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MLB Power Rankings: Here come the Cubs

By Joshua Sadlock

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 17: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on July 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 17: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on July 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 15: Jay Bruce #19 of the New York Mets watches his three-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on July 15, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 15: Jay Bruce #19 of the New York Mets watches his three-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on July 15, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
22

New York Mets 43-50

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 23

Forgotten trade candidate Jay Bruce continues to have a solid season for the disappointing Mets. Bruce has rebounded from a dismal performance after being moved to New York at the deadline last year. He is on pace for close to 40 home runs and over 100 RBI. With a strong finish to the year, he will set new career highs in all major statistical power categories.

The Mets should be shopping Bruce aggressively to all American League teams in need of power. You can never have too much power when attempting to set yourself apart from the rest of the wild-card contenders. Tampa Bay may be a good fit for Bruce, as they need an upgrade at DH.

21

Detroit Tigers 43-51

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 24

The Tigers absolutely panicked in trading outfielder J.D. Martinez over a week out from the trade deadline. Not only did the Tigers not manage to get back a single top-200 prospect (never mind top-100), they traded with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team with one of the worst systems in the league, and did not even get their top prospect.

The Tigers have several other trade chips to move as they prepare to rebuild, but have to do a better job getting something for Justin Wilson and Alex Avila. However, if the market is that depressed on rental players, the Tigers may not get much at the deadline. Perhaps the front office will be considered to open Justin Verlander up for serious discussion.

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