2023 AL West Breakout Stars
After hitting the AL East and AL Central, it’s time to round things out with the 2023 AL West breakout stars. What a division it is. I’m not going to waste any time because outside of Oakland, all of these teams at least think they’re in the mix. Here we go.
Houston Astros: Jeremy Peña
Am I cheating with this one? I think even casuals know who Peña is at this point after his heroics this postseason. Having said that, it just feels like there is another level to climb here. Also, have you seen the new pipes this Spring?
Los Angeles Angels: Logan O’Hoppe
I still don’t get why the Phillies traded O’Hoppe. I get Brandon Marsh is kinda a quirky player you want on your team but not at the cost of parting with a young catcher with serious promise. That’s Dave Dombrowski’s downfall. I thought he was easily the best prospect moved at the deadline and could very well become an everyday option for the Angels in 2023.
Oakland Athletics: Shea Langeliers
I’m not going to lie, it feels like the A’s botched the Matt Olsen trade and all the other trades. Christian Pache can’t hit. Neither can JJ Bleday. This team is going to be TERRIBLE! With Sean Murphy gone, Shea Langeliers should be the incumbent number one catcher. It was an okay showing for Langeliers as a rookie but hopefully, he shows the ability to hit with more contact in 2023.
Seattle Mariners: Taylor Trammell
Speaking of players that can’t hit, it’s now or never for Taylor Trammell. A .160 average in 2021 and .196 average this past year just isn’t good enough. It will never be good enough. After trading for Teoscar Hernandez, Seattle might have recognized what I just said. This is more of a hot seat all than a true prediction. Clocks ticking. Hit or get lost.
Texas Rangers: Glenn Otto
Don’t totally discount the Rangers. Not just that, Glenn Otto has a chance to learn from the newcomers. Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi were brought in to help some of the young guys they already have. This is a make or break season for the former Yankee farmhand. Acquired in the Joey Gallo deal, Otto has made starts but not all of them quality. With more veterans in the clubhouse, will Otto prove to be the capable back end starter that they hoped to trade for in the first place?
