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MLB power rankings: Who is best in American League?

By Matt Verderame

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees takes a walk during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees takes a walk during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 28: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 28: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

14. . . . Boston Red Sox. 10. team

An unfamiliar spot for the Red Sox. Boston has some legit bats in the lineup with J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, Xavier Bogaerts and Andrew Benintendi, but the rotation is a mess. Chris Sale is out with Tommy John surgery, leaving the top spots for Eduardo Rodriguez and Nathan Eovaldi. Not ideal.

102. . . . Los Angeles Angels. 9. team

This is where we get to potential playoff teams. Here’s why the Angels rank last in that group: Mike Trout is likely to miss time with the birth of his son. The rotation is led by Shohei Ohtani, who is coming off Tommy John and is enduring a brutal camp. The rest of the rotation is shaky at best, with Dylan Bundy, Andrew Heaney and Julio Teheran. It could work out, but there are huge issues.

126. . . . Texas Rangers. 8. team

One of the hardest teams to figure in the AL. If Mike Minor has another fantastic year, Lance Lynn stays healthy and Corey Kluber performs, this is one of the league’s best rotations. However, all three could plummet. The offense doesn’t have much sizzle, save for Joey Gallo hitting bombs. It’s a new formula in Arlington: pitch well and score a few.

128. . . . Chicago White Sox. 7. team

After years in the doldrums, the White Sox have a ton of talent. The lineup is loaded with Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yasmani Grandal, Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jimenez all primed for big seasons. If Dallas Kuechel and Lucas Giolito have quality campaigns, Chicago could well be a playoff team. The biggest concern is the bullpen and back end of the rotation.

. Cleveland Guardians. 6. team. 5. .

Cleveland comes in a tick above Chicago. For starters, the Indians have a deeper rotation with Shane Bieber, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger. Also, Cleveland can mash a bit as well with Francisco Lindor, Franmil Reyes, Carlos Santana and Jose Ramirez among others. This should be a team with serious upside.

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