MLB Power Rankings: Wild Card races tightening

By Sean Sears | Sep 19, 2019

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 14: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated by Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs following his two run home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on September 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Felipe Vazquez #73 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on September 12, 2019 in San Francisco, California. The Pirates won the game 4-2. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

26. Pittsburgh Pirates, 65-87, last in the NL Central (ranked 23rd last week)

The Pirates are another team that’s lost seven of their last 10 games and were swept by the Cubs this weekend, being outscored 47-15 in three games. The pitching for Pittsburgh has fallen apart in the second half of the season after a strong start to 2019, and injuries and subpar performances have plagued the rotation.

And now star closer Felipe Vazquez has been arrested for computer pornography solicitation and providing obscene materials to minors. The Pirates have been reluctant to lean into a full rebuild but with the news of Vazquez’ arrest and the outcome of this season, it’s hard to see Pittsburgh putting all the pieces together anytime soon.

25. Toronto Blue Jays, 61-91, 4th in the AL East (ranked 25th last week)

The Blue Jays feel like the next young team primed to take a big step in 2020, but in 2019, they’ve managed a .500 record over their last 10 games. The future looks bright at the plate for Toronto with Vladimir Guerreo Jr., Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

The Jays should be pairing starter Trent Thornton with top pitching prospect Nate Pearson, who’s looked great in three starts for the Blue Jays Triple-A club. The only downside for Toronto is that Pearson is one of the last elite-level prospects who should be MLB ready by next season — which could slow down the Blue Jays some in 2020.

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