MLB Power Rankings: Week 6
12 - Los Angeles Angels (20-17)
The pitching fell apart late in the weekend but they also had a nice 5-game win streak and find themselves in 2nd place in the AL West. The Halos continue to get contributions from multiple guys in the lineup. The pitching depth is still a concern but they have a legitimate 1-2 punch with Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Sandoval, which is more than they’ve had for a while.
11 - Minnesota Twins (19-17)
The Twins missed an opportunity to expand their division lead losing two series to the White Sox and Guardians last week. However, I think that was just a little rough patch for this team that should still be considered the favorite to win the division.
10 - Boston Red Sox (21-16)
The Red Sox went on a 8-game win streak to pull themselves out of last place in the AL East. Despite a very respectable record, they are still just in 4th place but that’s just how good their division is. Alex Verdugo has looked great and has given this Red Sox lineup a ton of depth that we’re used to seeing. The pitching is still questionable, so expect a streaky team all season but for now, they’re playing great.
9 - Pittsburgh Pirates (21-16)
Speaking of streaky, the Pirates have started to fall. They lost 7 games in a row to tough teams in the Rays and Blue Jays. This might be the beginning of a reality check for this young team. They built themselves a nice cushion for now but we’ll see if they can rebound after a rough week.
8 - Arizona Diamondbacks (20-15)
Arizona continues to make the case for a true 3rd contending team in the NL West. The question is can the pitching support the hitting enough over a whole season. So far, they have done a decent job. You can’t ignore the DBacks right now.
7 - Milwaukee Brewers (20-16)
The Brewers missed a huge opportunity to retake the division lead over the Pirates last week. While Pittsburgh was losing 7 straight, the Brewers lost 6 straight of their own. They’re only a 0.5 game back and I think they should retake the division this week. It could be just a rough patch but they have started to show some cracks.
6 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-15)
The Blue Jays got swept by the red-hot Red Sox then swept the ice-cold Pirates last week. They sit 3rd in the AL East, which is no easy feat these days. Toronto still looks pretty good but a lot of people feel they have the potential to be great but they have yet to show that.
5 - Texas Rangers (21-14)
The Rangers continue to hold their division lead in the AL West behind some great hitting and a sneaky good pitching staff, even with deGrom on the IL. They have a shot to be a surprise team that can actually make the postseason.
4 - Los Angeles Dodgers (22-15)
The Dodgers have won 8 of their last 9 games and have the top spot on the NL West. A huge reason why are the rookies. We know how good James Outman has been but Miguel Vargus has been swinging a hot bat and recent call-up Michael Busch could be another weapon off the bench as he proved with a series clinching hit against San Diego.
3 - Baltimore Orioles (23-13)
There’s a lot to like about this Orioles team. They just might have enough to make the postseason. A big series this week against the Rays will be a chance they can play with the big dogs.
2 - Atlanta Braves (25-11)
The Braves are running away with the NL East right now currently with a 7.5 game lead. Can we just give them the division title right now? No other team is even close to them. Max Fried going on the IL is a blow but they have a ton of depth to keep winning games while he gets healthy.
1 - Tampa Bay Rays (29-8)
More winning for the Rays after a sweep of the Pirates and a drama-filled series win against the Yankees. Tampa Bay continues to be first in every statistic in baseball except home crowd attendance (cheap shot?).