MLB Power Rankings: Mets, Rockies rise while Braves, White Sox sink
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
No team has missed the playoffs in Major League Baseball for as many consecutive years as the Seattle Mariners. Expanded playoffs, another year of experience from their young players, and some additions over the winter have them looking ready to end the drought.
In order to get there, Seattle will need to outplay expectations and also see some of the tougher teams in the American League West falter. Already, both look to be true. Their biggest competition is the team finishing slightly ahead of them on this power ranking.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the playoffs is what Major League Baseball needs. Fortunately, the Los Angeles Angels have started off well and look like they could end up playing deep into October. Rather than sign their life away with huge contracts, the Angels filled needs with additions to the rotation and bullpen.
Frankly, it’s about time the Angels started playing well. Still in need of maybe one more starting pitcher, they can address this need in late July. For now, hope everyone stays healthy.
8) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
Wander Franco looks to be the real deal yet that’s not nearly the most important story for the 2022 Tampa Bay Rays. This is a season where they will, yet again, try to challenge for a title with a low payroll and regular openers starting games for them.
Somehow, they always manage to survive. Kevin Cash deserves a lot of credit. He is getting the most out of his players yet again this year and the bullpen looks phenomenal. While the other four big teams in the division are hoping to buy a championship, the Rays continue to win with smarts.
7) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
The New York Yankees should still be right in the thick of a playoff race all season long. Even if they let down most of their fans with the offseason they had, the roster is one of the better ones in baseball. They have proven to be a streaky club that can get shutout for nearly an entire series or sweep away their biggest competitor. Few teams will fluctuate as much as they will on the MLB Power Rankings. Fortunately, they should never drop too low.
Sweeping the Cleveland Guardians over the weekend helped solidify their dominance in the American League. Their biggest danger will be not capturing the division title. As many problems as the Yankees appear to have, they are in terrific shape.
6) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are right there where they should be as one of the best clubs in the National League Central. Their goal should be to take the division and not settle for one of the wild card spots.
Some of the same issues they faced last year could get in the way for the 2022 version. The Brewers haven’t hit particularly well early on. Their saving grace remains a top-of-the-line rotation and one of the best bullpens in the game.