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MLB Power Rankings: Cubs are favorites again

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 4, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryan (17) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryan (17) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) reacts during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) reacts during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

7. San Francisco Giants

It was a fairly quiet offseason for the Giants ahead of the 2017 season. Their only big splurge in free agency was All-Star closer Mark Melancon. Dropping $62 million on a reliever, however, is no small move. San Francisco’s bullpen was atrocious down the stretch last season, and the front office was able to add a closer who has come close to matching Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen for over $20 million less over the life of his contract.

Around the diamond, the Giants are unchanged from last year’s squad that won the NL Wild Card Game and then pushed the Cubs in the NLDS. They have built a very solid team at every position in the field, and have a very good rotation behind Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto. Bumgarner remains the best postseason pitcher of his generation, and Cueto proved last year that his issues during his brief stint with the Royals were only temporary. If the Giants are able to unlock the immense potential still in Matt Moore and Jeff Samardzija, they could have one of the best rotations in the National League.

Health will be a big issue again for the Giants. Hunter Pence must stay on the field, and should consider reining in his helter-skelter style of play. He’s not helping anyone by spending months on the DL after crashing into a wall. San Francisco could have elected to target an upgrade for left field, but stood pat for now. Their farm system was stripped down at the trade deadline last year, and for better or worse, their Opening Day 25-man roster might be what they have to work with all year.

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