The FIRST of 6 fresh outlooks for 2022. Predictions and so much more lie below.
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Standings Predictions: Assuming 162 game season.
Houston Astros (95-67) Last year 95-67 and 1st
Seattle Mariners(92-70) Last year 90-72 and 2nd
LA Angels (80-82) Last year 77-85 and 4th
Texas Rangers(80-82) Last year 60-102 and 5th
Oakland Athletics (65-97) Last year 86-76 and 3rd
Let's give a warm welcome out west to the following players who will take the Diamond for their new teams. (Note these are players who will have an impact on their squad going into the new season)
Welcome to the AL West:
Astros: Hector Neris(RP)
Mariners: Robbie Ray(SP), Adam Frazier(2B), Jesse Winker(OF), Eugenio Suarez(3B),
Angels: Noah Syndergaard(SP), Michael Lorenzon(SP), Aaron Loup(RP), Archie Bradly(RHRP), Ryan Tepera(RHRP)
Rangers: Jon Gray(SP), Corey Seager(SS), Marcus Semien(2B), Kole Calhoun(OF), Martin Perez(LHP), Mitch Garver(C)
A's: Christian Pache(OF),
It's time to say goodbye to some players whose impact will be missed by their previous teams.
Goodbye:
Astros: Carlos Correa(SS), Zack Grienke(SP)
Mariners: Kyle Seager(3B), Tyler Anderson(SP)
LAA: No Notable Players Lost
Texas: Isiah Kiner-Falefa(SS)
Athletics: Jed Lowrie(2B), Mark Canha(OF), Starling Marte(OF), Yan Gomes(C), Chris Bassist(SP), Jake Diekman(LHRP), Matt Olson(1B), Matt Chapman(3B)
Each time in this division has stars, and let's figure out who the most likely MVP candidates are from each team going into the season. These are the guys who will create the most fireworks for their teams.
MVP Award Candidates:
Astros: Kyle Tucker(OF)/Jose Altuve(2B)
Mariners: Mitch Haniger(OF)/JP Crawford(SS)
LAA: Mike Trout(OF)/ Shohei Ohtani(DH)
Rangers: Corey Seager(SS)/Marcus Semien(2B)
Athletics: Christan Pache(OF)
Now that we looked at the most prestigious batters aware, let's look at the most prestigious pitching Award and candidates from each team in the ALW.
Cy Young Candidates:
Astros: Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia
Mariners: Robbie Ray and Logan Gilbert
LAA: Noah Syndergaard IF healthy.
Rangers: I don't think they have one.
Athletics: I don't think they have one anymore
Please keep your eyes glued on the below players because they are ready to show out during the 2022 season. Just trust me.
Break Out Player:
Astros: Jose Siri(OF)
Mariners: Jared Kelenic(OF), Cal Raliegh(C)
LAA: Jo Adell(OF), Michael Lorenzon(SP)
Rangers: Nate Lowe(1B)
Athletics: Sean Murphy(C)
Everyone in the MLB has to overcome adversity at some point and time in their career. For these guys, that point in their careers is 2022
Comeback Player Candidates:
Astros: Justin Verlander(SP)
Mariners: Marco Gonzalez(SP), Kyle Lewis(OF)
LAA: Noah Synderdagaard(SP)
Rangers: Jon Gray(SP)
Athletics: Sean Manea(S
You might have heard of these guys; you might not have. After impressive 2021 from these young guns, we got a sample of what is to come. Keep them on your radars going into 2022
Rookie of the Year Candidate:
Astros: Jake Meyers(OF)
Mariners: Logan Gilbert(SP)
LAA: Austin Warren(P)
Rangers: Andy Ibanez(UTL INF)
Athletics: Domingo Acevedo(P)
Manager of the Year:
Seattle Mariners Scott Servias
2022 Prediction:
The Astros are still outstanding, with young talent in the rotation great offensive talent even without Correa in house. The Astros win the AL West.
If everyone returns to form and is healthy, the Angels are a legit threat offensively; however, pitching-wise is a huge question mark. I think they are good enough on paper to go .500 but nothing more, and that's sad when you have two MVP players.
The Oakland A's are going into rebuild mode, starting to develop new talent that will hopefully help them land a new stadium deal and stay in Oakland for the foreseeable future. However, the new manager is still playing the money scheme; we will see how they sell Olsen and Chapman.
The Rangers spent two of the most significant bats in the Free Agency and an awful SP. The offense looks excellent with Adolis Garcia, Semien, and Seager; however, you can't win games on offense alone and with pitching that is below average at best. General Managers Chris Young's wheeling and dealing may be for nothing for their star's careers' first couple of seasons.
Finally, that brings us home to the Seattle Mariners, and yes, with the expected expanded playoffs going forward, the Mariners are a lock for a playoff spot in nearly two decades. With questions marks at 3B and the back of the rotation, the Mariners are getting back Ken Giles, Andres Munoz the pen, and with a budding offense, the window is wide open for the Mariners to strike and build off their 2021. The Playoff drought ENDS in 2022.