MLB Power Rankings: Week 15
12. San Diego Padres (46-32)
Over the last couple of weeks, the Padres have looked the best they have all season. They got a few impressive series wins against the Brewers and Red Sox and are sitting pretty in the 2nd NL wild card spot. The offense has been scorching hot, scoring 5 or more runs in 9 of their last 11 games.
11. Boston Red Sox (44-39)
The Red Sox continue to be a surprise contender as we head to the halfway point in the season. A team with a lot of hustle and surprisingly deep pitching, they do not hold a postseason spot but they have been within striking distance all season. Entering the week, they are just 1.5 games back of the third AL wild card spot.
10. Seattle Mariners (47-39)
Seattle has not been playing great lately, having lost 8 of their last 11 games. What was once a demanding AL West division lead, has diminished to just 3 games now that the Astros have finally woken up. The inability of this team to score runs consistently might be their downfall.
9. Minnesota Twins (47-37)
The Twins have won 3 straight series and currently hold the second wild card spot in the AL. Still 6 games back of the division leading Guardians, it looks like the wild card race is the best bet for the postseason spot.
8. Kansas City Royals (47-39)
The Royals and Twins are in very similar positions but I think the Royals are a better ball club. They have one of the most dynamic and exciting young players in the game in Bobby Witt Jr and my pick for the first half AL Cy young in Seth Lugo. They also are coming off a very impressive 4-game series win against the Guardians over the weekend.
7. Atlanta Braves (46-26)
The Braves are hanging in there. They are pretty much a lock to make the postseason as a wild card but as I have mentioned before, I’m not sure where they go from there. This can be a team that can get hot and shut me up but there is a lack of swag and confidence from this team I am used to seeing.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (50-35)
My pick for the most surprising team in the first half, the Brewers continue to hold their division lead in the NL Central. I really did not expect the type of elite offensive production and pitching depth from this team entering the season.
5. Cleveland Guardians (52-30)
The Guardians are my pick for the most boring great team in the league. I love Jose Ramirez though, that dude is fun to watch. Great boring teams, like the Rays of the past, are nothing to overlook, they know how to win ball games. But like, their pitching wins leader, Logan Allen, has a 5.75 ERA, WTF is that!?
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (52-33)
The Dodgers have benefited from the easier schedule lately and have won 10 of their last 14 games. Battling injuries, they are holding strong in the NL West. I’m gonna give some love to starting pitcher Gavin Stone, who has been a savior for the Dodgers rotation. A regular in the rotation since opening day, he has quietly posted a 2.73 ERA (leads the team) with 89 innings pitched, second only to Tyler Glasnow.
3. New York Yankees (54-32)
In the 11 games since Garrit Cole rejoined the rotation, the Yankees have won just 3 games. That certainly wasn’t the regression anyone expected. Perhaps the pitching let the foot off the gas a bit. Despite the recent struggles, they are still tied with the Orioles for 1st place in the AL East.
2. Baltimore Orioles (53-31)
The Orioles got a much needed series win against the Yankees a couple weeks ago but after that they went on a 5-game losing skid against the Astros and Guardians. There is still so much to like about this team who leads MLB in runs scored and slugging percentage.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (55-29)
The Phillies have limped through an easy schedule but at the cost of injuries to key players. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper join JT Realmuto on the injured list. Both Schwarber and Harper have minor muscle injuries but they will be out at least a couple of weeks. Hopefully the team will start to get back to full health after the All Star break.