AL West Preview: The Astros will look different, and that could mean a new division champ this year
Live MintThe Houston Astros will certainly look different when trying to continue their impressive run of AL West titles, after letting two of their best hitters go and with Jose Altuve likely moving to left field. The Astros last year failed to make it to the AL Championship Series for the first time in eight seasons, a stretch when they were World Series champs twice and the only time they didn't win the West was the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. First baseman Jake Burger and two-time World Series champ Joc Pederson add pop to an offense that last year hit 57 fewer homers and scored a run less per game than in 2023. Seattle Mariners: Even with four consecutive winning seasons, the Mariners made the playoffs only once in that span, and got swept by Houston in the 2022 AL Division Series after ending a 20-season postseason drought. They still likely lack the depth needed to compete for a playoff spot after having MLB's lowest payroll for three straight seasons, but tripled the total number of $60 million deals in franchise history with three this offseason: for young outfielder Lawrence Butler, slugger Brent Rooker and free agent right-hander Luis Severino with a team-record $67 million, three-year deal.
History of this topic
Joc Pederson and Texas Rangers finalize 2-year deal, DH’s 5th team since 2020 title with Dodgers
Associated Press
Houston Astros welcome 1B Christian Walker to team; say negotiations with Bregman stalled
Associated Press
Astros overcome terrible start to clinch 4th straight AL West title
Associated Press
Back-to-back homers from Alex Bregman, Yainer Diaz push Astros past Orioles 6-3
Associated Press
Astros takeaways: A possible youth movement, first base options and Ryan Pressly’s return
New York Times
Texas Rangers win first World Series title after 62 years of trying
The Independent
World Series 2023: Corey Seager has the Rangers on the brink of their first title
Associated Press
José Abreu and Yordan Álvarez help Astros get even with rout of Rangers in ALCS Game 4
LA Times
ALCS: José Altuve and Cristian Javier lead Astros to win at Rangers in Game 3
LA Times
Deep in the heart of Texas, Astros and Rangers set for Lone Star showdown for spot in World Series
Associated Press
Rangers get Scherzer from Mets in all-in blockbuster from surprise AL West leaders
The Independent
Beer-chugging Astros players are toasted by '1million' paradegoers after second World Series title
Daily Mail
Alvarez blasts Astros to World Series title in G6 vs. Phils
The Independent
Bochy missed game, takes over Rangers team he beat for title
Associated Press
Rangers hire 3-time World Series champion Bochy as manager
Associated Press
Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0
Associated Press
Houston Astros advance to World Series after beating Boston Red Sox in ALCS
CNN
Jose Altuve, Astros going back to ALCS after topping White Sox
LA Times
Astros to playoffs with losing record after loss to Texas
The Independent
Rangers keep Astros waiting for playoffs with 5-4 win in 10
The Independent
Bowden: Here are six trades AL contenders should make before the deadline
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