MLB Power Rankings: Week 5
12 - Chicago Cubs (15-13)
As suspected, this Cubs team is hard to predict. They had a rough week losing 4 of 6 games to the Padres and Marlins. Yet, if you look at the numbers this team is playing at an elite level - they rank 2nd in batting average and slugging percentage, and rank in the top 6 in most pitching categories. This team is probably going to be in contention if they continue to produce at this level.
11 - New York Mets (16-13)
The Mets are a zoo right now, but what’s new? It’s never a good sign when you drop a series to the Nationals. Then they had an opportunity to gain ground on the Braves over the weekend but barely managed to not get swept. Pitching health is a major concern and the lineup is very streaky. The level of talent is keeping them above water but they haven’t looked like a great team so far.
10 - Minnesota Twins (17-12)
The Twins continue to pitch great and have maintained their lead atop the NL Central. As long as their big three in Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, and Joe Ryan are healthy and productive, this team is going to keep winning.
9 - Houston Astros (16-13)
The Astros are struggling to find consistency right now. They went from sweeping the Braves and taking two of three from the Rays to dropping a series at home to the Phillies. Some new pitching injuries will be another obstacle this team will have to overcome in the early part of the season. Thankfully, they have a lot of depth in that area.
8 - Los Angeles Dodgers (17-13)
The Dodgers look like they have finally found their identity. Winners of 7 of their last 9 games, LA has retaken the NL West lead. Julio Urias has been shaky his last few outings but the pitching is getting healthier with the return of Tony Gonsolin. They have a big series this weekend in San Diego for their first matchup of the year with the Padres.
7 - Texas Rangers (17-11)
The bad news is Jacob deGrom is back on the IL. The good news is that this team is still in first place. They looked like they were about to go south after getting swept by the Reds but they bounced back and won 3 of 4 from the Yankees. The pitching depth will be tested during deGrom’s absence.
6 - Baltimore Orioles (19-9)
The Orioles have won 11 of their last 13 games and sit 2nd in the AL East. This team has a great, balanced attack with the bats. They have multiple team leaders in different categories. The pitching has been good enough and it will be interesting to see if this team looks to add an arm before the trade deadline if they find themselves in a good place in the standings.
5 - Toronto Blue Jays (18-11)
Toronto has a great week going 5-1. We all know this team can hit with my pick for hitter of the month, Matt Chapman, leading the way. But the pitching has really given this team a boost. At times it can be inconsistent, but when they’re on, they’re very hard to beat.
4 - Milwaukee Brewers (18-10)
The Brewers had some uncharacteristic poor pitching performances last week. Overall, they rank 3rd in the league in ERA. If their pitching continues to go, this team will be set for the long stretch. They have been overshadowed by the Pirates in the division but I still think this is the team to beat in the NL Central.
3 - Pittsburgh Pirates (20-9)
Good vibes all around in Pittsburgh. They have the best record in the NL and have won 11 of their last 13 games. On top of that, the Drew Maggi story has captured the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. They locked up Bryan Reynolds to a long-term extension and the future seems very bright. How long this run atop the NL will last is up in the air but for now, let’s sit back and watch a very exciting Pirates team.
2 - Atlanta Braves (19-10)
The Braves bounced back from a sweep of the Astros going 5-2 last week. It looks like the Acuna Jr. injury isn’t too serious, which is a sigh of relief because he has looked like an MVP so far this season. Spencer Strider continues to pitch at a Cy Young level and the Braves have extended their NL East lead to 3 games.
1 - Tampa Bay Rays (23-6)
The Rays closed out an incredible first month of the season with a series win against the White Sox. Tampa Bay continues to lead baseball in nearly every team statistic despite having the 28th highest payroll in the league.