Welcome to this year’s third edition of the MLB Top 10 power rankings. With my rankings, I am taking into consideration the potential of teams over the course of the season, along with the current value of teams, with far more emphasis on current value. Let me know how much you agree/disagree.

10. St. Louis Cardinals (11-9)

Last Week: 10

Remaining in the 10th spot for the second week in a row are the Cardinals. This spot came down between the Cardinals and the Mets, but the Cardinals are one game better in their last ten and have a +19 run differential on the season, where the Mets are -17. Jose Martinez has been a spark plug recently, getting extra playing time due to injuries. This team has still yet to play their best ball and I’m still waiting for Goldschmidt to break out, even though he hit is 8th homer yesterday (his average is still far too low for him).

9. Minnesota Twins (11-7)

Last Week: 9

Also in the same spot as last week are the Minnesota Twins, who are 6-4 in their last ten. They got out to an early lead in the AL Central, but are now tied with the Indians. There’s no denying the Twins can hit the ball. In their doubleheader yesterday against the Orioles, they had 11 total home runs as a team, with Eddie Rosario leading the way with three. Nelson Cruz, Mitch Garver, and Jonathan Schoop each had two apiece. They are looking for the sweep today against the Orioles.

8. Pittsburgh Pirates (12-6)

Last Week: NR

Ladies and gentlemen, your NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. This is the first time the Pirates have been on this list this year and have won five in a row. The Bucs are also looking for a sweep today and will have Chris Archer back from suspension to start on the hill. Look out for prospect Cole Tucker, who hit a game-winning homer in his first MLB at-bat yesterday. He is the real deal.

7. Cleveland Indians (12-8)

Last Week: NR

Like the Pirates, the Indians have also made their way onto this list after being absent from it. They are tied with the Twins atop the AL Central and are playing better ball lately. They also just got their star shortstop back in Francisco Lindor, so that will help tremendously. Once Jose Ramirez starts to play like he is capable of, this lineup will get back to being really dangerous. Carlos Santana has been a real nice surprise to this lineup so far, hitting .397 through 63 at-bats with a 1.037 OPS.

6. Milwaukee Brewers (13-9)

Last Week: 3

The Brewers dropped a few spots since last week due to some struggles, but nothing at all to concern fans with. They haven’t had the easiest of schedules as of late with games against the Cardinals and Dodgers all week, with another series against the Cardinals starting tomorrow. Christian Yelich has been unbelievable lately, hitting home runs every day and setting records. He had two more yesterday and his at-bats have turned into must watch tv.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (12-8)

Last Week: 7

Honestly, the Phillies and Brewers at #5 and #6 could go either way. Both teams have a lot of talent and both teams have a really good chance to make a deep playoff run this year. Also, both teams are 5-5 in their last ten games. It looks like Bryce Harper might be turning a corner, collecting his first career 5-hit game the other night. If he heats up, it could be trouble to the NL East with the Phillies already having a dangerous lineup.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (14-9)

Last Week: 8

The Dodgers climbed four spots from last week, when they were 8-8. They’ve won six of their last seven games and can hit the ball just as good as anyone. They have the problem of having too many capable hitters, because I’d love to see Alex Verdugo get more playing time, but their outfield is just so crowded. Their pitching is coming along with Ryu spinning a gem yesterday against the Brewers. Kershaw will be on the mound today as they look for the series win in Milwaukee. The Dodgers will most likely be towards the top of this list all season long.

3. Seattle Mariners (16-8)

Last Week: 1

The Mariners have the most wins in the majors at 16, but have struggled a little recently, causing their fall from the #1 spot. They’re just 4-6 in their last ten, but they are currently on a three-game winning streak. Even though they lead the AL West by one game over the Astros, I just couldn’t put them above the ‘Stros because of their sweep last weekend to them. And the Astros’ long-term potential is better. But the Mariners can hit the ball, having scored the most runs in the majors. The jury is still out though, how long they’ll be able to keep that up. I’m hoping it’s all season.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (14-7)

Last Week: 2

The Rays have been in the top two spots on this list for all three weeks. They still lead the powerful AL East by 3.5 games over the Yankees. After the Pirates, the Rays have given up the fewest runs in the major leagues. That has led to a very impressive +43 run differential on the season. Cy Young winner Blake Snell had an unfortunate incident breaking his toe and missing his start this week, but should be back and ready to go next week. He says his toe feels good. The Rays are just a solid overall team.

1. Houston Astros (13-7)

Last Week: 4

Even though the Astros’ record isn’t overly impressive, they are the hottest team in MLB at 11-2 over their last 13 games. After getting off to a slow start, they swept the A’s, Yankees, and Mariners, which is very impressive since they are all playoff caliber teams. Like the Dodgers, I expect the Astros to be near or at the top of this list all season long. They have so much talent and you can’t deny their long-term value over the course of the season. They’re looking to take the series today against their Texas-neighbor Rangers, before spending their next nine days playing the Twins and Indians. That will be fun.

Garett

MLB Top 10 Power Rankings