MLB Power Rankings: Braves running up that hill, White Sox stuck in the upside down

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 30: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Adam Duvall #14 after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 14-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 30: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Adam Duvall #14 after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 14-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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MLB Power Rankings
ST LOUIS, MO – JUNE 29: Sandy Alcantara #22 and Jacob Stallings #58 of the Miami Marlins celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 at Busch Stadium on June 29, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) /

20. MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels didn’t just slip out from being one of the best teams in baseball. They are now closing in on joining some of the worst. Probably more of a .500 club than anything else by season’s end, the playoffs feels far less likely.

It’s a shame because Shohei Ohtani has been a brilliant hitter and pitcher yet again this year. Mike Trout isn’t having one of his best years yet he is in the MVP conversation. This team took a lot of gambles on players in the offseason and they were paying off until suddenly they stopped.

19. MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins

Sandy Alcantara looks like he could win a Cy Young for this weak Miami Marlins club. That’s what they are. Weak. They show up to the gym. They stay around the colorful dumbbells. Maybe they can do a few heavy leg presses.

Overall, this is another one of those Marlins teams where they have a ton of heart but not enough talent. The blame should go to the front office. They were heading in the right direction. All they had to do was open their wallets. Instead, Miami is once again a punching bag.

18. MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox

Stranger Things returned for its conclusion this month and the Chicago White Sox made an appearance in the Upside Down. Not really but if you haven’t caught up yet, you would probably believe it.

The White Sox are their own worst enemy. Tony La Russa is busy rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic with a plan to build a tower of them high enough to prevent everyone from sinking with him. Injuries have played a big factor to their failings but so did a lack of quality offseason moves. The White Sox seemed to believe the American League Central was all locked up. It wasn’t and they’re going to get left behind.

17. MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners

Maybe the Seattle Mariners aren’t better than the White Sox so consider this spot for them ahead of Chicago as a punishment for the Southsiders. What could be more insulting than falling behind the MLB team with the longest playoff drought?

The Mariners and White Sox actually do have a few things in common. Each falsely believed in themselves a little too much. The Mariners thought many of their young players were ready to play George E. Pickett in their 2022 charge. They may have been correct because like that famous charge at Gettysburg, it’s not ending well for those stampeding toward their enemies.

16. MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers aren’t so far away from a playoff spot as it feels. Although their offense hasn’t been so great, they do have the potential to take advantage of any American League collapses.

The Rangers do have another advantage. With very few pieces to possibly trade at this year’s deadline, maybe they convince themselves to buy. Martin Perez would be the most obvious player to deal away but if they hold onto him and maybe even look to add another arm—preferably someone they could keep beyond 2022—they could set themselves up nicely for next year.