MLB Power Rankings: Mets keep on rolling, Twins looking limp
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
If there is one wild card team that looks as good on paper as any of the division leaders, it might be the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite currently being top ten in the MLB Power Rankings, one could still classify them as a little bit of a disappointment.
The Blue Jays do have a questionable rotation that will benefit greatly from shorter series in the postseason. Their offense may need to lead them, though. Even if the numbers aren’t quite there for guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., they remain a threat to outhit anyone.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are hardly a favorite to win the World Series, and that might just be because we haven’t seen them in the postseason since 2001. Stranger things have happened. With a well-balanced roster and Luis Castillo now taking the mound for them every fifth day, the Mariners can be a formidable foe in the postseason.
The phrase “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” can be relayed to the performance of the Mariners this year. They started strong, weakened, and then decided enough was enough. They began to win games. They remain a top ten club in the MLB Power Rankings until they remember how to lose again.
8) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres failed to take off once Juan Soto arrived but they are playing some better baseball in recent days. Thank goodness. Otherwise, this club would be a complete disaster.
They do fall in the MLB Power Rankings exclusively because of the 80-game suspension to Fernando Tatis Jr. They won’t have him for the rest of the year or in the postseason. The Padres have made it this far without him. Nonetheless, it’s a big blow to a team with huge championship aspirations.
7) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
It feels like the National League Central will go to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers have faded and the Cardinals have gotten a lot from several of their trade deadline acquisitions. They suddenly seem deeper and, more importantly, healthier.
The Cardinals aren’t without their problems. However, with MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt in the middle of the lineup along with Nolan Arenado, it’s tough to beat them. The Cardinals may not have landed Juan Soto at the trade deadline. It’s looking like they didn’t need to.
6) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
Who realized the Philadelphia Phillies were actually good? Maybe they don’t have the best fundamentals. The defense is still hard to watch. But the starting rotation is good, the bullpen is sturdy, and the bats are reliable.
The Phillies are doing most of their winning in the absence of Bryce Harper. When he returns, they can be a whole lot more dangerous. And if Nick Castellanos ever heats up, watch out! This is a team that can beat you with their bats or an ace performance on the mound. They’re sneaky. Don’t sleep on them.