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3 AL teams that could stop the Texas Rangers from repeating as champs in 2024

The Texas Rangers begin to defend their World Series title in Surprise, Arizona, with the start of spring training. While celebrating with the World Series trophy this offseason, other American League teams have improved.

By Brian Sweet |
Nov 3, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) during the
Nov 3, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) during the / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Spring Training has begun for the Texas Rangers as they look to defend their World Series title. It has been the shortest offseason in franchise history, and it's been fun celebrating the first World Series title in franchise history. However, while the Rangers were celebrating, the American League has gotten stronger over the offseason. Here is why the road to the World Series is a lot tougher for the Rangers this season.

Texas Rangers Road To The 2024 World Series: 3. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros will want revenge for what the Rangers did to them in the playoffs last season. So they went out and got the one player that the Rangers needed for a chance at repeating, Josh Hader. He is one of the best closers in baseball, and he makes the Astros a threat to derail the Rangers from repeating. The Astros now have three great closers and have the potential to shut down teams after the sixth inning. The Rangers might want to be on the opposite side of the playoff bracket again this season.

Texas Rangers Road To The 2024 World Series: 2. New York Yankees

The one team that might fly under the radar and surprise the Rangers is the New York Yankees. The Yankees were riddled with injuries to key players like Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon. Judge played 106 games last season and still managed to hit 37 home runs. Baseball fans have seen the stats that he can put up when healthy. A healthy Cole and Carlos Rodon could even be in the running for the AL Cy Young Award this season. With the recent addition of Juan Soto joining the team, they could have the talent to knock the Rangers out of the playoffs.

Texas Rangers Road To The 2024 World Series: 1. Baltimore Orioles

This is the American League team that has improved the most this offseason. The new ownership group that bought the Orioles didn't waste time to improve their starting rotation. They traded for Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, which improved their starting rotation. They also have most of their roster from last season returning, including All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman. They will probably add the number one prospect in baseball, Jackson Holiday, to their Opening Day lineup. They won't be the walk in the park they were in the ALDS last season.

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