The American League West has been dominated by the Houston Astros in recent seasons. But this year, there could be a couple of other winners in this division in what has been a tight race. Here, we look at this year’s AL West futures odds and make our MLB betting picks to win what could be a more exciting division than in years past.
2023 AL West Futures Betting Odds
Houston Astros: Hoping to Close the Deal
This season, the Houston Astros were once again favored to win the AL West at the start of play, and they were also favored to win the World Series. After falling behind the Texas Rangers early in the year, the Astros have proven why they were designated as favorites, as they have climbed back to the top of the standings. Their lead is nowhere near safe, but the Astros have to like their chances to finish at the top of the division heading into October.
Texas Rangers: Hoping to Hold Onto the Postseason
While the Houston Astros entered the year as the favorites in the AL West futures market, the Texas Rangers led the division for much of the season. But the Rangers have struggled over the last few weeks of the season, and they are now in tight races both for this division and for a spot in the AL Wild Card. This team could win its division or miss the playoffs entirely, and will need to step up in the final weeks to avoid a disappointing finish.
Seattle Mariners: Also In the Mix
The Seattle Mariners are all of a sudden in the mix for both the AL West championship or a Wild Card spot. The Mariners are in the top-half of the league in terms of home runs hit as a team this year. They could very well use that power to earn their way into the playoffs, but nothing is set in stone for this team that is squarely on the bubble in the American League.
Los Angeles Angels: Uncertainty Looming
The star power of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani is undeniable for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani could very well win the AL MVP this year, in fact. But the Los Angeles Angels have once again failed to put a good enough team around them to be a serious contender for a playoff berth. Now they are in danger of losing Ohtani to free agency, after another season where a playoff berth is not in the cards.
Oakland Athletics: An Utter Disaster
The Oakland Athletics have barely managed to win 30% of their games so far this MLB season, and have crossed the 100-loss mark. At this point, the only success they have a chance to experience this season is figuring out their murky stadium situation, whether that be in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
2023 AL West Futures Betting Pick: Houston Astros
While the Texas Rangers held the top spot in the AL West for most of this year, the Houston Astros are now in the pole position. The addition of Justin Verlander to their rotation, and an injury to Josh Jung of the Rangers, could help the Astros close the deal, which we expect to happen before they set their sights on repeating as champions.
