MLB Power Rankings: Washington Nationals top our preseason rankings

21. team. 17. There are many bewildered Braves fans wondering just what to expect from their team this summer. And in fairness, it is the same question that our panelists asked. Badly needing to change things up a bit, the Braves traded Jason Heyward to the Cardinals and then found a taker for Justin Upton in the San Diego Padres, but somehow managed not to trade the newly annointed Melvin Upton in the process. <p>In return the Braves received Shelby Miller to pluck into the middle of the rotation, second base prospect Jace Peterson to man the keystone, and a few other moving parts. The rotation looks to be sound, and could be even better if Mike Minor can put spring shoulder issues behind him. Additionally, the infield anchors are all in place, with Andrelton Simmons and Freddie Freeman now the veterans in the clubhouse. However, can an Opening Day outfield of Jonny Gomes, Eric Young Jr., and Nick Markakis strike enough fear into opponents?</p>. . Previous: . Atlanta Braves

. Previous: . Tampa Bay Rays. 22. team. 21. There’s always been a debate about how much a manager truly means to a team, and the Tampa Bay Rays are going to find out the truth behind it. After losing mentor and club savior Joe Maddon to the Chicago Cubs, the Rays will try to find their way through a year in flux with Kevin Cash at the helm and hope it returns some similar results. <p>That’s going to be a tough mountain to climb though. Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly, and Matt Moore are all expected to start the year on the DL, second baseman Nick Franklin is out with a strained oblique, and closer Jake McGee is still throwing bullpens. Add in the fact that there is next to no power in this line-up behind Evan Longoria and the front office somehow thinking that Asdrubal Cabrera was an upgrade over Yunel Escobar, and the Rays are likely in for a long season. In fact, if not for their prior history, this ranking could conceivably be lower.</p>

3. The addition of Michael Cuddyer likely grabbed the most headlines for the Mets, but it will be the return of ace Matt Harvey that is going to be the biggest addition for New York this season. Harvey has been filthy this winter and should be an early Cy Young favorite, which is good, because the Mets are going to need that from him. <p>However, question hang over the Mets collective heads. Can they replace Zack Wheeler (Tommy John surgery) with Dillon Gee and get comparable production? Will phenom Noah Synergaard finally get his shot to crack the rotation? Why didn’t the team address their obvious needs in the middle infield? Which Lucas Duda will show up in 2015? The makings of a very long year in Queens are already brewing. </p>. . Previous: . New York Mets. 23. team

The Milwaukee Brewers have kind of been stuck in the proverbial dead zone for a few seasons now, treading water in the middle of the NL Central and not really making any movement in either direction. Given that, and the team’s gains made with some of their young prospects, one has to wonder what direction they want to move in or if they are happy with the status quo. <p>Arguably in need of some sort of kick, the team’s big move this winter was adding Adam Lind at first base despite his obvious platoon splits and the fact that he’s really a DH now forced to play the field in the National League. Additionally, they traded staff ace Yovanni Gallardo for a relief prospect, a utility-infielder, and a long-shot 17-year-old with control issues. It wasn’t the finest winter in Brewers history, but at least the team has the components to be competitive, even if their shot at winning is limited. </p>. . Previous: . Milwaukee Brewers. 24. team. 76

25. team. 135. For a team ranked as lowly as the Astros, I’m actually fairly positive on them. Given their recent history, 2014 was actually a big step forward, and the front office apparently saw enough so that they could smartly start to supplement the roster with veterans to help stabilize the process. Pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh opened a lot of eyes last season and the team has able, if not spectacular arms around them in the rotation. Additionally, the ‘Stros made some solid bullpen additions in Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, making that the strength of the club. <p>That said, if this team wants to continue moving forward, the young bats of George Springer, Jon Singleton, and Jake Marisnick need to add to the newly acquired Evan Gattis and Led Lowrie, as well as holdovers Jason Castro, Jose Altuve, and Chris Carter. This team may not win a ton of games, but they’ll certainly be fun to watch again.</p>. . Previous: . Houston Astros