MLB Power Rankings: Week 1
Welcome to the first TLDR MLB Power Rankings of the 2021 season. This early in the season, it’s hard to tell what teams actually are. Some teams have surprised and gotten off to hot starts that are not in my top 10 this week. Keep in mind that it is very early and the field hasn’t even begun to spread out. But with all things considered, here are my power rankings - enjoy!
10 - Philadelphia Phillies (6-4)
I mentioned on the podcast that this team has the most pressure to win because of all the money they have spent on free agency over the last few years. So far in 2021, they’re off to a good start. They swept the Braves to open and took the series against the Mets. They’re gonna have to keep beating their division if they want a shot at a postseason spot. So far their best players are playing well, we’ll see if they can keep this pace.
9 - Atlanta Braves (4-6)
Holy inconsistency! Lost 4 in a row to start the season, then win 4 in a row, then lose to in a row. I think this is just an awkward start for a very good team. I don’t like having a team with a losing record in my top 10 but that’s just the nature of the early part of the season. Look for this Braves team to lock it in soon.
8 - Los Angeles Angels (7-3)
Welcome to the club Angels! It is early to seriously consider them as contenders but they’re off to a great start. Mike Trout is doing Mike Trout things, Shohei and Jered Walsh are completing this lineup. Their pitching still isn’t great but they’re doing enough to win for now.
7 - Chicago White Sox (5-5)
Chicago stumbled out the gate, losing 3 of 4 to the Angles but since then has looked like the team we expect. As if this team needs any more hitting, Yermin Mercedes comes in and starts the season 8-8 and is leading the league in batting average. Their best hitters haven’t gotten hot yet but they’re loaded with bats. Lance Lynn hasn’t given up a run yet in 13.2 innings pitched.
6 - Milwaukee Brewers (6-4)
The NL Central will be one of the most interesting divisions to watch but so far I think the team that has the best shot to win it is the Brewers. They won both series against division foes St. Louis and Chicago, which is a good start. Christain Yelich looks to be back to form as he leads the team in batting average and their pitching is good, real good.
5 - New York Yankees (5-5)
Not the best start but I have to give them the benefit of the doubt with how early it is in the season. Their offense lacks consistency and the pitching depth is a concern. The one bright spot is Gerrit Cole, he looks to be back to his #1 pitcher in baseball status.
4 - Minnesota Twins (5-4)
They took care of the Brewers and Tigers to start the season but then lost the series to the Mariners. Byron Buxton is off to an incredibly hot start with the bat and Nelson Cruz continues to defy Father Time. Jose Berrios looks like a true ace on that staff.
3 - Houston Astros (6-3)
I absolutely hate having the Astros up this high but I can’t ignore the hot start they’ve had. They opened the season with a sweep of their division rival Oakland and they looked great doing it. They’re playing every facet of the game well right now which annoys me to my core. Ugh.
2 - San Diego Padres (8-3)
They lost Fernando Tatis Jr. with a shoulder injury but Jake Cronenworth looks to be the real deal after a breakout 2020. Their pitching has been as advertised, highlighted by a no-hitter from Joe Musgrove. It was the first in Padres history, thrown by a kid who grew up rooting for the Padres in just his second start with the team, gotta love that.
1 - Los Angeles Dodgers (8-2)
The defending champs got off to the start everyone thought they would. Other than a rough Opening Day outing, Clayton Kershaw looks fantastic. The Dodgers always seem to find a new utility player every year who brings huge value to the team, this year that player is Zach McKinstry, who is probably better than Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez combined.