MLB Power Rankings: Mets, Rockies rise while Braves, White Sox sink

5) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants

Surprisingly dominant in 2021, the San Francisco Giants look good yet again in 2022. However, another 100-win season is probably not going to happen for them. No team is that lucky.

The Giants are still a team that relies heavily on its pitching and clutch hitting. They are a strategic club where chemistry seems to matter more than the number of stars on the roster. This formula has worked well for them already this season. Despite losing some big players in free agency and not really adding much to the 2022 mix, the Giants have climbed into an early top spot on the MLB Power Rankings.

4) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals

How dare anyone doubt the ability of the St. Louis Cardinals to compete. Nolan Arenado looks like an early MVP candidate. The team could find themselves running away with the division if the rest of the team starts hitting, too. Their bullpen looks stable and the ageless Adam Wainwright may want to stick around another year if he’s able to pitch like this.

In what should be a two-team race in the National League Central, the Cardinals have already spoken clearly with their early play. It’s them or the Brewers. They get a real test in the final week of April with some games against the team ahead of them on this list.

3) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

Who says you need Jacob deGrom to contend? Despite not having the best pitcher in the game, the New York Mets have managed to show the rest of baseball that this team can win a lot of games. Their other starters have been exceptional. Francisco Lindor is well on his way to looking like his old self again, too.

The Mets will still have to overcome some obstacles. A strong early start is a good way to get them through some future bumpy patches. Leaving margin for error after winning a bunch of games early could be exactly what they need.

2) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays

Playing in the tough American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays will need to take advantage of every non-divisional game they can. Three of their most regular opponents will give them a lot of trouble this year. A superb beginning from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the rise of Alek Manoah should help trigger them to stay near the top of the MLB Power Rankings all year long.

It’s too early to worry about the Blue Jays who have struggled, but unless they turn it around quickly, they could find themselves falling. There are three other teams in their own division ready to leapfrog them for good.

1) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

As good as advertised, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain a force to be reckoned with in the National League. Trips to the NLCS are practically mandatory for them. Although running away with the National League West may be a challenge, their recent past success and roster have as much staying power as any other club.

Expect the Dodgers to be right there at the end of the season with championship aspirations. They have pitching, hitting, and ownership willing to make big moves at the trade deadline to make it all work.