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MLB power rankings: Giants, Cardinals, Indians surging before trade deadline

By Sean Sears

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 25: Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 25, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 25: Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 25, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 25: Washington Nationals right fielder Adam Eaton (2) bunts during a MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies on July 25, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 25: Washington Nationals right fielder Adam Eaton (2) bunts during a MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies on July 25, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

10. Washington Nationals, 55-47, 2nd in the NL East (ranked 10th last week)

Max Scherzer is back, being activated Thursday, after rehabbing from a mild back strain he sustained on July 6. The Nats are happy to get their ace back, going 8-5 in his absence, and have watched the Phillies climb back to within 1.5 games of second place in the NL East. Sadly, Washington lost first baseman Ryan Zimmerman to the 10-day IL while he continues to deal with plantar fasciitis, meaning Matt Adams and Howie Kendrick will split time there while Zimmerman tries to come back healthy.

But with two big series coming up before the deadline against the Dodgers and Braves, the Nats have to feel good about getting back Scherzer this week. There hasn’t been much talk about the Nationals as buyers but they could use some bullpen help, another late-innings option at the backend of their bullpen would help avoid their starters getting overworked before the season is over.

9. Minnesota Twins, 61-38, 1st in the AL Central (ranked 3rd last week)

The Twins have gone 4-6 over their last 10 games, facing two tough teams in the Athletics and Yankees this past week. They did have one of the league’s most exciting games of the year earlier this week against the Yankees that included multiple home runs from both teams, some great pitching moments, and ended on a diving catch from Yankee outfielder Aaron Hicks to end the game. Are you not entertained?

There was also a report from La Velle E. Neal III from the Star Tribune saying the Mets and Twins had discussed a Noah Syndergaard trade. Talks are centered around the Twins top prospects SS Royce Lewis and OF/1B Alex Kirilloff, but according to Neal III, Lewis and Kirilloff plus top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol are all off-limits. With the Twins being linked to most starters and relievers available on the market, it’s assumed they’ll come away with something before the deadline.

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