MLB Power Rankings: Mets, Rockies rise while Braves, White Sox sink
By Tim Boyle
25) MLB Power Rankings: Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals could win more games than expected this season. The way they can accomplish this is by getting the most out of their young players.
Currently in the post-selloff era of the ball club, we should expect them to continually try to lower the payroll while ownership continues to mull over the future. Likely still one of the worst teams in baseball this year, they have at least managed to poke their heads out of the cellar.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates
Nobody should expect the Pittsburgh Pirates to necessarily climb the MLB Power Rankings as much as we can predict other teams will fall behind them. They haven’t been an absolute disaster this season. We can thank the weak division for this.
The Pirates should have a chance to finish as high as third in the National League Central. This is a year about making improvements and developing young players. They look better than last year. However, there’s a lot more baseball to play.
23) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals
A roster made up of mostly underdogs, has-beens, and promising youngsters, the Kansas City Royals aren’t anybody’s favorite to win the World Series. Nevertheless, they can play spoiler and also surprise some people.
Arguably the weakest club in the American League Central on paper, their goal should be to finish in fourth-place. Thus far, the Roylas have benefitted from being in a weak division.
22) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
One of baseball’s most mysterious teams, the Chicago Cubs spent money this offseason but possibly in all of the wrong places. They brought in free agent Marcus Stroman whose first few starts with the club haven’t gone so well.
The Cubs didn’t behave like a big market team this winter. They opted to go with more affordable choices in the free agent signings they did make. It’s already showing in the standings. Beating up on some of their weaker division rivals won’t do much to better their spot on this list.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Oakland Athletics
Before they are eventually move to Las Vegas, Montreal, or Anytown, USA, the Oakland Athletics will have to get through the 2022 season with poor attendance and a roster that leaves no one feeling good about their chances. They haven’t been a complete doormat through the first few weeks. To the surprise of many, they’re actually very much alive.
A lot of the credit can go to pitchers Daulton Jefferies and Paul Blackburn. In the absence of far more seasoned starters, these two have looked eager to make the Athletics a relevant team in 2022. Maybe it’s not fair to rank them so low. If they can continue to play like this for two weeks, they can jump up much higher.