Welcome to this year’s second edition of the MLB Top 10 power rankings. With it still being so early in the season, there’s quite a bit of volatility from week to week, but that’s what makes it even more fun to rank teams. With my rankings, I am taking into consideration the potential of teams over the course of the season, along with the current value of teams, with far more emphasis on current value. Let me know how much you agree/disagree.

10. St. Louis Cardinals (8-6)

Last Week: NR

I debated on giving this tenth spot to the Athletics, but I feel that the Cardinals have the slight edge. The Cardinals have better pitching, and speaking of pitching, it’s good to see Wainwright still dealing. The offense is not a bad one either and when Goldschmidt finally comes around (which you can guarantee he will) this will be a very dangerous team. They were my pre-season pick to represent the National League in the World Series and I’m sticking with that.

9. Minnesota Twins (7-4)

Last Week: 5

The Twins fell a few spots since last week, but they are still a very good team and I still expect them to win the AL Central. They haven’t played as much as other teams in the past week, due to two off days and a game postponed due to inclement weather. They went 2-3 on their NL East road trip to Philadelphia and New York, which are both very tough teams to play against this year. Still, I like the lineup and the top of the rotation in Minnesota. They have a very favorable schedule over the next two weeks against the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Orioles that they need to take advantage of.

8. Los Angeles Dodgers (8-8)

Last Week: 3

The team with the lowest winning percentage on the season to be featured on this list is the Dodgers. They have scuffled as of late, losing six in a row, which is why they fell five spots since last week. At least their losses came to quality opponents in the Cardinals and Brewers. You can’t deny the talent they have though, especially on offense. They have 102 runs scored on the season already, averaging 6.3 per game. Once they get Kershaw, Hill, and Ryu back to add to the staff, they will be just fine.

7. Philadelphia Phillies (8-5)

Last Week: 2

Like the Dodgers, the Phillies have also dropped five spots since last week. In their last seven, they have a 3-4 record against the Twins, Nationals, and Marlins. We know the Phillies are a good all-around team and I fully expect them to be in the four-team race within the NL East. They have six games against the Mets in the next two weeks, so that will be something to keep an eye on for baseball fans. Those should be very good games.

6. San Diego Padres (11-5)

Last Week: NR

The Padres weren’t ranked last week, but are trending in the right direction. They have won eight of their last ten games and are winning a lot of close ballgames, which is what good teams tend to do. To me, they are reminiscent of last year’s Braves team. The Braves featured a lot of young talent and were ahead of schedule by winning the division. While it’s way too early to determine whether or not the Padres are ahead of schedule with their rebuild, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if they are still in the thick of things in September. They also might be frontrunners to sign free agent Dallas Keuchel, which would be huge for this club.

5. New York Mets (9-5)

Last Week: 6

I knew the Mets would be a good team this year, but I didn’t think they would be this good. I recognize that it is way too early to know how good any team really is, but so far the Mets look dangerous. It starts with their excellent staff, led by Cy Young Jacob deGrom. Then you have Syndergaard, Wheeler, and Matz to deal with. They’ve had a good rotation for several years, but now they have a formidable offense to go along with it. Rookie Pete Alonso has been killing it and if he can continue to do big things, the Mets just may win the very talented East.

4. Houston Astros (10-5)

Last Week: 10

The Astros started out a little rough (they were 3-5 in my power ranking last week) but have rebounded like we all knew they would. They’ve won eight games in a row and feature one of the most talented rosters in the league. They’ve also won the first two games against the division-leading Mariners in Seattle, which is impressive given how well the Mariners have been playing. I wanted to put the Astros a little higher on this list, but I didn’t want to jump the gun. They have all season to be at or near the top of this list, so there’s no reason to rush because I’m sure they will get there. There are still a few other teams that have been a little more impressive so far this season.

3. Milwaukee Brewers (10-5)

Last Week: 1

The thing that separated the top three teams was run differential. All three of these teams have been great so far and could be the number one team, but I chose run differential to be the key distinguisher. That number for the Brewers is 0, with 77 runs scored and 77 runs against. MVP Christian Yelich is still killing it batting .345 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI. Yasmani Grandal is also having a sensational start batting .395 with four home runs. I believe the Brewers will win the NL Central in a tight race with the Cardinals.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (11-4)

Last Week: 4

The Rays are still looking dominant, winning six of their last eight. I absolutely love watching last year’s Cy Young Blake Snell pitch because he can completely dominate a game. His curveball is nasty. Though it’s early, they lead the powerful AL East by a 4.5 game margin over the Yankees. They have the second highest run differential in the major leagues with an impressive +34. They’ve only given up 36 runs all year. Coming off a 90 win season in which they were third in the division, they are extra hungry this year to prove they shouldn’t be overshadowed by the Yankees or Red Sox.

1. Seattle Mariners (13-4)

Last Week: 7

Even though the Mariners have lost their last two against the surging Astros, I had to put the Mariners at the top of this list because of their overall dominance this year. They have the number one run differential in the major leagues at +36 and the factor that has led to this is their sheer offensive domination. They’ve scored an astonishing 124 runs on the season, which is an average of 7.3 per game. The team with the next most runs scored is the Dodgers at 102, and the next team is the Athletics with 94. Daniel Vogelbach has really come out of nowhere, hitting .424 so far with six homers. Can the Mariners really keep this up all year and win the division that also features the Astros and Athletics? I don’t know, but I lean towards no. But that’s the great thing about baseball…you never know which team will surprise and do big things. For now, the M’s are the best team in baseball.

Garett

MLB Top 10 Power Rankings