2025 MLB Predictions: Rangers Best Bet of AL West Playoff Teams

The Rangers (-135) are looking to reclaim the division after a disappointing 2024, the Mariners (-115) boast one of the best pitching staffs in baseball and the Astros (-150) are finishing third despite what the MLB odds will have you believe after a few key offseason departures.

Let’s break down why these three teams are built for October.

3 AL West Playoff Predictions

Texas Rangers (-135) – My Pick to Win Division

After winning the World Series in 2023, the Rangers missed the playoffs in 2024 due to injuries and an underperforming offense. With key players healthy and a few lineup upgrades, they are the MLB best bet to win the AL West at +200 odds. At -135 to make the playoffs, they have too much offensive firepower and pitching talent to miss the postseason again.

Why They’ll Make the Playoffs

• Loaded Lineup – Corey Seager and Marcus Semien lead a deep offense while Josh Jung, Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford provide an exciting young core.
• New Power Bats – The Rangers added Jake Burger and Joc Pederson, both of whom bring much-needed home run potential.
• Rotation Upgrades – Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray and Tyler Mahle form a strong group if they stay healthy.
• Improved Bullpen – The Rangers addressed a major weakness by adding Chris Martin and Jacob Webb for late-inning stability.

What Could Go Wrong?

• Injury Concerns – The rotation is filled with talented but injury-prone arms. The pitching depth could be tested to see if, or rather when, deGrom or Eovaldi miss significant time.
• Bullpen Uncertainty – The relievers should be better, but this group still lacks a true dominant closer.

Seattle Mariners (-115) – Pitching Powerhouse, Offensive Questions

Seattle barely missed the playoffs in 2024, and while the Mariners didn’t overhaul the offense, their elite pitching staff should be enough to push them into the postseason. At -115, they are a strong online bet to secure a Wild Card spot.

Julio Rodríguez scorches a 112.4 MPH double into the gap to score two 😳 #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/Y7642CJkJs

— MLB (@MLB) February 25, 2025

Why They’ll Make the Playoffs

• One of MLB’s Best Rotations – Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo form one of the deepest staffs in baseball. Gilbert is +1400 is AL Cy Young odds.
• Bullpen Strength – The back end is stacked with Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, and Gregory Santos handling late innings.
• Julio Rodríguez Leading the Charge – If Rodríguez plays at an MVP level, this offense will be good enough to support the pitching staff.
• Key Additions – The Mariners traded for Randy Arozarena and signed Luis Arráez, giving them two major upgrades.

What Could Go Wrong?

• Offensive Depth is an Issue – Seattle’s offense ranked near the bottom of the league in 2024 with a .224 team batting average, per MLB stats. Even with Arozarena and Arráez, it still lacks a middle-of-the-order slugger.
• High Strikeout Rates – The Mariners’ lineup remains one of the most strikeout-heavy in baseball, making them prone to cold streaks.

Houston Astros (-150) – Odds are Deceiving

The Astros have been the dominant force in the AL West for years, but their 2025 roster is missing some key pieces. Still, they have enough talent to remain a playoff team.

Houston isn’t as dominant as before, but it still has enough talent to grab a Wild Card spot. At -150, the Astros remain a strong bet to reach the playoffs, though they may not be a serious World Series contender. Fade them to win the division in your MLB picks.

Why They’ll Make the Playoffs

• Yordan Alvarez Anchors the Offense – One of the best hitters in baseball, Alvarez will be asked to carry a lineup that lost Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman.
• Christian Walker Strengthens First Base – The former Diamondbacks slugger adds much-needed power.
• The Rotation Has High-End Talent – Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco lead the way, with Cristian Javier and Luis García returning from injury.
• Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu Lock Down the Bullpen – The Astros still have one of baseball’s best back-end relief duos.

Slow day today… so I started pondering important questions like:

Could Jefry Yan jump over Jose Altuve during his Strikeout Celebration?🤔 pic.twitter.com/wKmzGQaznw

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 3, 2025

What Could Go Wrong?

• Outfield Depth is a Problem – Jose Altuve is moving to left field, and the rest of Houston’s outfield lacks impact bats.
• Rotation Concerns – Beyond Valdez, this group has plenty of question marks. If injuries hit, the pitching staff could struggle.

MLB Predictions: AL West Sends Three Teams to the Playoffs

The AL West will be a tight battle, but expect the Rangers (-135) to win the division while the Mariners (-115) and Astros (-150) secure Wild Card spots.

These are the three teams to back for October in MLB predictions.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.

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