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Texas Rangers: Predicting the year-end American League West standings

By Travis Koch

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 06: Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers reacts after shutting down the Seattle Mariners in the top of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 06: Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers reacts after shutting down the Seattle Mariners in the top of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 16: Roberto Osuna #54 of the Houston Astros reacts after walking Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox (not pictured) and scoring Steve Pearce #25 (not pictured) in the eighth inning during Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

1st Place: Houston Astros (98-64)

The Astros taking the division title this year is practically a no-brainer. If they take a step back at all from their previous two dominant seasons, it will only be slight. I have them winning just under 100 games.

Their offense improved with the addition of Michael Brantley and their bullpen essentially carried over from 2018. However, a drop-off in starting rotation quality is a definite possibility with Lance McCullers lost for the year and Charlie Morton having moved on to Tampa Bay. Still, Collin McHugh, Brad Peacock and Wade Miley should close out what is still seen as a well above average staff.

Don’t hold your breathe Texas Rangers fans. Houston remains a cut above its American League West counterparts.

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