Texas Rangers have clear opening in AL West with Houston in free fall
Houston’s disastrous start has reopened the AL West race, giving the Texas Rangers an unexpected opportunity despite offensive struggles and an inconsistent opening stretch.
Texas Rangers have clear opening in AL West with Houston in free fall originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . An unexpected collapse by the Houston Astros has completely reopened the AL West race, turning an uneven start for the Texas Rangers into a very real opportunity.
Six weeks into the 2026 season, no team has managed to take firm control of the division. The Oakland Athletics currently sit narrowly above the rest of the division, while the Rangers continue hovering near the . 500 mark.
The Athletics lead the AL West at 22-21, with Seattle right behind at 22-23 and Texas third at 21-22, a spread of just two games across the top three teams. The lack of a dominant contender has quietly kept the entire AL West within reach before the summer months even begin. The biggest surprise inside the division has been Houston’s dramatic collapse.
The Houston Astros' unexpected collapse has reopened the AL West race, giving the Texas Rangers an opportunity despite their inconsistent start. With no team taking control of the division, the Rangers must capitalize on this opening created by Houston's struggles. Houston currently owns one of baseball’s worst records while continuing to struggle through constant roster instability.