MLB Betting: A Lone Star Showdown Is Brewing in the AL West

The American League West has been dominated by the Houston Astros in recent years. However, their in-state rivals -- the Texas Rangers -- have been one of MLB's most impressive ballclubs in 2023.

Outside of the two teams from the Lone Star State, the Seattle Mariners are attempting to notch consecutive playoff berths after a swift exit last season. Additionally, the Los Angeles Angels were playing great ball through May and June before being bit by their usual injury bug.

Then, we are left with the Oakland Athletics. In truth, there is not enough time in this piece to unravel the myriad of shenanigans pervading that franchise.

Let's have a look through the AL West standings at the All-Star break with a mind on the AL West division odds futures market.

All MLB odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

1. Texas Rangers -110

In Bruce Bochy's first season as an American League skipper, the Rangers have made an incredible turnaround. Through an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, Texas produced only 68 wins, good enough for next-to-last place in the division. Fast-forward back to 2023, and the Rangers have nearly reached that total before the Midsummer Classic.

Simply, Texas has been hitting the cover off the baseball this year. With team OPS of .801 heading into the break, the Rangers lead the entire American League in that category. Texas has also blasted the sixth-most home runs (124) in the Majors this year.

The Rangers have had the benefit of receiving high-end production from several spots in their batting order. At the break, Texas already has five players with more than 50 RBI: Adolis Garcia (75), Jonah Heim (59), Josh Jung (56), Marcus Semien (56) and Corey Seager (52).

Can Houston catch Texas? The Astros recently defeated Texas three times in a four-game series to tighten the gap and pull within 2.0 games. But by run differential, the Rangers (+148) have been a much better squad than Houston (+49).

2. Houston Astros +100 (2.0 GB)

Speaking of the champions, Houston has been fairly average by their top-notch standards so far in 2023. The Astros endured a difficult June where they were 13-14 but found refuge at the end of the month, taking three of four from Texas.

The pitching in Houston has been magnificent this year. As it is now, the Astros have the second-best team ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.66 (tops in the AL). Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier have been a lethal one-two punch in the rotation, as the former is trending toward his first Cy Young award in his career -- Valdez' AL Cy Young odds (+200) have him as a slight favorite right now.

The 'Stros are built on a championship pedigree. Experienced veterans like Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve are still in Houston to set the example for the next playoff run. With Houston making up ground lately, the AL West should provide a very fun finish by the time September arrives.

3. Seattle Mariners +1500 (6.0 GB)

Last year, the Mariners finally thrust the monkey off their back by qualifying for postseason play for the first time in 21 seasons. At the time, it was the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports.

In 2023, Seattle has had wavering results. Still, they have improved their play heading into the break, winning three straight series over legit contenders: the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants and aforementioned Astros.

Thanks to one of the game's brightest stars in Julio Rodriguez, the Mariners have a strong team anchor. Additionally, their pitching has been efficient this season, boasting a 3.74 team ERA (fifth-lowest in MLB). If hitters like Teoscar Hernandez and Jarred Kelenic can heat up down the stretch, Seattle could be a force in the division.

4. Los Angeles Angels +3500 (7.0 GB)

There may not be another side in Major League Baseball that can better relate to a broken record than the Angels. Seemingly, the Halos were finally playing well with both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the lineup -- then Trout fractured his hamate bone to begin the month of July.

To add insult to injury (or injury to injury), Ohtani has recently developed a middle-finger blister on his throwing hand. He is still able to take at-bats for the Angels, but he may miss a few starts on the mound. Also, infielder Anthony Rendon left a recent game after hitting a foul ball off his shin.

Naturally, the Angels will have a clearer picture on all this after the All-Star break, but Trout will miss at least one month with his injury. However, if Orange County's team can tread water until then, they may be worth a look at 35/1 to win the division. Still, it's a predicament the Halos are all too familiar with.

5. Oakland Athletics +25000 (27.5 GB)

As an East Bay native myself, the Athletics winning the AL West in 2023 is simply not worth discussing. Interestingly enough, Oakland has won more AL West titles throughout history than any other team.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.