Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: The top 5 teams stay the same

By Sean Sears

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 19: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 19: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JUNE 18: David Price #10 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 18, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JUNE 18: David Price #10 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 18, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

10. Boston Red Sox, 40-34, 3rd in the AL East (ranked 10th last week)

The Red Sox had a rough series against the Rays last week, but have since rebounding, winning six games in a row over this last 10. But they still remain 5.5 games back of the division and tied for the final Wild Card spot with the Rangers. Boston’s pitching has improved since the start of the season, and with their offense producing 5.35 runs per game the Sox have been able to get back on track.

Boston has too much talent to count them out, and they should be active this trade deadline, as they need a true, frontline closer to round out their team. The Giants’ Will Smith would make sense, but there are a few options to choose from. If the Red Sox can add a closer, there really isn’t much more this team is missing. It’s just whether or not they can dig themselves out of their massive hole from the start of the season.

9. Atlanta Braves, 43-31, 1st  in the NL East (ranked 9th last week)

The Braves are the hottest team in baseball at the moment, winning eight of their last 10 games and overtaking the Phillies for the division lead. Their offense has jumped into the top five in runs per game, averaging 5.45 runs at the moment. Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr look like All-Star locks, but the talk around the team has been rookie Austin Riley and his 11 home runs on the season.

Riley, as well as fellow rookie SP Mike Soroka, have made a massive impact on the roster and have helped catapult the Braves into first in the division. But outside of Soroka, the rest of the group has been suspect at best, including their bullpen. It was reported that the Braves were in talks with closer Craig Kimbrel before he officially signed with the Cubs, but snagging Dallas Keuchel should make a difference down the stretch. The Braves are also another team that should be in on relievers this deadline. Regardless, this team is having a ton of fun with their young studs who came to play.

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