Welcome to this year’s fourth edition of the MLB Top 10 power rankings. This was the toughest power rankings to do yet, with 12 teams that all had an argument to be in the top 10. 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. Arizona Diamondbacks (16-12)

Last Week: NR

The Diamondbacks just beat out the surging Cubs and division-rival Padres for the 10th spot on this list. Even though the Diamondbacks are a half game back of the Padres, and third in the division, they have a stronger body of work in the last two weeks. The Diamondbacks have won 10 of their last 13 games, whereas the Padres have won 7 of their last 13. The Padres have won every game this week, but lost every game last week, so inconsistency hurt them a little bit as of late. Lastly, the Diamondbacks have a +21 run differential on the season, while the Padres are at -7. I give the edge to the D-Backs.

9. Philadelphia Phillies (15-12)

Last Week: 5

Dropping four spots since last week, the Philadelphia Phillies have been sort of struggling recently. They haven’t been bad, but they just aren’t playing anywhere near their capabilities. They’re 4-6 in their last ten and still waiting on some key pieces to come around. Their starting pitching was supposed to be a lot better than they have been (where is the Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola at?). Bryce Harper is hitting just .255 so far, while Andrew McCutchen is at .243. There’s plenty of time for these key guys to come around, but for right now the Phillies are slipping in the rankings.

8. Cleveland Indians (15-11)

Last Week: 7

The Indians are playing decent ball right now and are looking to take 3 out of 4 from the Astros with a win today. There’s no denying that Francisco Lindor coming back has helped things out for this club. Even though he’s still working out kinks, hitting just .259 since coming back, his mere presence in the lineup changes things drastically for opposing pitchers. Jose Ramirez has been a little better in recent play as well, after an extremely low start. It’s just not right seeing his average at an abysmal .173. But he will come along, and so will this lineup. The pitching has been well so far, so that is a big plus.

7. Minnesota Twins (15-9)

Last Week: 9

This is where things start to get a little challenging, with so many teams that could be interchangeable for the next 4-5 spots. But I’m going with the Twins here, up two spots from last week, winning six of their last eight. The only thing that takes away from that eight game run is the fact that five of those games were against the Orioles. But the other three were against the Astros, so that helps things. Either way, the Twins are a good ball club with a lot of power in their lineup. Expect them to do damage all season long.

6. New York Yankees (16-11)

Last Week: NR

For the first time this season, the Yankees have made it onto this list. And for that reason, I didn’t want to catapult them too high. But they are the hottest team in baseball right now, except for maybe the Rockies, and have won 10 of their last 12. They have been bitten by the injury bug early this season, but once players start to make their way back from the DL, they will be a dangerous team like they were last season. Clint Frazier has been a nice surprise in the Bronx this year, batting .324 with 6 home runs and 17 RBI so far, and will present manager Aaron Boone with a tough situation when other outfielders are back from injury.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports

5. Seattle Mariners (18-12)

Last Week: 3

I debated on putting the Cardinals in this spot, but between the two teams I have a better overall feeling about St. Louis. I don’t want to take anything away from Seattle, however. They are still a very good ball team with a dangerous lineup. They lead the majors in runs scored with 183 while the next team has 155. After an extremely hot start to the year, they have cooled off. Out of their last 15 games, they’ve won just five. I’m still very interested to see how this team fares over the course of the season.

4. St. Louis Cardinals (16-10)

Last Week: 10

Jumping all the way from the 10th spot last week are the Cardinals. They’ve been playing good ball and are slowly becoming one of baseball’s best teams. They won 2 out of 3 to the Mets and swept the Brewers. Just two weeks ago they swept the Dodgers in a four-game series, which was really impressive. The Cardinals are just an overall good team that is usually in the thick of things at the end of the year. They should be this year as well.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (17-9)

Last Week: 2

The Rays have slipped just a little recently, allowing the Yankees to be within a game and a half before Sunday’s slate of games. They’re 5-5 in their last ten, which isn’t bad, but also isn’t the same start they got off to. They pitch and play defense extremely well, and will rely on that to try to win the AL East. They still lead the majors in giving up the least amount of runs all season at just 81 (3.1 runs/game), while also leading MLB in run differential at +41.

2. Houston Astros (16-11)

Last Week: 1

I thought about switching the Astros and Rays because of the Astros’ below-average play recently, but give the ‘Stros the advantage because of their experience. They are 4-6 in their last ten games, but have also faced stiff competition in that stretch with the Twins and the Indians. They will meet back up with the Twins tomorrow for the beginning of another series. The Astros can score, they can pitch, they can do pretty much everything. And winning the World Series just two years ago, they have a lot of guys with the experience of knowing what it takes to get back.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (18-11)

Last Week: 4

Storming up this list in a hurry are the Dodgers. Just two weeks ago they were at #8 and now they’re number one for the first time. They’re tied with the Twins for the most wins in baseball at 18, and have scored the second most runs in the majors with 155. Cody Bellinger has gotten off to a phenomenal start hitting .420 through 100 at-bats, with 13 home runs and 33 RBI. Rookie Alex Verdugo, who I’m really high on, is hitting .355 with 4 home runs through 62 at-bats and doesn’t even play every day because of their crowded outfield. In my opinion though, he needs to be an everyday player. Veteran Rich Hill is finally coming off the DL to give the pitching staff a boost and will make his season debut tonight against the Pirates in LA. The Dodgers are a team to be reckoned with all season long.

Garett

MLB Top 10 Power Rankings