How Do The MLB Power Rankings Look Close To The All-Star Break?
This MLB season has been interesting as we inch closer to the All-Star break with many teams exceeding expectations while others have disappointed immensely. The teams on this list are the 10 best teams now and hope to continue their success as they strive for a playoff run when September strikes.
10. San Diego Padres
The Padres are at number 10 on this list, just edging out the Twins for the final spot. The reason I have them here is that I believe they have more star power, players like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts have been hurt and haven’t performed up to their usual standard this season. Despite that and the departure of Juan Soto, I still believe the Padres have enough talent to get hot and make the playoffs.
9. Kansas City Royals
The Royals are one of the bigger surprises in 2024, as they sit 10 games over .500 after 70 games. They have had great years from Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Seth Lugo who are all likely headed to the All-Star game in Arlington next month. The question will be can they keep this up? We shall see, but after years of being bottom feeders, this is an exciting time for Royals fans despite struggling against the Yankees this week.
8. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers never have the most attractive roster but always seem to be one of the better teams year in and year out. They are amongst the top ten in many offensive categories such as Runs, Hits, Average, OBP, Slugging, etc. Christian Yelich has had a resurgence year, while William Contreras has been a perennial all-star. Their pitching hasn’t been great, so it should be interesting to see what they do at the trade deadline.
7. Seattle Mariners
I thought that the Mariners would be better than 40-30 at this point, but there is still plenty of time left in the season to make up for that. I believe that Seattle has a chance to win it all this year since their pitching staff has so much talent with Luis Castillo as their ace and a young Bryan Woo making a great first impression despite battling injuries. Though Seattle has a worse record than the Brewers, I believe that they have a better roster and you can’t look past Julio Rodriguez who is one of the best in baseball.
6. Atlanta Braves
A rollercoaster season for the Braves goes on and on. Losing Ronald Acuna and Spencer Strider were massive blows and the Braves as a whole have been underwhelming. Lack of production from players like Austin Riley, Michael Harris, and Ozzie Albies has also played a part in the team's struggles thus far. Despite not living up to expectations I still have them ranked higher than others because I believe that those players will play better, they have to. Look for Matt Olson to surge in the second half while Atlanta could be a major player at the deadline as well.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers come in at number 5 on the list, probably lower than most thought they would be at this point. With that being said they are still 12 games over .500 and have had great offensive seasons from Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. The 5-9 hitters have been underwhelming even with Teoscar Hernandez showcasing his power so the Dodgers will likely need to beef up their overall lineup to win a 7-game series.
4. Cleveland Guardians
Maybe the biggest surprise of the year as the Guardians continue to steamroll through their schedule in impressive fashion. Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor have led the way in the power department as they have combined for 35 dingers while Steven Kwan has been out-of-this-world good at the top of the lineup. The Guardians have been able to do this after losing their ace Shane Beiber earlier this year after season-ending Tommy John surgery, but the rest of the rotation has been able to hold it down and the bullpen has been fantastic led by closer Emmanuel Clase. I'm starting to believe that the Guardians could be legitimate contenders, especially if they pick up a few pieces at the trade deadline.
3. Baltimore Orioles
This is a well-oiled machine, with Adley Rutchsman and Gunnar Henderson becoming two of the best players in the league in 2024. Despite not having Felix Bautista and losing John Means for the season, Baltimore’s pitching has been awesome led by newly acquired Corbin Burnes and bullpen arms like Albert Suarez, Yennier Cano, and Craig Kimbrel. In most seasons the Orioles would probably be atop of this list, but it has been a year of the top dogs so far.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have been a force to be reckoned with in 2024 after losing in the NLCS to Arizona last October. They lead the league in runs scored and are top 5 in runs allowed, so it’s no surprise to see them at the top of the league. Ranger Suarez is a legitimate Cy Young favorite as of right now and Bryce Harper continues to be one of baseball's best players. The big surprise coming out of Philly has been their elite pitching, both in the rotation and the bullpen. This team is scary and looks like they are in the midst of a serious revenge tour.
1. New York Yankees
The Yankees made the biggest move of the offseason by acquiring Juan Soto in December and it seems to have changed their identity on the field completely. The additions of Alex Verdugo and Marcus Stroman have made them deeper compared to other years and we are starting to see the player that many thought Anthony Volpe would be in 2024.
Resurgence years from Carlos Rodon, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jose Trevino are certainly making a difference while rookie Luis Gil has been sensational. Last but not least, Aaron Judge is having a career year (he hit 62 home runs just two years ago) and quickly reminded us that he is the best player in the League after his 2023 season was derailed due to injury. Lastly, they have done this without the reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole who begins his MLB rehab assignment this week.
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