MLB Power Rankings: Indians take over
Cincinnati Reds 63-84
Last week: 5-5
Last rank: 22
Rookie Tyler Mahle, one of the top prospects for the Reds, has been impressive in his first 20 innings in the big leagues. The right-hander, who is just 22, notched five shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in his last outing and now has a 2.70 ERA. Mahle has yet to give up a home run in four starts.
Amir Garrett, another top pitching prospect for the Reds, has not lived up to expectations. He has been the anti-Mahle as he struggles with command and takes his lumps on the mound. Garrett walked five in four-plus innings in his most recent start and dropped to 3-8 with a 7.49 ERA.
New York Mets 63-83
Last week: 5-5
Last rank: 24
Matt Harvey’s return to the big leagues after nearly three months away in the minor leagues has been an utter disaster. In his three starts, Harvey is 1-2 with a 12.19 ERA. He has given up 20 hits in 10.1 innings while striking out only six. Things have only gotten worse for the former ace of the staff.
Harvey might be a legitimate non-tender candidate this winter. He has not shown anything close to resembling the form that made him an All-Star in two full years. The right-hander is still relatively cheap for the Mets — and he won’t get much in arbitration — but is he really worth the distraction for the rest of the team?