2024 Miami Marlins season preview: The 3 AL division winners and Wild Cards

AL WEST

The Houston Astros have a bit of a shaky rotation. Justin Verlander is past his prime, Framber Valdez struggled down the stretch last season... but the bullpen is anchored by CP Josh Hader. They also have a loaded lineup, that looks to again be one of the best in the league.

The Los Angeles Angels have a pretty weak pitching staff with no ace, or reliable closer. Their lineup is pretty weak as well, depending on CF Mike Trout to finally stay mostly healthy. They look like a .500 team at best.

The Oakland Athletics have actually improved a bit. Their bullpen is still a mess and the rotation has no top of the rotation arms, but their lineup has some promise. 2B Zack Gelof, DH Brent Rooker and 1B Ryan Noda can at least be somewhat productive, with Gelof having some real potential.

The Texas Rangers may have the best lineup in the division, with only Houston in contention. The bullpen seems a bit shaky, and the rotation especially. Pitching may be what decides Texas's season, as Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Tyler Mahle coming back mid-season might just decide their season.

The Seattle Mariners have by far the best rotation in the division, with a solid bullpen. Their lineup however heavily depends on CF Julio Rodriguez and that puts it well behind both Texas teams. It looks like a three team division race this upcoming season and they can finish in any order. I am down on Texas's pitching enough, to give the division to Houston once again.

Projected finish:

1. HOUSTON ASTROS

2. SEATTLE MARINERS

3. TEXAS RANGERS

4. LOS ANGELES ANGELS

5. OAKLAND ATHLETICS

PLAYOFF SEEDS AMONG THE DIVISION WINNERS: 1. NEW YORK YANKEES 2. HOUSTON ASTROS 3. MINNESOTA TWINS

WILD CARDS: 4. SEATTLE MARINERS 5. TEXAS RANGERS 6. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

AL WILD CARD PLAYOFF ROUND: BALTIMORE BEATS MINNESOTA; TEXAS BEATS SEATTLE.

AL DIVISION SERIES: YANKEES BEAT TEXAS; HOUSTON BEATS BALTIMORE.

AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: YANKEES BEAT HOUSTON.