MLB Rumors: 2 Bold Predictions for AL West

The AL West has some of the most talented players in the entire major leagues. 2021 was of course the coming out party for Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani and we saw the Houston Astros make some noise in the playoffs. In 2022 more headlines should be flying out of the West Coast. Let's take a look at a couple of bold predictions for next season:

Angels Add to Rotation and Reach Playoffs

Mike Trout may be one of the biggest wasted super talents of all-time as the Angels have not been able to even sniff the postseason. That will change in 2022 as the Angels will make the playoffs. The Texas Rangers have gone out and spent a boat load of money on their lineup and look for the Angels to keep up with the Jones's but only their focus will be arms. Noah Syndergaard was a decent start but not only are they in position to potentially sign Clayton Kershaw, they've held talks with Carlos Rodon as well. Yusei Kikuchi is another starter who could end up teaming up with Syndergaard and company to form their newly constructed rotation.

Astros Kyle Tucker Has MVP-Type Season

Tucker is the best player in baseball that nobody talks about. The Astros outfielder took 2021 by storm and helped the team win their fourth division in five years. 2022 will be much of the same and with the likelihood of Carlos Correa leaving town, it's now going to be up to Tucker to pick up the slack. Last season in 140 games he hit .294 with 30 HR and 92 RBI, to go along with 14 stolen bases. He does it all and the sky is the limit for the talented 24-year-old. Look for Tucker to jump up from his 20th place finish in MVP voting in 2021 and end the season as a top-3 candidate.