MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand to begin the season
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
The first year known as the Cleveland Guardians may not go the way the fans would prefer. The club was one of the most frugal this offseason as they continue to keep the organization in limbo with an underwhelming ball club.
The pitching remains the strength of this team. However, the starting lineup leaves a lot to be desired. After extending star infielder Jose Ramirez, it will be interesting to see how the Guardians proceed with future transactions. On the field, expect them to get passed by some of their American League Central rivals.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers
Finally, it looks like the Detroit Tigers are ready to start winning again. It won’t be a lot. It’ll be more, though. That’s the first step to take.
Their young stars will need a little more seasoning before we can expect them to be a difference-maker in the American League. Additions of Eduardo Rodriguez and Austin Meadows are promising. It’s far from enough.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
Bonus points go to the Texas Rangers for having such a fantastic offseason. Seriously. If this team isn’t going to win games with their pitching, they have potential to outslug just about anyone.
Corey Seager and Marcus Semien were the big additions. Brad Miller and Mitch Garver were quality ones. The pitching staff remains their biggest question. Regardless, it’s hard to picture them losing 100 games again in 2022.
17) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants
From a 100-loss team to a 100-win ball club, it’s hard to believe in the San Francisco Giants with the roster they have. Last year was luck.
The starting lineup is getting very old. Their biggest offseasons additions were Joc Pederson and Carlos Rodon, two guys who are tremendous wild cards this year. Maybe they surprise us again. Don’t count on it.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Minnesota Twins
No team woke up one more and decided it was time for a change more than the Minnesota Twins. It began by trading for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. The far bigger splash, as you may recall, was signing Carlos Correa.
The Twins have a long way to go and a lot to prove. They aren’t ready to rest yet either. On Opening Day, they added promising young pitcher Chris Paddack to a questionable rotation. The Twins are a 2022 sleeper for sure.