MLB Power Rankings after the trade deadline

The Yankees couldn’t do anything right for about a week and a half. Everyone with a high batting average got hurt, Aaron Boone looked like a WFAN caller plucked out of the stands with his poor managerial decisions, and the Rays jumped ahead of them in the division. Even with a lack of activity at the deadline and a very shaky starting rotation, the fact that several stars and key contributors will be returning to full strength in the near future should have Yankees fans feeling a bit more confident about their future.

The A’s have one of the most volatile lineups in the league and a starting rotation still full of a bunch of B-pitchers, yet Bob Melvin keeps finding ways to get them close to the postseason. They did trade for Texas Rangers pitcher Mike Minor, and the former Brave reverting to All-Star form would do wonders for both their chances in the AL West and their chances as it pertains to the World Series.

The White Sox came into 2020 with a lot of promise, but there were plenty who questioned if this weird assemblage of young top prospects and power-hitting veterans would click in a 60-game season. To be blunt, they have. With Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez both mashing, and Jose Abreu having one of the best seasons of his career, this lineup is absolutely capable of winning a championship. Their prospects hinge on whether Lucas Giolito and the rotation can scrounge together enough wins to get the job done.

To paraphrase Steven Tyler, it’s the same old song and dance for Tampa Bay. Without stars or a high payroll, some tremendous starting pitching and timely hitting have them punching well above their weight class as they took ownership of the best record in the American League. The Rays have been able to scrap together wins in the regular season with Austin Meadows and Brandon Lowe as their top power options, and they could slip up in October if the lack of star power presents problems against playoff rotations.

The Dodgers give new meaning to the term “embarrassment of riches.” They were inactive at the trade deadline, but why would they be active when they have an above-average player or star at nearly every position? The Dodgers have been here before, however, as they have often coasted into the postseason before fizzling out. Is this the year that Dave Roberts finally breaks whatever hex is on this team and gets them back into the World Series?