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

5. MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves won’t even pull a muscle right now reaching for the National League East lead. An awesome June has carried into July with a few more early wins to help better their spot in the standings and the MLB Power Rankings. In the words of Kate Bush, they’re running up that hill.

If the Padres represent winning with your pitching, the Braves are the example of having a well-balanced ball club. They have a good mix of everything with limited weaknesses. Even poor beginnings from players like Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall are almost excusable because they can pop home runs. The Braves are now within spitting distance of the National League East lead. They don’t look interested in waiting until August to capture it like they did in 2021.

4. MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

It’s the New York Mets that have the Braves breathing down their necks. The division lead has shortened greatly and it’s not so much because the Mets have been bad. New York hasn’t been quite as dominant while the Braves have taken advantage of a relatively weak schedule.

The Mets do have good news. Max Scherzer is supposed to return this week. Jacob deGrom shouldn’t be too far behind. The strained starting pitching depth may soon catch a break. We already understand the Mets are on a mission to win a championship this year. Even if the Braves do catch them, look for the Mets to grab them by the collar as quickly as they can.

3. MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

Freddie Freeman has heated up a little more so maybe the return to Atlanta was a good thing for him. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to pulverize opponents and are now looking to secure themselves a number one spot in the National League.

Los Angeles continues to churn out quality players each and every year. They also make wise additions and those guys perform at a high level. Who would have thought that on Independence Day their best pitcher would be Tony Gonsolin? As much of a rerun as it may appear, the Dodgers look like the team to beat in the National League.

2. MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

It’s hard to believe this is the same Houston Astros club that started off so slowly. They were behind the Angels and Mariners for a while to begin the year. Now, with plenty of unfamiliar names and faces on the roster, they are yet again one of the greatest forces in Major League Baseball.

The Astros earn a number two spot this week with plenty of room to earn a top seed in future MLB Power Rankings. Their mix of quality pitching and hitting allows them to win games in a variety of ways. And while they don’t have the most experienced club out there, they have enough veterans who have been around for years. It also doesn’t hurt to have Dusty Baker as a manager either.

1. MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees

Only the Astros may be able to take down the 2022 New York Yankees. The reigning champions of the MLB Power Rankings for several weeks now, Aaron Judge continues to build his MVP case in a lineup where the numbers hardly showcase why this team is so good.

The Yankees can hit home runs and while not an exact recipe for success, it works for them. However, it’s the pitching staff that has them in first place and running away from everyone else. Their starting five is better than anyone else. The bullpen is as complete as it can get. They have shown no signs of deflating. In fact, they might only get better as minor tweaks to the roster are improved upon.