The 2017 AL West preview includes expectations for each team in the division as well as what they need to do to improve. The Texas Rangers were the only team in the division who made it to the playoffs after finishing with the best record in the American League last year. Their current odds on BetOnline are +1600, which are tied for the highest in the division with the Houston Astros. The Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros just missed out on the postseason in 2016 and will be working to get there in 2017. The Mariners have +2500 odds at winning the World Series and don’t have any glaring weakness. They just need to get over that hump and gain postseason experience. Finally, the LA Angels and the Oakland A’s both finished with losing records in 2016 and need to make moves in the offseason to compete in the tough AL West.
2017 Texas Rangers Betting Outlook
You can’t have a 2017 Texas Rangers Preview without mentioning the retirement of Prince Fielder. The unexpected decision forced the Rangers to make a move and they ended up signing Carlos Beltran. While he was serviceable, Beltran is also pushing 40 so he isn’t a long-term answer. Free agency will be big for the Rangers World Series hopes in 2017. Re-signing Carlos Gomez should be a priority and they should also look to add a piece to their rotation. At +1600 at BetOnline, you could see the Rangers Odds to win the World Series improve if they are active in free agency.
Seattle Mariners World Series Chances
The 2017 Preview of the Seattle Mariners is focused on the Mariners finally making it into the postseason. They came within three games of getting there last year and need to make it happen in 2017 as they are an aging ball club. Their two best hitters Robinson Cano, and Nelson Cruz are in their mid-30’s and only have so much time left in their prime. Mariners ace, Felix Hernandez, is coming off of a down year for his standards but fans should expect him to play at his usual level in 2017.
Houston Astros Betting Odds For 2017
The New York Yankees made a pivotal move by trading Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians for top prospect Clint Frazier and three other minor leaguers. Four-time All-Star Aroldis Chapman was also traded to the Cubs in another four-player deal that brought in fresh talent along with previous players. Shortstop Gleyber Torres and outfielder Clint Frazier were two of the most highly-rated acquisitions from the trades. Other movements include the release of veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi who is recovering from Tommy John and flexor tendon surgery. With Eovaldi gone, the Yanks will definitely need to sign a reliever and free agent starting pitcher. It is no secret that the Bronx Bombers have one of the largest payrolls across MLB, meaning that they can devote as much capital to free agents as they see fit. The baseball betting preview of the New York Yankees going into the 2017 season is right on par with what is expected during the regular season. Right now, betting odds for the Yankees to win the 2017 World Series are posted at +2000.
Los Angeles Angels Odds to Win
The Los Angeles Angels Betting Preview for 2017 starts with the money they have to spend in free agency. With over $40 million to play with, the Angels should look to improve their abysmal pitching rotation. Rich Hill is a name they should be looking at, as well as Jason Hammel and Andrew Cashner. The Angels problems don’t end with the pitching, though. They were 10th in the AL in runs scored so more moves need to be made. They signed left fielder Cameron Maybin in November but that should be just the start. As of now, the Angels betting odds for the 2017 World Series are listed at +8000.
Oakland Athletics Betting Preview
The 2017 Oakland A’s MLB season previews an extremely young ball club that is going through a rebuilding process that could take a few years. After finishing last in the AL West last season will need to be active in free agency to improve. They have already signed right fielder Matt Joyce and should be looking to bring in some more competition as well. The A’s also have some great prospects in waiting, including the tenth, ranked shortstop, Franklin Barreto, who could possibly get called up next season.