MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand to begin the season
By Tim Boyle
25) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies
How much can Kris Bryant lift the Colorado Rockies? The answer is, not very much. Although they won the offseason’s award for the most puzzling big free agent signing, it won’t do much for them in the MLB Power Rankings this season.
The Rockies remain a flawed team spinning in circles. They have a few good players but expecting them to compete in the tough National League West is foolish.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have a chance to be a sneaky good team. They are in a division that often has surprises. However, while they may win more games than expected, it won’t be nearly enough.
The Royals remain in their post championship slump. They aren’t quite rebuilding. They aren’t going all-in either. Kansas City is stuck in baseball purgatory hoping the Chiefs can bring them happiness.
23) MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati Reds
Is this a team of politicians? The Cincinnati Reds flip-flopped their stance on whether this was a season to win or not. They traded away some important players and filled the roster with some less talented ones. They got worse but not as bad as many believed they would.
Their starting rotation still does have Tyler Mahle and Luis Castillo at the top. Joey Votto’s presence remains at first base. At best, expect them to be a pest for other teams this year.
22) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a wonderful example of trying to fool your fans into thinking you want to win it all. They signed Marcus Stroman before the lockout. Later, they added Andrelton Simmons and Jonathan Villar to the infield mix. The former is already on the IL.
The Cubs had a great opportunity to reunite with several of their stars from the championship team in 2016. Instead, they put together a team that will finish .500 if everyone has a career year.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins have very little room to grow on this list. They seem to always find themselves fishing for third or fourth place in the National League East. Even if the division is flawed, the Marlins are limited.
To their credit, they did get better this winter without subtracting a whole lot. After all, what else was there for them to let slip away? The Marlins will surely play spoiler in the NL East race. Aside from that, expect them to stay out of the playoff hunt.