MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand to begin the season
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are loaded with starting pitchers but after many of them came up short in 2021, nobody should overrate them. The team has been more focused on subtracting from their roster than adding to it. Even with some of the game’s best players, they are collapsible.
On paper, the Padres are going places. The game isn’t played with preseason predictions. They have a lot to overcome if they want to win the first World Series in franchise history. The absence of Fernando Tatis Jr. will be one of those big hurdles.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox made one truly big splash over the offseason when they added Trevor Story to an already packed infield. Chris Sale begins the year on the IL which could quickly drag them down closer to the bottom of the MLB Power Rankings.
A few contractual distractions could end up hurting the Red Sox more than anything else. Rafael Devers turned down an extension and Xander Bogaerts is likely to opt-out of his deal. Things could get messy for them. Fortunately, winning can cure all.
8) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
Ask most New York Yankees fans what they thought about the team’s offseason moves and you’ll probably find a nearly unanimous position. The Yankees did not do enough to get better.
Still, they remain one of the powerhouse ball clubs in the American League. The Yankees and playoff baseball are synonymous with each other. The problem is getting far enough into the postseason.
7) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
Until they prove otherwise, the Tampa Bay Rays are slightly ahead of their Northeastern United States counterparts. Time will tell if they can have yet another successful year with a low payroll. They have gotten off to a fine start and can quickly climb the rankings.
Somehow, the Rays always seem to remain competitive. They are no longer a “sneaky good” team. They are simply good and able to prove you don’t need to spend big to win.
6) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are lucky to play in the division they do. None of their National League Central rivals did a whole lot to get much better. With warts of their own to worry about, the team will look to repeat as division champions with their pitching staff.
Hopeful for a return of form from Christian Yelich, the Brewers will be a team to prove whether or not the saying “good pitching beats good hitting” is true in today’s baseball world. A shaky start against the rival Cubs, however, could be a hint of a quick fall for them on future power rankings.