Indeed, Signing José Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract was a strong move by the reigning World Series champions. Abreu turns 36 in January but just hit .304 while earning AL MVP votes for the fourth consecutive year. Although his slugging was lower than usual in 2022, there’s no reason his production will drop off a cliff soon. It was a great first step for Houston. Also, bringing back Michael Brantley on a one-year deal was a great second step. Houston is a hot baseball betting odds future market ticket for 2023.
2023 American League West Division Odds
| Date: | Season Opens March 30, 2023 |
|---|
American League West Division Championship Odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston Astros | -185 |
| Seattle Mariners | +360 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +550 |
| Texas Rangers | +1000 |
| Oakland A’s | +25000 |
Houston Returns a Loaded Lineup
The biggest sportsbook mistake most World Series champions make is bringing everyone back and expecting the same results. Yet that’s mostly what the Astros did in an offseason without a general manager. Owner Jim Crane parted ways with James Click in early November and didn’t hire Dana Brown until late January. Still, they have an appealing rotation and bullpen depth, but you don’t just replace a Cy Young (Justin Verlander) winner who went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA.
Mariners Look to Build on 2022 Playoff Season
However it can be defined, becoming the team to beat in the American League West should be the goal for the Seattle Mariners. They are definitely a contender. Still staring up at the Houston Astros, the Mariners must take the next step in becoming a true World Series contender. Two other teams in their division have gotten better. It will be a great fight to see these four battle it out in 2023.
After all the money the Mariners invested in Robbie Ray, Luis Castillo, and Julio Rodríguez, they had nothing left for free agents this offseason. If they were going to add to their 90-win playoff roster, it almost had to come via trades. And Seattle did make two seemingly good swaps to bring in Teoscar Hernández and Kolten Wong.
Both players have just one year before free agency, so there’s some “2023 or Bust” to their approach. But Wong is a significant upgrade from Adam Frazier’s woeful year at second base for the M’s. And then Hernández should rival Rodríguez for the role of best Mariners Hitter in 2023.
Will Angels Live Up to Star Potential?
Angel Owner Arte Moreno changed his mind and did explore the sale of the Los Angeles Angels again. To illuminate, the former New York Mets owners got cold feet the first time Steve Cohen tried to buy a majority share. Moreno selling the Angels would have a trickle effect and possibly change the future of Shohei Ohtani.
Overall, there were no splashy offseason signings by LA. And the depth added will make $49 million in 2023. So, gamblers can debate whether that money would have been wisely spent on a star player such as a shortstop, which the Angels needed. But the Angels needed depth. Hence gamblers like GM Perry Minasian’s moves.
Last season, the Angels had too many bad performers. And that is how you can finish 73-89 with Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. The improved depth and a healthy Anthony Rendon should lift the Angels into the playoff race.
AL West Division Championship SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Angeles make for a strong MLB odds value pick at a big price.
AL West Division Championship SBG Best Bet: Los Angeles Angels.