Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
25 of 30
Next
Aug 29, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with shortstop Carlos Correa (1) after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with shortstop Carlos Correa (1) after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Houston Astros

The Astros pushed all their chips to the middle of the table this winter, adding Josh Reddick, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran. Years of rebuilding left the front office with a giant pile of cash, and they put their extra reserves to good use. The offense, which was plagued by inconsistent contact at several positions last year, has the potential to rival Boston’s for best in the league. Picking up three quality pieces instead of spending all of their available cash on a bigger name like Edwin Encarnacion allowed the Astros to fill multiple holes in their lineup.

Houston did not address the questions in their starting rotation. Charlie Morton is a nice name to have as a depth piece, but should not be counted on to contribute big innings for a contending team. Dallas Keuchel has looked healthy in Spring Training, but has something to prove after a down year in 2016. Lance McCullers is the big breakout name to watch in the rotation. He could be better than Keuchel.

The Astros have the prospects in place to make a trade for Jose Quintana if the need arises. It will be hard for them, however, to keep Alex Bregman. The White Sox were able to pry Yoan Moncada away from the Red Sox for Chris Sale, and they might not settle for much less when they auction off Quintana. Houston can make the playoffs without trading for another ace, but they might have to bite the bullet and deal prospects if they want to challenge for the World Series.

Home/MLB