Mid-Season Top 10 Power Rankings
With the All-Star break quickly approaching, it seems like a good time to evaluate the 10 best teams currently in the league.
10. San Francisco Giants (46 - 37)
The Giants have been a very surprising team so far. With an offseason that was deemed lackluster due to Carlos Correra’s contract fallout, they have made their fanbase proud. They have the 7th best bullpen ERA at 3.65 with key relievers: Camilo Doval, Taylor and Tyler Rogers. They have multiple under the radar All-Star candidates such as LaMonte Wade Jr., Thairo Estrada, and J.D Davis. Keep an eye out on the Giants during the 2nd half.
9. Cincinatti Reds (45 - 39)
Who could’ve imagined that the Reds would be 1st in the NL Central at any point of the season. They have some of the best rookies in the majors currently on their roster: Spencer Steer, T.J Friedl, Matt McClain, Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott. It’ll be interesting to see who they will target at the Trade Deadline, but the future is bright for these Reds.
8. Los Angeles Dodgers (46 - 37)
The Dodgers have underperformed a bit this year. The starting rotation has an ERA of 4.45 which is 17th in the league. With injuries being the catalyst, a healthy Dodgers rotation is quite scary. The major positive going for Los Angeles is their offense has been elite. They are 4th in the majors in OPS, only beind ATL, TBR, and TEX. The key contributors being Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, J.D Martinez, and Will Smith.
7. Miami Marlins (48 - 37)
The Marlins are home to one of the biggest stories in baseball history: Luis Arraez’s chase to .400. Outside of Arraez, only Jorge Soler has been productive offensively for the Marlins. Offense should be their primary focus at the Trade Deadline. The Starting rotation has been impressive considering Sandy Alcantara has an ERA of 4.82. Young arms Jesus Luzardo, Eury Perez, and Braxton Garrett have done a great job carrying the pitching.
6. Houston Astros (46 - 38)
The Astros have been unlucky due to injuries to Jose Altuve to start the season, Yordan Alvarez, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and Michael Brantley, the roster has been able to play well despite these injuries. Their rotation is 3rd in the majors in ERA and a bullpen that is 5th in ERA, it’ll be difficult to keep them out of the top 3 when they are healthier.
5. Baltimore Orioles (49 - 33)
The Orioles are 2nd in the AL East with a starting rotation ERA of 4.73 (24th). The offense has a great balance of power, speed, and average. Their young players have been the catalyst for their success. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Austin Hays, and recent call up Jordan Westburg. The pitching market will be a big need for them and with multiple top 100 prospects, don’t be surprised if Baltimore makes a block buster trade.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks (50 - 35)
The Diamondbacks have arguably the most under the radar offense in baseball. Corbin Carroll has lead the way but Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel, and Geraldo Perdomo have contributed nicely. Their starting staff & bullpen does need depth, the pieces they need to fully round out their roster will be available at the deadline.
3. Texas Rangers (50 - 34)
The Rangers lineup has been nothing short of incredible. They have 4 players starting the All-Star Game: Jonah Heim, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung. As a team, they the 2nd best OPS in the league with a starting rotation that is tied for 1st in ERA. They also added Aroldis Chapman via a trade with the Royals. The Rangers will battle it out with the Astros down the stretch for the division title.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (57 - 29)
The Rays have been the best team in the American League since the season started. They have an elite offense (3rd in OPS), starting rotation (1st in ERA) & bullpen (10th in ERA). The players they consistently put out offer a wide variety of skill sets whether it be contact, power, speed, plate discipline, pitch velocity & movement. They are no doubt the World Series representative favorite in the AL.
1. Atlanta Braves (56 - 27)
The Braves are currently the best team in Baseball. They are 1st in OPS. They are 4th in Bullpen ERA & 5th for their starting rotation. They have 8 players on the NL All-Star team: Ronald Acuna Jr., Bryce Elder, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, and Orlando Arcia. They have the most complete team and seem to have no weaknesses. They are on an 8 game winning streak. The favorites to win the World Series as it stands, and it will take a lot for a team to take that mantle from them.
