MLB Power Rankings: Week 9
10 - New York Mets (29-23)
(PR: 9)
A series split in San Diego is a big win in my book. We all know how great Jacob deGrom has been. But let's also give some credit to Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker, who have each had their own great seasons so far to give this Mets team a great starting rotation. If Francisco Lindor can figure it out, this team could be very, very good.
9 - Chicago Cubs (33-26)
(PR: 7)
The streaking Cubs got a rude awakening in San Francisco over the weekend but they did manage to sweep the Padres which was very impressive. The starting pitching is a huge concern for this team as all five starters have an average ERA of 4.67 and no one is under 4. We’ll see how the team trends over the next few weeks but this could just be a short stay in the top 10.
8 - Oakland Athletics (35-26)
(PR: NR)
The A’s did what they needed, beating up on weaker teams with the Rockies and Mariners. They will have another easy week with the D-backs and Royals coming up. The starting pitching is starting to heat up after a few rough weeks. They re-enter the top 10 after a week hiatus.
7 - Houston Astros (33-26)
(PR: 8)
A good week for the Astros winning both of their series against the Red Sox and Blue Jays. This team is putting on a hitting clinic as they lead the league in OPS, making you wonder how they are stealing signs this time. Luis Garcia has stepped up for this pitching staff, currently 5-3 with a 2.75 ERA to aid Zack Greinke.
6 - Los Angeles Dodgers (34-25)
(PR: 5)
Another average week for the Dodgers, going 3-3 against the Cardinals and Braves. Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger seem to have found their swings again and it looks like the ankle injury Max Muncy had isn’t too serious. Clayton Kershaw has had a rough last two starts, allowing 5 earned runs in each. The Dodgers will get Tony Gonsolin back from injury this week ahead of what should be an easy schedule with series against the Pirates and Rangers.
5 - Boston Red Sox (36-23)
(PR: 6)
The Red Sox started off the week losing 3 of 4 to the Astros but bounced back in a huge way, sweeping the Yankees in New York. That is always a huge win no matter what the records are. The pitching has been a little shaky lately, which was a big concern going into the season, but they continue to produce runs at an elite level. Chris Sale has been throwing off a mound and will face hitters soon. Getting him back in the rotation will be huge for this team.
4 - Chicago White Sox (36-23)
(PR: 2)
The southsiders drop a couple spots after a 3-3 week. I have talked a lot about how great the offense is but it has been the pitching that has really bumped this team up to a true contender. They are third in the majors in team ERA lead by a rotation that is very good 1-5 and that’s with their ace, Lucas Giolito, having an inconsistent season so far.
3 - San Francisco Giants (37-22)
(PR: 4)
The NL West leaders continue to win games. They are by far the biggest surprise in baseball so far this season. I’m still not ready to put them ahead of the Padres but it’s very close. They are the only team to be able to cool down the Cubs, taking 3 of 4 over the weekend. Brandon Crawford and Buster Posey continue to have resurgent seasons. And if it wasn’t for Jacob deGrom’s incredible season, Kevin Gausman would be favorite for NL Cy Young.
2 - San Diego Padres (36-25)
(PR: 1)
I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt with a rough week. They were swept by the Cubs and split the series with the Mets. They do lose their number one ranking but this team is still very good. They continue to lead the majors in team ERA at 2.89, which is phenomenal. The one weak spot right now is the offense as they tend to be very streaky, the team as a whole only hit .212 last week.
1 - Tampa Bay Rays (38-23)
(PR: 3)
The Rays earn the top spot this week for the first time this season. The defending AL champs have earned a series split against the Yankees and won the weekend series against the Rangers last week. This team strikes out a ton, they lead all of baseball in that category, but they still have found a formula to win. The offense is very deep and the pitching has been great as always.