Who Scored Bigger This Offseason, Texas Rangers or Houston Astros?
Until a challenger appears, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers remain the favorites to win the American League West.
Both might be the favorites to win the pennant, too, given their recent success since 2017.
Houston, a two-time World Series champion, hasn't missed the American League Championship Series in seven years. They've made it to the Fall Classic four times and totaled 100-plus wins on four separate occasions.
Texas, who spent big the previous two offseasons, bested Houston as revenge for stealing the AL West title at the last second in ALCS to clinch its first pennant in over a decade. Led by Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and the Nathan Eovaldi-Jordan Montgomery combo, the Rangers coasted through the World Series over the Arizona Diamondbacks to claim their first title in franchise history.
It's somewhat of an even playing field entering spring training. Houston reports to camp with the third-best odds at +900 to win it all in 2024. Texas, who could still add a piece or two before Opening Day, came in tied with the fifth-best odds at +1100.
Odds mean little once injuries begin to stockpile or trades take control of the conversation. The Rangers and Astros should fall in the "buyer" category if everything falls in line.
But who had the better offseason?
The Rangers are adding names to the 26-man roster this April, but not through free agency. Prospects are set to add power and intrigue to the lineup, even if it takes a few at-bats to get into a rhythm.
Texas wouldn't be on top of the MLB world without Evan Carter, who went from a five-tool prospect to a five-star player in the postseason. He's expected to start in left field and should be placed in the heart of the lineup.
Wyatt Langford could end up stealing Rookie of the Year honors from Carter or Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday. Langford cruised through rookie ball and eventually climbed up to Triple-A in only two months in pro ball.
Langford lived up to the hype. The former Florida slugger slashed .360/.480/.677 in 160 plate appearances and hit 10 home runs while swiping 12 bags.
Mitch Garver inked a deal with the AL West rival Seattle Mariners, meaning Langford could work his way into the designated hitter role while serving as a platoon man. The Rangers drafted him for his power, and there's a clear spot missing between the 5-7 hole.
Right-hander Tyler Mahle was added to the rotation, but Rangers fans will have to wait for his debut since he's coming off Tommy John surgery. Before the injury, he was on pace for a career season in Minnesota with a career-low ERA (3.16), WHIP (1.41), and a 4.19 FIP.
Houston's offseason actually saw more losses than gains. Martin Maldonado is off to Chicago, opening the way for rookie Yainer Diaz to take over at catcher. Michael Brantley retired, leaving a space at both DH and left field, depending on the role of Yordan Alvarez.
Astros ace Justin Verlander returned to the Minute Maid after a brief stay with the New York Mets. Like Max Scherzer, it's clear his best days are behind him, and the days of inning-eating are in the rearview.
Verlander won't be ready for the start of the regular season due to a shoulder injury suffered in the offseason. When will he return? The 40-year-old right-hander still doesn't have a timetable, stating he was a "couple of weeks behind."
Texas Rangers center fielder Leody Taveras, left, and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman during the 2023 ALCS at Minute Maid Park.
From an ace standpoint, the playing field is level. What isn't level is the bullpen. Houston, who finished with a 3.56 bullpen ERA, doubled down to grab wins with the addition of closer Josh Hader. The left-hander was expected to be in play for the Rangers, but amid the television contract negotiations, Hader inked a five-year deal with the enemy.
Ryan Pressly, who notched 31 saves while posting a 3.58 ERA, now moves to the setup role in the eighth. Bryan Abreu could split time between the seventh and eighth while Hader enters in the ninth to close the door.
That's a triple threat that should send shivers down the spine of most lineups. The trio has a combined 2.20 ERA with 259 strikeouts and 69 combined saves.
For now, it's impossible to say which team is better, but the Astros' addition of Hader gives them a slight advantage as offseason winners.
Of course, most didn't expect the Ranger to contend in 2023.
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