5) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves had their chance last week to take the division but instead fell further behind. It’s not such a horrendous situation. They will still earn themselves a wild card.
Atlanta is one of those quality teams this season that can either go real far in the postseason or come up flat. Call it a World Series hangover, if you must. For them, they’ll need a couple of unexpected hot streaks. Because they do rely heavily on home runs and they strike out a lot, both extremes are possible.
4) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
Eh, the New York Yankees don’t feel so strong lately. Several of the trade deadline moves haven’t taken the world by storm. They were so good earlier on this season that there’s no cause to panic — until the postseason begins, of course.
The Yankees are still a favorite to win it all. However, some recent struggles should raise doubts. This is a team that has done this before. They waltz into the postseason, then get eliminated early. Have they lost their mojo? There’s time to unfreeze it and get back into winning a little more consistently.
3) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros
The best team in the American League right now is the Houston Astros. They aren’t in the same tailspin as the Yankees. Houston has the World Series experience no one else in the American League can come close to matching. They’ve been there in 2017, 2019, and again in 2021. Although this year’s team is quite different, there are plenty of holdovers.
Astros fans are already eager to see the team play in October. Practically guaranteed a first round bye along with the Yankees, it’s important they don’t get too complacent. Plenty of wild card clubs or lesser divisional winners have eliminated better teams than the 2022 Astros. Their foot must not leave the pedal.
2) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets
The New York Mets have been playing some fantastic baseball recently. A much healthier team is one of the reasons for it. They are one of the few elite teams in the National League this season with very few holes holding them back.
What’s most impressive is that the Mets have two dangerous teams within their division. The National League Central and National League West are far shallower than the National League East. Even if the Mets get to beat up on the Nationals and Marlins, frequent victories against the Braves and Phillies this season have given them a strong enough lead to ease into the postseason.
1) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers
It’s no surprise to see the Los Angeles Dodgers at the number one spot yet again. Their roster is easily the best in baseball. Somehow, they manage to get the best out of veterans like Tyler Anderson. They’ve even given Joey Gallo some new life.
Home field throughout the postseason feels inevitable for Los Angeles. Nobody is better than they are right now. Despite not owning the best record all year, maybe nobody ever was.