It is time for another edition of MLB Power Rankings. The quest for No. 1 has burgeoned, as several teams are eager for the spot. From the reigning AL East thrive the New York Yankees, and the flaunting West Coast boasts the Los Angeles Dodgers. Major league individuals and teams are slowly shaping into form while the fans observe intently. While many teams have fallen off the map, there is still a vast number of teams that have excelled.
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The Surging 15
1 New York Yankees (29-12)
It is fair to say the Yankees have held the kingpin slot for quite a while. Aside from two series losses (Baltimore Orioles and the weekend set with Chicago White Sox), the Bronx Bombers are exactly as advertised. Whether at the plate or on the bump, everything has clicked for Aaron Boone. On offense, twin bombers in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have been the strength of the Yankee offense. Judge is surfacing in MVP talks along with Mike Trout while Stanton trails sharply behind. In addition, the pitching crew has held to the same standards, credited to a 2.96 staff earned run average.
2 Los Angeles Dodgers (27-13)
Despite last night’s loss which put an end to an impressive seven-game stripe, the Dodgers put a two-spot on their recent flourish. Spearheaded by manager Dave Roberts, the NL West is currently under surveillance by hot-headed LA. Amidst that seven-game stint, the Dodgers’ offense (as well as their pitching staff) seemed impeccable. The continuous improvement of Freddie Freeman and recent upswing of Mookie Betts have been key. Los Angeles has a simple task coming up this week in a road trip against the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks.
3 San Diego Padres (27-14)
With Bob Melvin making his return to baseball management, the Padres have yet to break their four-game swing. Sweeping their NL West rivals in the San Francisco Giants, San Diego seems to be at full strength while short one Fernando Tatis Jr. With the activation of Blake Snell from the injured list, the Padres’ rotation is beyond loaded, from rookie sensation MacKenzie Gore to veteran visionary Joe Musgrove. On the flip side, the offense has been quite productive. Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer continue to rake, while Will Myers has caused a ruckus since vamoosed from the injured list. The Milwaukee Brewers could be an issue for the Padres as they clash for a three-game set at Petco Park.
4 New York Mets (28-15)
The Mets continue to amaze as they cushion an eight-game game margin over the rest of the NL East. The absence of Jacob deGrom was a colossal gap in the Mets roster. However, when Max Scherzer made a staggered exit from his start, Mets fans began to panic. The gossip was true, as Scherzer had in fact strained his oblique. However, the Mets’ rotation seems to be just fine without their default ace. In taking two of a three-game set with the Colorado Rockies, Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker allowed just one run over a pair of contests. The offense played a marginal role in the Mets’ uproar, which they hope to improve on as they head to San Francisco.
5 Houston Astros (27-15)
Much inquiry was raised as the Astros had an unprecedented beginning to their 2022 season. The offense seemed cold and tried to break out to no avail. However, things have changed and Houston is back in business. The pitching has been the driving factor for Dusty Baker, however, the offense has finally awakened, too. Whether Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley or Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker, the Houston mashers are now alive. Jeremy Pena continues to amaze the MLB world as he enters contention for AL Rookie of the Year. After taking three of four from the Texas Rangers, the Astros will host the Cleveland Guardians for a three-game fix.
6 Los Angeles Angels (26-17)
Prior to the 2022 season, the Angels were never satisfied with their below-average rotation. However, this season fares differently. From two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Sandoval to no-hit tosser Reid Detmers and Noah Syndergaard, the Angels are full of potent weapons in their rotation. The Angels’ offense, on the other hand, has been far from idle. While held in check in a three-game stint with the Texas Rangers, the Angels’ offense came alive in the series to follow. They took two of three from division rival Oakland Athletics, who failed to contain the wrath of Trout and Ohtani. The dynamic duo combined to go 5-for-9 as the Angels dismantled their rivals 4-1.
7 Milwaukee Brewers (26-15)
Winners of the past three series, the Brewers continue their dominance of the NL Central. In credit to their resilient pitching staff, the Brewers mold a 3.46 collective ERA. With Corbin Burnes tuning to his NL Cy Young vibes and Brandon Woodruff slowly shaping into form, the Brewers rotation is set. All the more so, with the recent flourishes of new additions Eric Lauer and Adrian Houser, the pitching crew is the least thing for Craig Counsell to worry for. Although, earlier yesterday, Freddy Peralta suffered a shoulder injury that could land him on the injured list.
8 Minnesota Twins (25-16)
Coasting on a four-game winning streak, the Twins reside at the crest of the AL Central. With a substantial lead on the trailing White Sox, the Twins’ only obligation is the knack for good baseball. That hasn’t been much of an issue as of late; the Twins rolled over the Kansas City Royals in a three-game stint, in which the offense was the factor. Whether Luis Arraez, who has been a menace at the plate (.336 batting average) or Gilberto Celestino and Carlos Correa. As a whole, the Minnesota pitching staff has pitched fairly well. Composing a 3.40 ERA, spearheaded by Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, the Twins rotation has been quite dominant.
9 St. Louis Cardinals (23-18)
Following an 18-4 blowout which concluded a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cardinals are just three games out from the Brewers. St. Louis’ season has been rock solid. While the ups and downs have been frequent, the Cardinals have held their ground all the way through. The pitching has excelled in both rotation and bullpen terms, and the bats have been abundant themselves. With Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado leading the pack, the Cardinals have a rather prestigious group of hitters. In addition, as Tommy Edman endures his thrive and Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez made quite the entrance, the Cardinal’s future is looking bright.
10 Tampa Bay Rays (24-17)
Walked off twice by a well below-average team, the Rays were shamefaced by the Orioles. Although, this is abnormal for the Rays. Tampa Bay has had a noteworthy start to their season which holds just five games back from the rival Yankees. Their pitching is yet again their most promising asset, led by Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen. Offensively, Tampa Bay holds to those same terms. Shortstop prodigy Wander Franco has picked up exactly where he left off and Yandy Diaz is finding early success which he hopes to maintain. The Rays welcome the Miami Marlins for a two-game stand that showcases McClanahan and Rasmussen.
11 Toronto Blue Jays (22-19)
Fixed in a loaded AL East contour, the Blue Jays have taken a sudden dip in their triumph. The big three, Vladimir Guerrero, George Springer, and Bo Bichette seem to be rather quiet recently, aside from Bichette’s two homers against Cincinnati. After Guerrero’s rousing start to the 2022 season, many expected another MVP contending season. Although, the Blue Jays’ struggles should not worry fans too much. Every team endures adversity and the Blue Jays’ lineup is bound to break off its frailties. While many struggle, Toronto has found a stud in Santiago Espinal who grasps a .293 batting average. On the pitching side, Alek Manoah continues to be a goldmine find for the Blue Jays, as well as Kevin Gausman.
12 San Francisco Giants (22-18)
It has not been a joyous weekend for the Giants. Dismantled by the San Diego Padres, the San Francisco is bound to snap back. Despite the recent plummet, the Giants have found success in several unknown talents. Wilmer Flores or Thairo Estrada and Luis Gonzalez have performed admirably. Star-studded Joc Pederson got off to an exceptional start, yet has plunged to a .234 batting average. The Giants have held their ground in the pitching department. Ushered by Carlos Rodon and Logan Webb, they hold a 4.05 team ERA.
13 Chicago White Sox (21-20)
Taking two of a three-game series against the Yankees, the White Sox remain just one game above the .500 line. Four games back of their division rival Minnesota Twins, Chicago is far from out of contention. Winners of six of their last 10, the Southsiders are slowly but surely growing into their electric sculpt. While the offense has struggled to find consistency, their load of arms has been their radial point. The trio of Dylan Cease, Lucas Giolito, and Michael Kopech have all found a rhythm, while Vince Velasquez and Dallas Keuchel scuffle. The addition of Johnny Cueto could be an x-factor for the White Sox rotation.
14 Boston Red Sox (19-22)
The Red Sox hit rock-bottom as the new season settled in. Aside from the big three, Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez, and Rafael Devers, the Boston has been desperate for reinforcements. The pitching saw the early woes in the season and still struggle to attain a higher status. However, recently the Red Sox have climbed out of the lion’s den offensively. Trevor Story has come to life and Boston has found a rhythm. In a weekend four-game set with the Seattle Mariners, Boston inked 33 runs on top of Story’s five long bombs. The Red Sox head to Chicago as they face the White Sox for a three-game series.
15 Philadelphia Phillies (19-22)
While on the losing end of a three-game series with the Dodgers, the Phillies came out with a bang in a wacky walk-off win. This defines Philadelphia’s season. Sitting eight games behind the Mets, the Phillies have had a pretty bumpy road. Ranked 19th among all other pitching staffs with a 3.91 ERA, Joe Girardi directs a resilient group of pitchers that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Zach Eflin. Offensively, Philly has had far more success. From Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm to Jean Segura and Nick Castellanos. However, at times the Phillies lineup seems feast-or-famine, which is the end result of some inefficiencies at the plate.
Who’s Left?
16 Atlanta Braves (19-22)
17 Cleveland Guardians (17-20)
18 Colorado Rockies (19-21)
19 Miami Marlins (18-22)
20 Arizona Diamondbacks (21-22)
21 Texas Rangers (18-22)
22 Seattle Mariners (17-25)
23 Chicago Cubs (16-24)
24 Baltimore Orioles (17-25)
25 Oakland Athletics (17-26)
26 Pittsburgh Pirates (16-24)
27 Detroit Tigers (14-26)
28 Kansas City Royals (14-26)
29 Cincinnati Reds (12-28)
30 Washington Nationals (14-28)
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One Response
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