2019 AL West Odds: Astros Heavily Favored; Angels & A’s Listed at 11-2
- The Houston Astros are the odds-on favorites to win the AL West in 2019.
- Is there any sense in wagering against Houston?
- Can the A’s replicate their magic from 2018?
The Houston Astros, by all accounts, should still sit atop the American League West when all is said and done in October. They will have some competition, for sure, but thanks to a pair of rebuilds and a lucky rabbit’s foot in Oakland, their divisional reign should be safe for at least one more regular season.
Let’s take a look at the latest AL West odds.
2019 American League West Odds
| Team | Odds to Win the 2019 AL West Division Title |
|---|---|
| Houston Astros | -250 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +550 |
| Oakland Athletics | +550 |
| Seattle Mariners | +2000 |
| Texas Rangers | +2500 |
*Odds taken on 02/19/19
The reason that Houston sits atop the division lies not with the look of their current roster, but rather with the look of their current schedule.
By all accounts, the Seattle Mariners have taken a giant leap backwards with their plethora of trades. The rebuilding Texas Rangers are on the right path, but still have a little while longer to wait. The surprise story of 2018 Oakland Athletics are a risky pick to replicate their magic, and the LA Angels refused to make a big splash (so far) in free agency. The Astros strength lies in the weakness of the AL West.
Where is the best fit for free agent pitcher Dallas Keuchel? pic.twitter.com/flPpHMY6a6
— Stadium (@Stadium) February 12, 2019
Houston Astros
Houston’s additions shape up to be a bit more of a repair job than an upgrade.
Astros Key Additions and Subtractions
| Additions | Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Wade Miley, LHP | Dallas Keuchel, LHP (FA) |
| Michael Brantley, OF | Charlie Morton, RHP |
| Robinson Chirinos, C | Lance McCullers Jr, RHP (INJ) |
| Marwin Gonzalez, OF |
At the plate, Michael Brantley brings a great bat, so there’s a definite step up on utility man Marwin Gonzalez. Robinson Chirinos is a serviceable and solid contact catcher, but doesn’t have the power of Evan Gattis, so let’s call that one a wash. While on the hill, Wade Miley is a patch job at best for the rest of the arm talent that walked out the door this winter.
Los Angeles Angels
This could be the year that the Los Angeles Angels don’t actually disappoint.
Angels Key Additions and Subtractions
| Additions | Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Matt Harvey, RHP | Garrett Richards, RHP |
| Trevor Cahill, RHP | Parker Bridwell, RHP |
| Jonathan Lucroy, C | |
| Justin Bour, 1B |
Like the San Jose Sharks in hockey or the Minnesota Vikings in football, the Angels have become the perennial shock and awe team of the American League, let alone Major League Baseball. They have the youth and this season could be the turning point for their primed system. The only question mark is their young mound, but that could be patched still with another $30 million or so of payroll to be spent.
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics were the absolute surprise story of 2019. They were able to secure a wild card playoff berth after a huge second half surge following the All-Star break.
A’s Key Additions and Subtractions
| Additions | Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Marco Estrada, RHP | Trevor Cahill, RHP |
| Joakim Soria, RHP | Jeurys Familia, RHP |
| Parker Bridwell, RHP | Jonathan Lucroy, C |
| Jurickson Profar, SS | Jed Lowrie, SS |
While the A’s did lose a few pieces, they also made quite a few quality additions to their roster and rotation. The A’s could certainly surprise again in 2019, but it’d be for no more than another wild card spot at best.
Hey Marco Estrada, what was it about the A’s that made you want to join the team? pic.twitter.com/KDiyVpBGhr
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) February 11, 2019
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners will definitely surprise with a few more wins than expected this year, but the team has already proclaimed 2019 as a rebuild season.
Mariners Key Additions and Subtractions
| Additions | Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Justus Sheffield, LHP | Edwin Diaz, RHP |
| JP Crawford, SS | James Paxton, LHP |
| Edwin Encarnacion, 1B | Robinson Cano, 2B |
| Mallex Smith, OF | Nelson Cruz, DH |
After dismantling their veteran core and moving the best closer in baseball to New York, they’ve certainly taken a big step back. They will undoubtedly be in the conversation in 2020 and beyond though.
Prospects Evan White, Kyle Lewis and Shed Long are among the youngsters bringing an influx of youth and energy to Mariners' camp. Here's the story from Peoria. https://t.co/J2agf6Ifc3
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) February 18, 2019
Texas Rangers
The Rangers dealt up-and-coming shortstop Jurickson Profar to the Athletics as part of a three-way deal with the Rays during the winter meetings. In return, they added a plethora of pitchers and should have one of the best bullpens and possibly even rotations over the next half decade.
Rangers Key Additions and Subtractions
| Additions | Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Lance Lynn, RHP | Jurickson Profar, SS |
| Shelby Miller, RHP | Robinson Chirinos, C |
| Yoel Espinol, RHP | |
| Kyle Bird, LHP |
Watch for the Rangers to battle for the bottom with Seattle, or possibly Oakland, if all goes south for them.
AL West Best Value
The Los Angeles Angels (+550) may be the best value deal out there. They’re young, they have some nice depth pieces, and if they can add just one more piece on the hill, they could be really deadly this season. Not to mention, their odds could sky rocket in no time.
Our 2019 MLB Divisional Previews Coverage:
Ryan is what you call a seasoned vet. It's been nearly 13 years and he has hosted three sports radio talk shows, two football television shows, two sports podcasts, released his first book in 2012, had his own ESPN E:60 documentary shot, and was the first inductee to ESPN's Hall of Fans.
