Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Indians take over

By Joshua Sadlock

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Infielders Carlos Santana #41; Giovanny Urshela #39 Francisco Lindor #12 and Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians celebrate after the Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 12, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Tigers for their 20th straight win. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Infielders Carlos Santana #41; Giovanny Urshela #39 Francisco Lindor #12 and Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians celebrate after the Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 12, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Tigers for their 20th straight win. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 31: J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins at bat during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on August 31, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 31: J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins at bat during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on August 31, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images) /
22

Miami Marlins 68-78

Last week: 1-9
Last rank: 19

We have used this space in recent weeks to focus on Giancarlo Stanton’s pursuit of Roger Maris and 61 home runs. If Stanton gets hot over the final three weeks, he will get there, but his pace has slowed in September.

Stanton is rightfully getting the most attention on the Marlins for his epic second half, but there are other players on the roster worth a big round of applause. J.T. Realmuto has emerged as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball (and is surprisingly agile on the bases). Realmuto has hit .278/.331/.452 on the year. He is a sneaky top-five offensive backstop in the league.

21

Toronto Blue Jays 68-79

Last week: 5-5
Last rank: 21

The Blue Jays have been letting their kids play, and the results have been promising. Richard Urena and Teoscar Hernandez have both made strong cases for starting roles in 2018 and beyond. Both could face stiff competition for playing time if more established names like Troy Tulowitzki, Devon Travis and Steve Pearce come back strong after injury-plagued years.

Hernandez has the easier path to a full-time role, as Urena is blocked at both middle-infield spots. Hernandez was one of the top prospects for the Houston Astros but had no real path to a starting job in their crowded outfield. Assuming the Jays decide to move on from Jose Bautista after an ugly season, Hernandez could have a job nailed down for next year. He has the potential to blossom into a 20-20 player if given the chance.

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