The American League’s Top World Series Contenders
With the second half of the season officially under way, it is time to start thinking about which teams have the best shot at making it to the World Series. After the first half of the year, some teams in the American League have solidified themselves are real contenders for the World Series while others are looking to make their presence felt down the stretch with a playoff push. There still may be months to go until October but these four teams look like they can outlast the rest of the pack and win the American League Championship Series.
4. Baltimore Orioles
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The Baltimore Orioles have proved this year that they are ready to be contenders and can do a lot of damage come October. They currently have the second best record in the American League, only behind the Tampa Bay Rays. After years of building their young core, Baltimore has emerged as a contender for years to come. Calling up former first overall pick Adley Rutschman last season seemed to put all of the pieces in place for the Orioles lineup. Along with Rutschman, names such as Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, and Ryan Mountcastle allow for Baltimore to have one of the most complete lineups in the entire league.
Baltimore’s bullpen is also a force to be reckoned with. The combination of Yennier Cano and Felix Bautista have been lights out all season and are arguably the best relief pitcher duo in the MLB. The Orioles’ bullpen make it an imposing task for opponents to muster up comebacks in late innings against this Baltimore team.
The only reason this team is not higher on the list would be their starting rotation. Their rotation has been solid for them so far but could be an achilles heel for this team later on. Acquiring a proven ace at the trade deadline would go a long way for Baltimore and would make them even more dangerous come playoff time.
3. Houston Astros
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Currently with the fifth best record in the American League, it would be hard to not include the reigning World Series champions on this list. With their recent postseason success, this roster is full of postseason experience and know how to win come October. Their experience makes them a real threat in the playoffs as they look to capture back-to-back World Series championships. Like Baltimore, Houston has a very complete lineup full of stars like Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, and Alex Bregman.
Headlined by Framber Valdez, the Astros rotation has the depth required to make a deep postseason run. Unfortunately for Houston, their pitchers are having troubling staying healthy. Big names like Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. find themselves on the IL at the moment. If this team can get get healthy for the postseason, they have all the potential to repeat.
Compared to most of the teams in the league, the Astros roster is one of the most experienced in the playoffs. Having such experience under the brightest of lights can be a difference maker and give Houston a leg up on almost every opponent they may face in the postseason.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
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The Tampa Bay Rays have been a favorite to win the American League since the start of the season, winning their first 12 games. The Rays are the first and only team in the American League to hit the 60 win mark at the moment. They hold the second best record in the entire league, only behind the Atlanta Braves. This team is also no stranger to the postseason as they have played in October the past few seasons. Tampa Bay has been known for their lights out pitching over the past few seasons as they always seem to have one of the league’s best rotations. Their ace, Shane McClanahan, is amidst a Cy Young-worthy season and looks like the frontrunner for the award. Getting back Tyler Glasnow is also helping the Rays case to win the AL.
Although true with every other team on the list, the Rays find themselves with a lot of depth in their lineup. Contributions are coming from every player, especially Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz.
Tampa Bay has proven that they can string together wins and have been the team to beat in the American League. They have found themselves among the top of the AL all season and show no signs letting up any time soon.
Texas Rangers
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The aggressiveness of the Texas Rangers over the past few offseasons have proven to be beneficial. Texas has done what it takes to create a star-studded lineup that can take a team to the World Series. Signing both Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to create what is arguably the best middle infield in the league has really paid off. The Rangers have also seen other players in their lineup step up and have career years. Both Jonah Heim and Adolis Garcia has been having monster seasons for Texas and have taken their games to the next level. Rookie Josh Jung has emerged on the scene in a big way this season, being selected to the All-Star Game along with many other teammates.
The signing of Nathan Eovaldi has been nothing short of instrumental in the Rangers’ success this season. Eovaldi is having a career year that could potentially win him the CY Young Award. Going into the season, it appeared as though Jacob DeGrom would undoubtably be the team’s ace. Unfortunately, DeGrom battled through injuries this year before his season was cut short as he needed Tommy John surgery. Eovaldi has not only stepped up but defied expections for Texas.
There is a reason why Texas had so many All-Star Game selections this year. The Rangers are getting contributions from everyone in their lineup and look to make some noise this postseason. They also have players that are no strangers to the playoffs, including a former World Series MVP in Corey Seager.
