2022 American League West Division Prediction, Odds: (Don't Sleep on Seattle to Win the West)
By Peter Dewey
There may not be a division in baseball with more intrigue than the American League West.
The Houston Astros, who have won four of the last five division titles are the perennial favorite, but the Los Angeles Angles and their two MVP candidates (Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani) should be close behind.
Plus, last year’s near-Cinderella, the young and hungry Seattle Mariners are projected to finish in second in the division in the 2022 season. Not only that, but the Texas Rangers made one of the biggest splashes in free agency, signing Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to patrol the middle infield.
The Oakland Athletics traded about everyone this offseason, from Matt Olson to Matt Chapman but this should still be an interesting race to follow.
Let’s get into this year’s win total projections from WynnBET Sportsbook:
AL West Division Win Total Predictions
- Houston Astros: 92 (Over -110/Under -110)
- Los Angeles Angels: 84.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
- Oakland Athletics: 70.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
- Seattle Mariners: 85.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
- Texas Rangers: 73 (Over -110/Under -110)
Los Angeles Angels Win Total Prediction
The Angels still lack pitching depth, and I don’t love the fact that Mike Trout seems to be getting hurt year in and year out.
If everyone stays healthy, the Angels have one of the best lineups in all of baseball. However, that’s a big if. This team has failed to win 85 or more games in every season since 2015. I won’t be surprised if that trend continues.
Lean: UNDER 84.5
Houston Astros Win Total Prediction
Carlos Correa skipping town and heading to the Minnesota Twins is a major blow for the Astros, but they did bring back Justin Verlander for the 2022 season.
Houston always seems to find itself at the top of the standings, so I don’t think a division title is out of the question, but it won’t be as easy as in year’s past.
Lean: OVER 92
Seattle Mariners Win Total Prediction
The Mariners may be the most fun young team in baseball, with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez and others, but can they make the leap to a division winner?
I think it’s possible, but it’s going to come with a better offense than last season. Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez should help immediately, but the Mariners almost made the playoffs in 2021 despite ranking in the bottom 10 in the league in OPS and runs scored.
This team could make some serious noise in 2022.
Lean: OVER 85.5
Oakland Athletics Win Total Prediction
The A’s are an absolute joke, trading away most of their top talent this offseason to cut costs and rebuild even though they almost made the wild card in the AL last season.
If Oakland moves Frankie Montas or some of its other arms, it’s going to be in full tank mode. I’d be shocked if the A’s won 70 games.
Lean: UNDER 70.5
Texas Rangers Win Total Prediction
The Rangers made some major moves by bringing in Seager and Semien, but I still don’t trust their rotation heading into this season.
Still, 73 wins feels a little low, even after last year’s 60-win campaign. I’ll lean to the over because of the bats, but the pitching will truly decide Texas’ fate in 2022.
Lean: OVER 73
AL West Division World Series Odds
- Houston Astros: +1000
- Seattle Mariners: +2000
- Los Angeles Angels: +2500
- Oakland Athletics: +10000
- Texas Rangers: +10000
Predicting the AL West Division Winner
I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that the Seattle Mariners win the AL West this season.
Seattle has all the young talent in the world, and I think it isn’t as reliant on stars as the Angels are. The Astros are going to be a tough team to beat, but the loss of Correa is bigger than I think oddsmakers are letting on.
This Seattle team showed it is ready to contend in 2021, and I think it takes the next step this season.