AL West power rankings after Jacob deGrom signing
By Tim Boyle
4) AL West Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
The deGrom signing was huge for the Texas Rangers, but it doesn’t budge them from a number four spot in the AL West Power Rankings. The team has a lot they still need to do. The rotation looks much better with deGrom, but let’s not forget this is a ball club that won just 68 games last season.
deGrom does have questions regarding his health. A fully healthy and Cy Young-worthy season from him should be good to give the Rangers a major boost. The rest of the roster will still need to step up. Corey Seager and Marcus Semien need to play like the stars they were signed to be. More help from Nathaniel Lowe in 2023 could help give deGrom something he rarely got with the New York Mets, run support.
This shouldn’t be the end of the Rangers’ offseason. Their starting lineup has some holes to improve. A big bat could be next on the agenda and maybe lift them up a spot soon after.
3) AL West Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels aren’t selling off Shohei Ohtani this offseason. Instead, they’re buying. They’ve signed Tyler Anderson. They’ve also traded for Gio Urshela and Hunter Renfroe. Is this the year where they finally make the postseason? They’re at least attempting to accomplish that goal.
There is a ton of potential with the Angels. The starting rotation was surprisingly effective last year even outside of Ohtani taking the mound every five or six days. The expanded playoffs will certainly help the Angels return to the postseason. One thing they might need to go further is a more proven starting pitcher.
The Angels finished third in the AL West last year. It’s where they sit in the AL West Power Rankings following the deGrom signing. Texas got better. The Angels still have a better roster.