MLB Power Rankings: Week 2
12 - Arizona Diamondbacks (7-5)
The DBacks got some heads to turn after taking 3 of 4 from the Dodgers last weekend. I’m not sure how this team will perform over a full 162-game season but they have shown signs that this could be a good team. There aren’t any stats that jump out at you but for now they find themselves at the top of the NL West and that deserves some recognition.
11 - Houston Astros (5-7)
The defending champs are off to a slow start. Could be a World Series hangover or maybe this team doesn’t have the same grit as last year. The pitching past Framber Valdez has been okay. That needs to get back on track for them to return to elite status.
10 - Los Angeles Angels (6-5)
Here’s some early good news for the Angels - they have 4 players who have an equal or greater WAR compared to Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Gio Urshela, Taylor Ward, Hunter Renfroe, and Logan O’Hoppe have provided much needed depth in the lineup. They have won both series against division opponents as well. They’re off to a solid start, we’ll see if they can keep it up.
9 - Cleveland Guardians (7-5)
The Guardians are off to a good start. I’m concerned about their pitching depth being able to hold them through a long season. If anything, that will be their downfall but they’re staying true right now.
8 - Toronto Blue Jays (7-4)
This team is good. They haven’t quite hit that stretch of greatness yet but they’re close. Matt Chapman looks like he could be back to MVP form which is huge for a team that is riddled with MVP level talent already. The pitching needs to be more consistent but I think that will come with time.
7 - Minnesota Twins (7-4)
Twins are playing well and it’s thanks to their pitching. They rank in the top 3 in the league in ERA, WHIP, and BAA. If they continue that, there’s a very good chance they will find themselves at the top of the division all season. The offense needs to find an identity but they can buy time with how good the pitching has been.
6 - San Diego Padres (7-5)
A huge series win in Atlanta last weekend has gotten the Padres going. Xander Bogaerts is red hot with the bat and their best pitcher right now - Seth Lugo. You read that right. He’s only had two starts but he’s 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 12 punchies.
5 - Los Angeles Dodgers (6-6)
Dodgers got bit in the desert by a hot Diamondbacks team. It’s pretty standard for LA to get off to mid starts. The biggest area of concern right now is the pitching depth, normally a mainstay at the top, the Dodgers rank 14th in team ERA. That’s weird to see and needs to improve.
4 - Milwaukee Brewers (8-3)
The Brewers look back to the great team they have been after an uncharacteristic 2022 season. Freddy Peralta returning to elite form is huge and they have gotten great production from the lineup. They might be the new favorite to win the NL Central.
3 - New York Yankees (7-4)
Yankees are rolling and they’re not fully healthy yet on the pitching side. Gerrit Cole is off to an incredible start (3-0, 1.40 ERA, 22 K’s) and so is Aaron Judge (.341 avg, 4 HR, 7 RBI). If those two are locked in it bleeds down to the rest of the team.
2 - Atlanta Braves (8-4)
Other than losing 3 of 4 to the Padres, this Braves team has looked phenomenal. In my mind, they are the clear best team in the National League. There really isn’t a weakness and they continue to bring up great talent from the minors. The Braves are gonna win a lot of games this season.
1 - Tampa Bay Rays (11-0)
Wow! What an incredible start to the season for the Tampa Bay Rays. Going 11-0 is not easy to do, even against teams like the Nationals, Tigers, and A’s. They rank #1 in MLB in all the important stats including team ERA, WHIP, BAA, Quality Starts, Batting Average, Runs, Slugging % and On Base %. Their run differential is at +63 (the next highest is the Brewers at +28)! Enjoy the Rays show this year, it’s unreal.