AL West preview: Rangers could bounce back, but Angels will struggle again

The Texas Rangers won the World Series in 2023 , but cratered to a 78 -84 record in 2024 .

The Houston Astros shed payroll by dumping Kyle Tucker , Alex Bregman , Justin Verlander and Ryan Pressly .

The Seattle Mariners were comatose all winter , failing to complement their outstanding starting rotation with bats.

The Oakland Athletics are improved, but the Angels show no indication they will improve enough from their 99 -loss 2024 campaign.

The Angels do boast promising youngsters, including shortstop Zach Neto — who will open the season on the IL — catcher Logan O'Hoppe and first baseman Nolan Schanuel . They still lack enough pitching even after signing free agent starters Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks and closer Kenley Jansen . On the bright side, oft-injured, highly paid and poorly motivated third baseman Anthony Rendon won't be around as a distraction after reporting that he'll miss the entire season with a hip injury. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times ..