Fansided

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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Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Houston Astros

After three years of truly miserable rebuilding, the Astros arrived on the scene in 2015, led by some promising young talent that is only going to get better. Houston improved from 51 wins to 70 in 2014, and then jumped all the way to 86 last year and beat the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game.

Expect another jump this year, as the Astros have one of the best rosters in the Majors and more talent is on the way.

Projected lineup: 

1. Jose Altuve, 2B

2. George Springer, RF

3. Carlos Correa, SS

4. Colby Rasmus, LF

5. Carlos Gomez, CF

6. Preston Tucker, DH

7. Luis Valbuena, 3B

8. Tyler White, 1B

9. Jason Castro, C

With only a couple of weaknesses, the Astros have the most complete lineup in the AL West. Houston has a great mix of proven talent and young upside, and should be one of the top lineups in the Majors in 2016 once again.

Correa may already be the best shortstop in the Majors after posting 3.3 WAR in 99 games per FanGraphs, while Springer is only scratching the surface of his massive potential. A full season of Gomez should also provide an upgrade, and Evan Gattis will add another proven presence to the lineup when he returns from a sports hernia.

White holds the first base job for now, but that could change soon. Top prospect A.J. Reed is nearly ready to start in the Majors and could provide a Correa-like boost at the plate.

Projected rotation: 

1.Dallas Keuchel

2. Collin McHugh

3. Mike Fiers

4. Doug Fister

5. Scott Feldman

If Texas or any of the other AL West team is going to beat Houston, it’s going to be because of regression from the Astros rotation, particularly Keuchel. While not the strength of the team, the Astros’ rotation is good enough to compliment the lineup and succeed in the postseason.

The key for Houston’s starting pitching may be Lance McCullers, who will take a spot from Feldman when he is healthy. McCullers showed great promise as a 22-year-old with a 3.22 ERA (3.26 FIP) per FanGraphs, but was shut down earlier in the spring with a shoulder concern.

Fister is better than his numbers indicated last season and should be a solid pickup for Houston. The Astros also added Ken Giles in one of the more underrated moves of the offseason, giving them a lockdown closer to improve a marginal bullpen.

If White comes up and mashes and Keuchel repeats his Cy Young form, the Astros will not only win the division, but challenge for the World Series crown. Once again, a midseason acquisition could be the difference – both Houston and Texas should have an interest in Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Projected lineup: 91-71

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