The AL West in 2026 is a division in the midst of a massive identity crisis. The Houston Astros’ decade-long dynasty is showing its first real cracks, while the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels have pivoted to aggressive, high-risk strategies to seize the throne. Meanwhile, Seattle is banking on a historic youth movement to capitalize on a division that is suddenly wide open.
Here is your 2026 Spring Training Preview for the AL West.
Texas Rangers: The “Extreme Makeover”
The Rangers spent the winter dismantling the core of their 2023 championship team to get younger and more versatile. The departure of franchise icons has paved the way for a new era of “Speed and On-Base Percentage” in Arlington.
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Key Additions: Brandon Nimmo (OF – via trade with Mets), MacKenzie Gore (SP – via trade with Nationals), Alexis Díaz (RP), Danny Jansen (C).
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Key Losses: Marcus Semien (Traded to Mets), Adolis García (Phillies), Jonah Heim (FA), Merrill Kelly (D-backs).
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Spring Storyline: MacKenzie Gore’s Ace Potential. Texas is betting big that Gore is ready to lead a rotation. In Surprise, watch how he handles the “Ace” pressure. Also, the infield hierarchy: with Semien gone, Josh Jung and Ezequiel Duran are the new vocal leaders of this clubhouse.
Seattle Mariners: The “Power and Prospects” Show
After Cal Raleigh shocked the world with a legendary 60-home run season in 2025, the Mariners are no longer just a “pitching-first” team. They enter 2026 with the most exciting collection of young position players in the league.
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Key Additions: Yosver Zulueta (RP), Cooper Criswell (SP/RP), Patrick Wisdom (INF).
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Key Losses: Eugenio Suárez, Caleb Ferguson, Gregory Santos.
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Spring Storyline: The Battle for the Dirt. The hottest competition in Peoria is at 2B and 3B. Top prospects Cole Young, Harry Ford, and Colt Emerson are all fighting for Opening Day spots. If Colt Emerson (just 20 years old) can translate his Triple-A power to the spring, he might force the Mariners to move J.P. Crawford to a utility role.
Houston Astros: The “New Horizon”
For the first time in years, the Astros are the “hunted” rather than the “hunters.” Without Alex Bregman and Framber Valdez, the front office turned to the international market to keep their window open.
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Key Additions: Tatsuya Imai (SP – 3yr/$45M), Mike Burrows (SP – via trade), Nick Allen (INF).
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Key Losses: Alex Bregman (Cubs), Framber Valdez (FA), Mauricio Dubón (Braves), Victor Caratini (Twins).
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Spring Storyline: The Imai Adjustment. Tatsuya Imai is the key to Houston’s 2026. If he can fill the “workhorse” void left by Valdez, the Astros stay relevant. If not, the heavy lifting falls entirely on Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, who are essentially playing 2-against-9 every night.
Los Angeles Angels: The “Rotation Revolution”
After years of wasting Mike Trout’s prime with poor pitching, the Angels finally pulled the trigger on a “pitching-first” overhaul. They didn’t sign the biggest names; they traded for the biggest arms.
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Key Additions: Grayson Rodriguez (SP – via trade with Orioles), Alek Manoah (SP), Kirby Yates (RP), Vaughn Grissom (INF), Yoán Moncada (3B).
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Key Losses: Taylor Ward (Orioles), Tyler Anderson (FA), Luis Rengifo.
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Spring Storyline: Grayson Rodriguez as the Halo Savior. The Angels gave up Taylor Ward to get “G-Rod,” and they need him to be a Cy Young contender immediately. In Tempe, watch the “reclamation project” of Alek Manoah. If Manoah regains his All-Star form, the Angels might actually have the best 1-2 punch in the division.
Athletics: The “Sacramento Residency”
Entering their second season at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, the A’s are leaning into a “scrappy veteran” identity while they wait for their Las Vegas stadium.
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Key Additions: Jeff McNeil (2B/OF – via trade with Mets), Mark Leiter Jr. (RP), Andrew Knizner (C).
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Key Losses: José Leclerc, Scott McGough.
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Spring Storyline: The Jeff McNeil Effect. McNeil brings a “World Series pedigree” to a clubhouse that is desperate for professional leadership. The big question in Mesa: Can Mason Miller maintain his triple-digit velocity for a full season, or will the A’s eventually move him back into the rotation to maximize his value?
AL West Projected Standings (Early Vegas Odds)
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Seattle Mariners (+115)
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Texas Rangers (+200)
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Houston Astros (+310)
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Los Angeles Angels (+450)
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Athletics (+2500)
