MLB Power Rankings: Astros overtake Yankees, Red Sox spiraling down
By Tim Boyle
25) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
Let’s issue a punishment on the Los Angeles Angels. Nobody threw away the opportunity they had this season more than they did. Once believed to actually have a shot at the American League West title, they are now just as bad as the other bottom feeders in MLB with only the benefit of a strong start to help them.
With Mike Trout placed on the IL and Shohei Ohtani left to carry the load, things aren’t about to turn around for them anytime soon. Other teams responded this season when their manager was fired. The Angels kept down the same path and it’s not working.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers
Still the weakest offense in baseball, the Detroit Tigers might want to consider moving the outfield fences in another 100 feet to give their players any chance at hitting a home run. It’s going to be a challenge for anyone to reach 60 RBI this year or score that many runs either.
The bullpen is the one source of comfortable for Detroit fans. Several pieces will probably be on the move before the trade deadline. The Tigers were supposed to be much better than this. Making some smart trade deadline decisions for MLB-ready players should be a goal of theirs with Michael Fulmer and Andrew Chafin possibly headlining those moves.
23) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
About a week before the MLB trade deadline and it’s the Chicago Cubs who have a lot of the power. They can sell a little bit of everything. From Willson Contreras to Ian Happ to David Robertson, this club has some intriguing candidates. They also haven’t last a game since the All-Star Break; a fact subject to change very soon.
Given the likelihood of a massive sale coming, this might be the best spot the Cubs have in the MLB Power Rankings for the rest of the year. Things can only get worse for them. If anyone’s prepared for losing, it’s these fans.
22) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks could be a sneaky good team next year. They already had a chance to do some damage in 2022. Instead, the offense took the year off. The bullpen didn’t do much either.
The Diamondbacks aren’t in a spot where they’ll blow it all up at the trade deadline. They have a decent core, three good starting pitchers, and enough of a reason to stay with exactly what they have, maybe sell a veteran or two, and turn their focus to 2023.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies
It’s going to be hard for the Colorado Rockies to ever compete without having a much better pitching staff. Their starters, outside of Chad Kuhl, have been ineffective. The bats have woken up in recent weeks but not nearly enough to make up for the absence of pitching talent they have.
Colorado is another one of those clubs that fall into the category of trade deadline seller but might not have as much to give up. It’s easy to get them confused with the Diamondbacks. The clubs have opposite issues with the Rockies hitting well but not getting much at all from their pitchers.