MLB Power Rankings: Yankees are the boss, Tigers at a loss

5) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

You’re welcome to argue the Houston Astros belong a little higher on this list. After all, they are the second-best team in the American League in just about every way. This week, they fall in the No. 5 spot which is still respectable and something to brag about.

Yordan Alvarez continues to mash while outfielder Kyle Tucker has reminded everyone that he is a core member of the Astros’ future, too. Those two have helped make up for the weak-hitting year out of Alex Bregman. Houston’s pitching staff has also been pretty good with some room for improvement from every starter not named Justin Verlander or Framber Valdez. Look for them to be in the market for another starter.

4) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres

There is a case to put the San Diego Padres one spot higher but they just don’t quite have the same luster as the three ahead of them. Losing Joe Musgrove is going to hurt. They don’t quite have the same team as the three clubs ahead of them in this week’s MLB Power Rankings.

Nevertheless, the Padres are proving they are for real. Manny Machado deserves a lot of MVP consideration. He is having a great season without much help around him. Hopefully, for San Diego’s sake, his injury scare on Sunday isn’t anything too major. We should prepare for the Padres to be in the mix to add the best bat available at the trade deadline this year. They need it if they want to roll deep into the postseason.

3) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers can have a massive losing streak and still remain one of the best teams in baseball. They have enough experience to win it all. Even if they ultimately have to settle for a wild card spot, they are one of the elite teams in the game. They can swap first place in the National League West daily with the Padres and still the Dodgers should be viewed more favorably.

Dodgers fans should be a little concerned about this team but only if they thought they could win it all without a fight. They have enough competition for the number one spot in the National League. Armed with a starting lineup that matches up with any in the game, they should hope to right the wave that is the surprisingly strong starts for pitchers like Tyler Anderson and Tony Gonsolin.

2) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

Get comfortable, New York Mets fans. There’s nothing to suggest they are going away quietly this year. Despite numerous major injuries to the pitching staff, they’ve fought on. The offense, led by first baseman Pete Alonso, has carried them to the top of the National League this year.

This year’s Mets team is built a little differently than some in the recent past. Their acquisitions in the offseason of players like Starling Marte and Mark Canha have paid off in a big way. They’ve had massive success in lieu of their top two starting pitchers. Imagine how good they can be once they get closer to full strength.

1) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees

There is no argument here. The best team in Major League Baseball is the New York Yankees. They score runs often. They don’t allow many to their opponent. They win regardless of who is sitting in the dugout across the diamond. This Yankees club might not have a roster full of Hall of Famers or even all that many All-Stars. What they do have is the ability to win. Frankly, it’s all that matter.

There are plenty of high fives to go around for this team even if you choose to skip over Joey Gallo. Aaron Judge is a one-man wrecking crew. Anthony Rizzo has quietly been one of the best sluggers in the game this season. Everything possible is going this team’s way. Even the signing of Matt Carpenter paid off. Be afraid. The Yankees are the boss.