The 2023 MLB season is officially around the corner, beginning on Thursday. All eyes will be on the reigning World Series champions Houston Astros and how they will perform in a reinforced American League West Division, which we’ll try to break down in this article.
The Astros are set to defend their championship but will do so in a more hostile environment, as three of their strongest direct rivals got better this year or are completely healthy.
Let’s begin with the champs…
Houston Astros
Notable acquisitions:
1B José Abreu (free agency)
OF Michael Brantley (re-signed)
RHP Rafael Montero (re-signed)
Notable goodbyes:
RHP Justin Verlander (Mets)
1B Yuli Gurriel (Marlins)
C Christian Vázquez (Twins)
IF Aledmys Díaz (Athletics)
1B/OF Trey Mancini (Cubs)
LHP Will Smith (Rangers)
Projections (according to FanGraphs):
89 wins, 73 losses, .