the A's, and they might just be leaving Oakland soon.
Los Angeles Angels
2021 record: 77-85
Things are looking better for the Angels. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are back at full health to compliment Shohei Ohtani, and Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell are close to being major league ready. They added to their biggest weakness, the pitching, and made it better. Noah Syndergaard and Michael Lorenzen were added to the rotation, while they re-signed Raisel Iglesias to form a bullpen with new additions Aaron Loup, Archie Bradley, and Ryan Tepera. They actually got better, and it's good to see.
Texas Rangers
2021 record: 60-102
After a 100+ loss season, the Rangers spent a bunch of money in the offseason to get better. Pitchers Martin Perez and Garrett Richards were added, along with Jon Gray, who is the opening day starter. Utility player Brad Miller solidified team depth, Mitch Garver was brought in from the Twins, and the two big stars, Corey Seager at shortstop and Marcus Semien at second. They aren't a playoff team yet, but they did get better this winter, and won't lose over 100 games again.
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