MLB Power Rankings
With a third of the season over, we discuss what each team needs to do to make the next push towards the Pennant.
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By Adam Marek
May 30th, 2024
30. Chicago White Sox: 15-42
The White Sox are struggling due to a lack of talent on their roster. Losing their best player, OF Luis Robert, to injury has been a major setback. With a league-worst record of 15-41 as of early June, the team has been unable to compensate for Robert's absence. Besides SP Garrett Crochet's miraculous splits of 2.18 xERA, .181 xBA, and a 96K% Rate on baseball savant, the team has little to be hopeful for at the moment.
29. Miami Marlins: 20-37
Trading away Luis Arraez, their most valuable asset, has contributed to the Marlins' decline. Their performance has worsened noticeably, reflecting their downward trajectory. With their Ace suffering a season-ending injury in 2022, Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, the team has decided to rebuild completely and is likely to make many changes before getting much better. As trade talks around Jesus Luzardo continue to spark, the team is looking to take this year to reshape their franchise.
28. Oakland Athletics: 23-34
The Athletics find themselves near the bottom of the rankings. They're struggling to compete effectively, facing challenges in various aspects of the game. With a roster lacking depth and skill, the Athletics are finding it difficult to improve their standing. While promising athletes like OF Brent Rooker 11 HR and OF JJ. Bleday 8 HR have both been contributing talented at-bats; the team needs more to be successful. With a weak pitching rotation, it is difficult to see this team produce at an efficient rate. Still, only eight games back in the AL West. The Athletics look to make more improvements to their roster in exchange for star closer Mason Miller 1.88 ERA, .79 WHIP, 11 SV, who has much more value on a contending team.
27. Colorado Rockies: 20-35
Weak pitching and inconsistent hitting have plagued the Rockies, keeping them near the bottom of the rankings. Despite efforts to find a winning formula, they've struggled to gain momentum. The Rockies 20-35 record doesn't take away from their talented roster. Eziquel Tovar, Ryan McMahon, and Brenton Doyle are enough to be a winning squad. Catcher Ellias Diaz has a surprising .299 AVG in 167 AB, but their lackluster pitching in Cal Quantrill (3.53 ERA 4 W), Austin Gomber (2.76 ERA, 1W), and Ryan Felter (5.46 ERA, 1W) keep them from securing consistent wins as a team.
26. Los Angeles Angels: 21-34
Despite having three-time MVP Mike Trout, who is unfortunately sidelined with a torn meniscus for most of the season, the Angels are still lagging behind due to a lack of combined talent. While promising young players like Zach Neto .251 AVG and Reid Detmers 5.76 show promise despite slow starts. Kevin Pillar, despite being in and out of the lineup, is crushing a team high.431 AVG. Still, it may not be enough to lift the team.
25. Tampa Bay Rays: 27-29
With the fourth-worst run differential in baseball (-50), the Rays have struggled to find their rhythm. Randy Arozarena's slow start and the absence of Wander Franco have added to their woes. Additionally, their decision not to call up Junior Caminero, despite his impressive performance in Triple-A, has raised questions. The team still has All-star caliber players and young individuals in Ryan Pepiot and future prospects to provide a stable growth for the Rays organization.
24. St. Louis Cardinals: 27-27
Paul Goldschmidt's struggles at the plate have certainly impacted the Cardinals' performance. The 2022 NL MVP has had issues seeing the ball, batting .224 AVG, much lower than any of his previous years. On the other hand, 22-year-old SS Masyn Winn, currently on an 18-game hitting streak, has been contributing a significant role to the team with a .308 AVG and a team-high 7 stolen bases. Acquiring Sonny Gray in the offseason has helped them get additional footing within his 2.60 ERA and 7 wins in 9 starts this season. If supporting players like Nolan Gorman's .220 AVG and Nolan Arenado's .257 AVG can produce consistently, the team should be able to make a push up the NL Central.
23. New York Mets: 22-33
The Mets' bullpen woes, exemplified by the struggles of Edwin Diaz's 5.40 ERA, have hindered their progress tremendously. Despite a talented hitting squad of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, as well as a nice supporting cast of talent, the Mets are considered to be in shambles. The return of notable pitcher Kodai Senga, who recorded 12 Wins in his debut season last year, will be a massive step up for the organization, but until then, the Mets must rely on pitching from Tyler Megil 1.69 ERA, Jose Quintana 5.06 ERA, Luis Severino 3.22 ERA and prospect Christan Scott 3.97 ERA to keep them in the running. Regardless, The Mets need to solidify their closing spot if they want to be considered a threat.
22. Washington Nationals: 25-29
The Nationals have shown some promise, with Mackenzie Gore finding his footing and C.J. Abrams becoming a consistent asset for the team. While they're not performing terribly, they still lack the consistency and depth to move up significantly in the rankings.
21. Toronto Blue Jays: 26-29
The Blue Jays find themselves in a tough spot. While they have potential and talent, they need to capitalize on opportunities and address areas of weakness to climb higher in the rankings. They are not in a position to reset because their players are at such low values right now. However, talents like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are tough to sit with and not produce. Bo Bichette is batting .251, while Vladimir is performing above average at a .294 AVG and 25 RBI. Still, the team sits below .500. The Blue Jays are not trying to sell, but at this point, it may be the only direction to go in. Still, it would be best to wait for top-tier talent to perform better again to increase their trade value. At this rate, the Blue Jays cannot contend for the WS and need to make a tough decision to sell or buy.
20. Cincinnati Reds: 24-32
The Cincinnati Reds are dealing with a tough season. Despite Elly De la Cruz's impressive base-stealing skills and 9 home runs, along with Spencer Steer's 35 RBI, the team is facing challenges due to inconsistent hitting, as no player is hitting above .250. Nevertheless, the Reds have a talented group of young pitchers, with Andrew Abbott at 3.29 ERA, Nick Lodolo at 3.12 ERA, and Hunter Greene at 3.06 ERA. Although their batting is not great, the strong pitching provides hope for a possible winning streak.
19. San Francisco Giants: 29-28
2023 Cy Young winner Blake Snell's struggles on the mound have been a concern for the Giants, posting a whopping 10.42 ERA. To stabilize their performance, he'll need him to find his rhythm quickly. With proper adjustments, the Giants have the potential to climb higher in the rankings. Adding Matt Chapman in the offseason was a good decision for the ball club as he is batting .237 with 8 HR. Other key bats in Heliot Ramos .292 and Luis Matos .270 will hopefully keep the Giants above .500.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates: 26-30
The strikeout pitcher Paul Skene's 2.45 ERA is arguably the most anticipated player since Stephan Strasburg in 2009. His rookie partner, Jared Jones, is a brilliant supporting cast with a 3.55 ERA. The pirates, despite a losing record, have been sneaky. Not many expected them to be as competitive as they are, but their pitching rotation, along with contributions from Connor Joe .286 AVG and Bryan Reynolds .254 AVG, 29 RBI, have kept the team involved.
17. Detroit Tigers: 27-28
The Tigers are in an interesting spot coming up in 17, despite their successful pitching this season as CY Young candidate Tarik Skubal continues pulling his weight with a 2.01 ERA, .81 WHIP, and 7 wins in 11 starts. Surprisingly young SP Reese Olson is holding onto a 1.92 ERA while their batters could use some more consistency. Their leading batters both have a .289 AVG in OF Kerry Carpenter and 3B Matt Vierling.
16. Houston Astros: 24-32
The Astros are interesting this year. While their roster consists of talents like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker who is crushing 18 HR and 39 RBI on a .266 AVG. The team has been limited in recording their projected win total. Due to strains, 2x MVP Yordan Alverez has been in and out of the lineup. Young C Yainer Diaz shows promise in the years to come, carrying a .253 AVG in his first season. Still, their rotation is fantastic if it can stay healthy, with Justin Verlander at 3.26 ERA, Framber Valdez at 4.34 ERA, and Ronel Blanco, who has thrown a combined 14-inning no-hitter earlier this season.
15. Arizona Diamondbacks: 25-30
The Diamondbacks are coming off a significant achievement, having reached the World Series last season. However, this season has been more challenging. 2023 NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll is struggling with a .194 AVG and 2 HRs. On the mound, Zac Gallen has been decent but needs to improve, posting a 3.12 ERA with 5 wins in his 10 starts.
14. Minnesota twins: 31-25
The Twins are off to a solid start with a winning record. Carlos Correa and other hot bats, along with consistent pitching, have allowed the twins to secure their victories. Their rotation has provided support as long as their team continues to put up runs. Bailey Ober has 5 wins despite a high 4.89 ERA, while star Pablo Lopez struggles to find his pitch, hosting a 5.25 ERA early in the season. Keep an eye out for Smith Woods-Richardson, as he has allowed 12 runs in his first 40 innings in the Majors. I predict Lopez and Woods-Richardson will only progress from here.
13. Boston Red Sox: 28-28
The Red Sox have had an up-and-down season. Currently standing at.500, They started the season strong. Benefiting from a cohesive rotation that maintained a low ERA at the start. As well, OF Tyler O'Neill starting hot, being the first player in the league to get 6 home runs. At the same time, Rafael Devers has maintained a solid .284 average. Injuries have been a significant challenge for the team, with Tristan Casas still on the 60-day IL and Masataka Yoshida being in and out of the lineup. It will be interesting to see how the team will respond to the injuries and perform throughout the rest of the season.
12. Seattle Mariners: 31-26
The Seattle Mariners are making waves this season, currently boasting a record of 31-26. Julio Rodriguez is starting to find his rhythm at the plate, hitting .268 AVG, though there's still room for improvement with just 4 home runs and 21 RBIs. However, it's a promising start for the young talent. What really sets the Mariners apart is their exceptional pitching staff, brimming with potential. Logan Gilbert has been a standout with a solid 3.29 ERA and an impressive 71 strikeouts in 76 innings pitched. Meanwhile, 3x All-Star Luis Castillo is also delivering with a 3.28 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 71 innings. Bryce Miller has been effective, securing 4 wins in 11 starts and a 3.48 ERA. Additionally, despite a struggling ERA of 4.08, George Kirby showcases impeccable control on the mound. Behind the plate, catcher Cal Raleigh is a force to be reckoned with, currently at 11 home runs and holding the position best (29) last season. With such a formidable pitching arsenal and offensive firepower, the Mariners are destined to continue their success and develop throughout the season ahead.
11. Chicago Cubs: 28-29
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in an interesting position this season, with a record of 28-29, but there is still much to look forward to. Shota Imanaga made a strong debut with a league low 0.84 ERA through his first 9 games, but he struggled recently, allowing 8 earned in his last outing. Within this span, he recorded 5 wins and played a key role as the team's ace. Lately, the Cubs have experienced some setbacks in batting AVG and in progress, losing their past series to their former manager Craig Counsell and the Milwaukee Brewers. Still, there is hope due to the presence of promising young talent such as Owen Cassie, Matt Shaw, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Michael Bush. The Cubs have a strong trio on the pitching mound, consisting of Ben Brown, Javier Assad, and Shota Imanaga, all with ERAs under 2.20. The Cubs will rely on improving their record as they strive to climb up the rankings and secure a playoff berth.
10. Texas Rangers: 27-29
The Texas Rangers, fresh off their World Series win last season, are facing a mixed start to the current season. Corey Seager has been a standout performer, hitting 8 home runs in 8 consecutive games, showcasing the team's offensive strength. However, the Rangers have been hampered by significant pitching injuries. 7x Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and 2x All-Star Nathan Eovaldi are both dealing with injuries. Despite these challenges, the Rangers' hitting talent continues to provide hope for the season as they aim to overcome their pitching setbacks.
9. Atlanta Braves: 31-22
The loss of Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning NL MVP, is a significant blow to the Braves. However, they still boast talents like 1B Matt Olson, 3B Austin Riley, the hot SP Chris Sale, and the returning C Sean Murphy. The team's depth will be tested without Acuña, but they definitely have the pieces to remain competitive.
8.San Diego Padres: 30-29
The addition of 2B Luis Arraez adds another potent bat to an already formidable lineup featuring stars like 3B Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. However, rumors of Tatis potentially seeking a trade cast uncertainty on the team's future. With a current record of 30-29 currently tied for the second spot, the Padres are threats in the NL West, particularly if pitchers like Yu Darvish 3.20 ERA 1.07 WHIP and Michael King 4.09 ERA 1.27 WHIP maintain their strong performances. Dylan Cease 3.29 ERA 82 SO settling in would provide a boost to the rotation as well.
7. Milwaukee Brewers: 33-23
C William Contreras has had a stellar season, contributing significantly behind the plate with 43 RBIs and a .318 AVG. 20-year-old Jackson Chourio's performance has fluctuated, starting hot but then cooling off with 5 HR, 16 RBI, and a .210 AVG, still don't count him out, and anytime he can completely turn around once again. Despite the prospect's development, the Brewers remain a great team with promising young players, positioning them as contenders in their division with the addition of recently acquired Manager Craig Counsell.
6. Kansas City Royals: 35-23
The Royals have surprised many with their strong performance this season, ranking 4th in scoring differential among the league. Their consistency in batting .251 with runners in scoring position showcases their offensive prowess. While it's still early, the Royals have exceeded expectations and are emerging as a competitive force in the league with SS Bobby Witt Jr. as the face of the franchise batting .307 AVG, .910 OPS, 9 HR, 38 RBI, and 16 Stolen Bases.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers: 36-22
Despite injuries to key pitchers like Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers remain a formidable gauntlet in baseball. With 10 National League titles in the last 11 seasons, they are undeniably a dynastic powerhouse. Off-season additions like AL MVP Shohei Ohtani and NL Rookie favorite SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto have strengthened their roster tremendously, though they're struggling due to their rotation's health. Their recent five-game losing streak, the longest since 2017, highlights their current challenges. Once their pitchers return to full strength, their dominance is likely to not only continue but flourish.
4. Cleveland Guardians: 37-19
1B Josh Naylor's breakout .234 AVG, 15 HR, 40 RBI season has been a revelation for the Guardians, providing crucial support to 3B Jose Ramirez .272 AVG and a league high 56 RBI. Over the offseason, the guardians acquired young 1st baseman Kyle Manzardo from the Tampa Bay Rays, a promising hitter who has been improving the team's offensive capabilities since last year. With Gavin Williams set to return, the Guardians are looking to further strengthen their position near the top as long as their hitters remain consistent
3. Baltimore Orioles: 35-19
The Orioles boast an impressive lineup, with young players on the rise like Colton Cowser 7 HR and Jordan Westburg .291 AVG making notable contributions. Their deep farm system, featuring talents like Kyle Stowers and Kerstan Hersdjad, bodes well for their future. Gunnar Henderson is emerging as a top contender for the AL MVP, crushing a .259 average with 17 home runs and 37 RBIs. Adley Rutschman's stellar performance solidifies his position as the league's best catcher. Rutschman is batting .299 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs. With their abundance of young talent, the Orioles are on the cusp of a dominant future.
2. Philadelphia Phillies: 39-18
Despite significant pitching injuries, the Phillies' staff, led by stars like Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, has performed admirably. Wheeler has a 2.32 ERA with 85 strikeouts, while Suarez boasts a 1.75 ERA with 77 strikeouts and an astounding 9-1 record. Their ability to maintain the health of their top pitchers has been crucial. Though injuries have posed challenges, when Trea Turner returns, the Phillies will become an even stronger contender than they are now.
1.New York Yankees
With the best run differential in the league of +91, the Yankees have dominated opponents. Standout performances from players like Judge and Soto have fueled their success. Judge holds a .279 batting average with 17 home runs and 39 RBIs. In the month of May alone, Judge recorded 11 home runs….11! Soto maintains a masterful .312 average with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs, demonstrating consistency and immediate impact on the organization. The strong outfield is supported by an infield that has completely restructured its form. Anthony Volpe has made a complete turnaround with a .285 average of 36 Runs and 11 Stolen Bases and has transformed their lineup, making them a formidable force. While the Yankees are suffering from injuries in Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, Key pitchers like Luis Gil and Clarke Shmidt have begun to show promise in the big leagues. Gil holds a 2.11 Era through 10 starts, collecting 6 wins and 70 SO. Clarke has allowed 6 home runs through 10 starts with 5 wins and an ERA of 2.52. These players form a potent offensive lineup, driving the Yankees' success.
Who will have the best record at the end of the Regular Season?
Yankees
Orioles
Phillies
Dodgers
**All Statistics are provided by MLB.com and BaseballSavant.com
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