MLB AL West Report Card 2022
A lot has happened in the MLB this year, especially in the AL West.
The wild west saw a lot of action, so let’s grade each team based on their success.
Houston Astros (106-56): A
Obviously, the Astros get the highest grade because they’re the 2022 World Series champions.
An amazing rotation and bullpen led to two no-hitters, one even coming in the World Series. The lineup has plenty of talent and it really flexed its muscles all year.
José Altuve, Jeremy Peña, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker - the talent is overflowing.
Christian Javier had not one, but two outings where he prevented the opposing team from getting a single hit, Justin Verlander looks like a Cy Young winner right after coming back from Tommy John, and Ryan Pressly will shut you down in the ninth inning.
The Astros are just out of this world, so don’t be surprised if they’re back in the fall classic next season.
Seattle Mariners (90-72): B+
“America’s team.”
The Mariners broke the curse after clinching their first playoff berth since 2001. This team was fun to watch all year long with its mix of exciting young talent and savvy veterans, including AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez.
The rookie sensation had a season to remember hitting 28 home runs and 75 RBIs. He did have a problem staying healthy this year, so a full season of J-Rod will only be even more electric.
A solid rotation includes Luis Castillo, Robbie Ray and Logan Gilbert. Ray took a step back after winning the Cy Young last year, but the rotation is still one to love.
Unfortunately, the Mariners were swept by the Astros in the ALDS, but have only shown signs of growth over the past few seasons.
Los Angeles Angels (73-89): D+
Remember when the Angels were first place in the AL West? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
You’d think a team with Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout would make the playoffs, right? Well, a 14-game losing streak definitely doesn’t help. The Angels just can’t get over the hump, no matter what moves they make, the secondary skill isn’t there.
Mike Trout was off and on the injured list all year, and with a rare back injury, will his production be the same as it has been in years past?
If you want a positive note about the team, Ohtani is an MVP candidate, but Aaron Judge looks like the favorite.
Texas Rangers (68-94): C-
The Rangers brought out the money bags last offseason signing Kyle Seager and Marcus Semien to big deals, but nothing really changed success-wise. Martín Pérez had a great year throwing a 2.89 ERA.
The Rangers are going to spend money again this offseason, and Jacob Degrom has been connected to Texas for a bit of time now. With Pérez’s future uncertain, Degrom would be a great replacement, as long as he’s healthy of course.
Rangers fans hope to see some sort of improvement in 2023. They have the talent to do it, but will they start their upward trend sooner rather than later?
Oakland Athletics (60-102): D-
There weren’t expectations for the rebuilding A’s, so it would feel rude to fail them. Sure no one showed up to their games, and their play was very bad, but at least they might get a new stadium.
Not a lot to get excited about when you look at the roster. Sean Murphy is the only player that stands out to me. I’m not good at math but when you lose 102 games out of 162, that isn’t good.
Maybe they win the draft lottery. Maybe there will be hope. Maybe the Athletics will look more athletic.
The west was certainly wild this season with a lot of storylines heading into the offseason. The stove is getting hotter which means the best is still yet to come.
Anthony Desher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.
