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2016 MLB season: AL West preview

By Nathaniel Reeves

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros enter the season as the AL West favorite, but things could be bunched up behind them.

Entering the 2015 season, the AL West race looked between a rising Seattle Mariners club and the Mike Trout-led Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. However, a pair of surprise teams emerged early in the season and battled for the division crown right down to the end of the season.

A young Houston Astros team arrived ahead of schedule to lead the division for nearly the entire season, eventually settling for a Wild Card spot after a late season collapse. They were passed late by the division champion Texas Rangers, who overcame the loss of Yu Darvish in Spring Training to qualify for the postseason.

Those two teams are the AL West favorites in 2016, with Houston having a slight advantage after some important offseason moves. However, much like the rest of the wide-open American League, all five teams in the division enter the season with a chance to be competitive.

Both the Mariners and Oakland Athletics will try to bounce back from very disappointing seasons. Meanwhile, the Angels have the best position player in the game, but tons of question marks around him.

Division action gets underway on Monday, April 4 with a showdown in Texas between Cole Hamels and Felix Hernandez, kicking off what should be an exciting season out west.

Next: 5. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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