MLB Power Rankings: Phillies are out of their cage, Blue Jays doing just fine

5) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees

The New York Yankees might still be a little further behind some other clubs in the MLB Power Rankings right now. Some bigger wins over the last week has positioned them a little bit better. This is certainly a team capable of going a long stretch without losing a game.

The Yankees become even more dangerous once all of their trade deadline acquisitions start to perform. We haven’t seen Harrison Bader yet. He could turn into a surprise performer for a ball club that has been able to overcome many of its holes all year.

4) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves

Are the Atlanta Braves going to win the most games without winning a division? That’s not the goal. They remain in the hunt for the National League East lead yet unable to actually take it despite being unstoppable.

The Braves have the playoff pedigree to surge late in the season. Many of their players got the experience out of the way in 2021. Rookies like Spencer Strider, Michael Harris, and Vaughn Grissom can only sit and listen to tales of last year’s success. Their fingers don’t have a ring on it. They don’t want to be left behind.

3) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

The New York Mets continue to hold onto the National League East even with the Braves pounding on the door behind them. For the Braves to win 100 games and settle for a wild card, it’s just some tough luck. If it happens to the Mets, it’s going to lead to some enraged fans.

This year’s Mets team isn’t quite up there with some of these other elites in the MLB Power Rankings. Their bullpen isn’t completely trustworthy and the lineup is made of several platoon players. Nevertheless, with two of the best pitchers in the game plus Chris Bassitt having an ace-like year, they continue to be victorious.

2) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

Stopping the Houston Astros will be tough in the postseason. They aren’t invincible but they have shown themselves as the team to beat in the league.

Houston has had a dream season where the starters and relievers have performed incredibly well. Dusty Baker can do no wrong. Everyone is doing their job. The offense might not be quite as good as some past years. Because they should clinch the American League West relatively early, the last chase for them will be to try and pass our number one team in this week’s rankings.

1) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

We’re probably going to get a rematch of the 2017 World Series. This time, with the Astros held beneath a larger microscope, the Los Angeles Dodgers might be able to be the winners.

The Dodgers did get their World Series in 2020 when after a less-grueling 60-game schedule they ended things with a parade. It’s a legitimate championship. However, this perennial contender needs to come away with more. The Dodgers have everything the Astros have and more. The real key will be keeping their players healthy. It could be the loss of a single starting pitcher that makes a difference for them in the playoffs.