AL West
Astros
Good: The team regained the top spot after a slow start with a nice cushion now. The pitching has been good starting and bullpen led by ace Framber Valdez, although he probably has been surpassed by Hunter Brown who has taken the next step. SP Colton Gordon has played well in his 1st MLB season. Closer Josh Hader has regained form as one of the best in the league. Jose Altuve move to LF still looks like a smart move. The Kyle Tucker trade seems to have paid off for both teams as prospect Cam Smith has been consistent in the OF, along with 3B Isaac Paredes providing power and P Hayden Wesneski has played well as a starter. The bats have played very well with SS Jose Pena taking the next step while playing the leadoff spot.
Bad: Injuries. Star player Yordan Alvarez has been injured for an extended period, but his return should provide a boost. P Lance McCullers Jr. continues to struggle with injuries and ineffectiveness. Big free agent pickup 1B Christian Walker has struggled but has shown some power. The team could possibly use one more backend pitcher (starter/bullpen) and an infielder for depth.
Mariners
Good: Cal Raleigh is having a historic season at the Catcher position and could beat out Aaron Judge for MVP if he keeps it up. 2B Jorge Polanco is having a rebound season after a surprising down year last year. OF Dominic Canzone came back from injury to give the bats a boost. C/DH Mitch Garver is starting to heat up after being cold last season and early this season.
Angels
Good: The team is going homerun crazy and has taken a step forward along with Mike Trout being healthy again. SS Zach Neto is healthy and playing well at the leadoff spot. OF Jo Adell is starting to become more consistent as opposed to just homerun threat. The pitching that they invested in has been better than expected.
Bad: The team could use a consistent bat or two as the team batting average is low. While the team invested in starting pitching, they could use some bullpen help. The team is 3rd in a tough division. Manager Ron Washington has battled health issues.
Rangers
Good: The pitching has been better than expected. Jacob DeGrom is healthy and pitching very well. Ace Nate Eovaldi has been playing very well on his new contract and late free agent pickup P Patrick Corbin.
Bad: The team fell from first in the division due to the poor play from the bats that they invested in. Injuries. OF Evan Carter can’t seem to stay healthy after flashing during the championship run. Free agent pickup OF/DH Joc Pederson has been horrible. The production from Catcher has been minimal.
Athletics
Good: Rookie SS Jacob Wilson made the All-Star team due to his batting consistency. OF Brent Rooker continues to be the star of the team and seems to enjoy playing for the team. Prospects 1B/OF Tyler Soderstrom and 1B Nick Kurtz have been called up and are tall players with big homerun potential playing well so far. C Shea Langeliers has taken the next step as they chose to move off Sean Murphy. OF Denzel Clarke keeps making crazy defensive plays. OF Lawrence Butler who they invested in early continues to play well. Young Closer Mason Miller continues to be one of the best in the league.
Bad: The pitching has been bad starting and bullpen. The team could use a consistent bat or two. Free agent Ace Luis Severino who was the big free agent pickup could be a lot better.
