For various reasons, the Astros had no business winning the AL West in 2023. For one, using multiple metrics, they were an inferior team to the Texas Rangers this year. Not only did they have a lower run differential, but the Astros also accumulated less WAR.
Secondly, the Astros did their best to give away the division in September. After dominantly sweeping the Rangers, the Astros had 13 of their last 21 games against non-playoff teams, with ten coming against the 100-loss A’s and Royals. The Astros only won 5 of those games, giving the Rangers a golden opportunity to secure the division comfortably.