MLB Power Rankings: Week 23
10 - Atlanta Braves (76-66)
(PR: 10)
After a rough west coast trip, the Braves got back on track at home, taking both series against the Marlins and Nationals. They need to at least hold on to their current division lead over the next two weeks because in the final week of the season they play both the Phillies and Mets, the two teams fighting hard to catch them.
9 - New York Yankees (80-64)
(PR: 7)
The Yankees got swept at home by the Blue Jays then lost 2 of 3 to the Mets over the weekend in a heated matchup. This team cannot figure out how to play consistent baseball and currently are out of a postseason spot entering this week. This AL wild card is going to be chaotic for the next 3 weeks with the Yankees right in the mix.
8 - Boston Red Sox (81-65)
(PR: 8)
The Red Sox lost both series to the Rays and White Sox, which is a concern but while the Yankees and Blue Jays have been roller coasters, the Red Sox have been fairly consistent and still hold a wild card spot. They are figuring out their Covid issues and their remaining schedule should be easier.
7 - Toronto Blue Jays (81-63)
(PR: NR)
The Blue Jays are playing their best baseball at the right time. They have won 14 of their last 16 games and currently hold a wild card spot. Vladimir Guerrero Jr is on triple crown watch and the emergence of Robbie Ray as the ace of their staff has given this team a huge boost.
6 - Chicago White Sox (82-61)
(PR: 6)
The White Sox got some good news on the injury front as they activated pitcher Lucas Giolito and shortstop Tim Anderson from the IL this week. They have a pretty easy schedule remaining and a big division lead. The biggest thing for this team is to get and stay healthy for October.
5 - Houston Astros (84-59)
(PR: 5)
Lance McCullers has quietly had a very good season for the Astros. He leads the team in wins, ERA and strikeouts. It makes this team have a sneaky good starting rotation that can compete with anyone come postseason time.
4 - Tampa Bay Rays (89-55)
(PR: 3)
The Rays continue to coast their way toward the postseason. The other members of the AL East are battling for wild card spots as the Rays get to watch and enjoy a comfy 9 game lead with three weeks remaining. They do play the Blue Jays 6 more times and with how hot Toronto is, it might get interesting. But probably not.
3 - Milwaukee Brewers (89-55)
(PR: 4)
The Brewers have a very real chance of being the first team to clinch a division title this week. They moved up one spot in the rankings this week. The middle of these rankings are full of American League teams but the National League boasts the best 3 teams in the league right now.
2 - Los Angeles Dodgers (92-53)
(PR: 2)
The only thing not going well for the Dodgers right now is the fact the Giants won’t stop winning. Clayton Kershaw will make his return to the rotation this week and the Dodgers finally have a full starting rotation for the first time in nearly two months.
1 - San Francisco Giants (94-50)
(PR: 1)
No surprise here. Fun fact - the Giants and Diamondbacks entered this season with the same odds to win the World Series. Entering this week, the Giants are 47 games ahead of Arizona...47. A truly incredible season so far from the Giants and I gotta tip my cap to them.