The Houston Astros absolutely dominated from start to finish in 2017. Houston opened the season with a 60-29 record in the season’s first half and then cruised the rest of the way to win a division title and eventually a World Series crown. The Astros reloaded in the offseason with some key additions that could help put them over the top again in 2018. Here is a look at each team’s odds to win the American League West. Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
Houston Astros -500
The best team in baseball got better with the addition of former Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. Cole will join Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers and Charlie Morton to give Houston one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Houston will also bring back the best offense in baseball from a year ago completely intact led by AL MVP Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer and Alex Bregman. As reflected by their sports betting odds to win the division, the Astros should be a lock to win the AL West once again in 2018.
Los Angeles Angels +500
The Angels were one of the busiest teams in baseball this past offseason. While that doesn’t mean they will be able to compete with Houston for a division title, Los Angeles could be a playoff contender in 2018. The angels added two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani along with Zack Cosart and Ian Kinsler. Meanwhile, Mike Trout is a perennial MVP candidate and with a little more help the Angels offense could be really good. Los Angeles is still a substantial long shot to compete for an AL West title but they might be worth considering as a decent value pick to contend for a playoff spot this coming season.
Seattle Mariners +900
Seattle has climbed above and then dipped back down below the .500 mark in alternating season over the last four years. Unfortunately for Mariners fans, this team might not have enough to climb back above the .500 mark this coming season. The addition of Dee Gordon should make this team more exciting and make for an excellent 1-2 punch with Jean Segura. However, there are still question marks about the overall depth in this lineup. Meanwhile, the pitching staff isn’t nearly good enough to carry this team over any long period of time. Seattle could improve on its 78 wins from a year ago. However, it’s unreasonable to expect the Mariners to contend for a division title this coming year.
Texas Rangers +3000
The Rangers have been a fairly consistent contender over the years. However, a lack of big name free agent signings combined with a dearth of elite prospects will likely keep Texas from contending for an AL West crown in 2018. The Rangers produced a winning record versus just one of their division opponents a year ago. Meanwhile, the team’s pitching staff produced a 5.08 ERA after the All-Star break, which was one of the worst in the majors over the second half. Texas is still a strong power hitting team that is capable of putting up decent offensive numbers. However, a lack of depth and a sub-par pitching staff will keep the Rangers from contending for a playoff spot in 2018.
Oakland Athletics +4000
Moneyball has taken a substantial hit over the years as the Athletics are coming off three straight losing seasons and seem destined for a fourth in a row. Oakland seems committed to a rebuild once again and it will be on the fans to embrace that approach once again this season. The Athletics are tagged to finish at the bottom of the AL West in 2018. Obviously, there won’t be much money on Oakland to contend for the best record in the AL West in 2018.
