Astros Seek to Reclaim AL West Dominance

National MLB writer Kyle Glaser breaks down the key storylines in the competitive AL West division.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:22pm

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In this AL West primer, longtime National MLB writer Kyle Glaser discusses the state of the Houston Astros, who are looking to regain their divisional supremacy after losing significant talent in recent years. Glaser also highlights the emergence of Mariners star Julio Rodriguez as one of the most exciting players in baseball, the Rangers' struggles to return to their 2023 World Series form, and the potential for the Athletics to surprise as a sleeper team with their powerful offense.

Why it matters

The AL West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with the Astros, Mariners, and potentially the Athletics all vying for playoff spots. The division's outcome could have major implications for the American League postseason picture.

The details

Glaser notes that the Astros' success this season will depend heavily on the health and production of slugger Yordan Alvarez, as well as the development of young pitchers Tatsuya Ima and Mike Burrows. He also suggests that Astros manager Joe Espada could be on the hot seat if the team gets off to a slow start, despite leading the team to 88 and 87 wins in his first two seasons. Meanwhile, the Mariners' Julio Rodriguez is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in the game, and Glaser expects him to deliver an MVP-caliber season. The Rangers, on the other hand, are still searching for the magic that led them to the 2023 World Series, and will need their young core of players to step up.

  • The Astros are looking to reclaim the AL West division this season.
  • The Mariners came close to reaching their first World Series in 2023.

The players

Yordan Alvarez

A slugger for the Houston Astros whose health and production will be crucial to the team's success this season.

Tatsuya Ima

A young pitcher for the Houston Astros who is expected to help fortify the team's rotation.

Mike Burrows

Another young pitcher for the Houston Astros who is expected to contribute to the team's pitching staff.

Jose Altuve

A veteran second baseman for the Houston Astros who is known for his enthusiasm and productivity, and could be a future Hall of Famer.

Julio Rodriguez

A star outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who is considered one of the most exciting players in all of baseball.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't say the Astros are completely out of the running, but there is no question they've lost a lot of talent in recent years and are no longer the dominant team they once were. Their success this year will depend heavily on if Yordan Alvarez can stay healthy and if Tatsuya Ima and Mike Burrows fortify the rotation as hoped. If that happens, they'll be fine. If not, it could be a long season.”

— Kyle Glaser, National MLB writer

“First ballot will be tough unless Altuve reaches 3,000 hits, and even then I expect some voters won't vote for him because of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. That said, with a strong finish to his career, I think it's very likely he will be elected to the Hall of Fame, even if it isn't on the first ballot.”

— Kyle Glaser, National MLB writer

“Espada will be on the hot seat this season even though he doesn't deserve to be. Let's not forget he's led two flawed, injury-riddled teams to 88 and 87 wins, respectively, in his first two seasons as a manager. But Astros owner Jim Crane is notoriously demanding, and it would not shock me if he fires Espada if things don't go according to plan this season. It would be a mistake for him to do so, but there's no question it's a very real possibility.”

— Kyle Glaser, National MLB writer

“Julio Rodriguez is the most exciting player in the division and one of the 5-10 most exciting players in all of baseball. Cal Raleigh is coming off a historic season, Nick Kurtz an unbelievable offensive talent and let's not forget Mike Trout is still around, but no one else can impact a game offensively, defensively and on the basepaths like Rodriguez. I expect him to come out extra motivated after how close the Mariners came to reaching their first World Series last year and deliver an MVP-caliber season.”

— Kyle Glaser, National MLB writer

What’s next

The Astros' success this season will depend heavily on the health and production of Yordan Alvarez, as well as the development of young pitchers Tatsuya Ima and Mike Burrows. If those key factors come together, the Astros could reclaim their divisional dominance.

The takeaway

The AL West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with the Astros, Mariners, and potentially the Athletics all vying for playoff spots. The emergence of stars like Julio Rodriguez and the continued excellence of Mike Trout make the division must-watch baseball, and the outcome could have major implications for the American League postseason picture.