MLB Power Rankings: Cardinals seek and destroy, Red Sox fade to black
By Tim Boyle
25) MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati Reds
Baseball’s worst team for many of the early weeks belonged to the Cincinnati Reds. Not anymore. In their own division, they’ve passed the Pirates. The Reds have been afforded the luxury to prepare for next year in advance. How far can these kids take things?
Still a little bit of a mystery of what lies ahead, the Reds are giving all of the kids a chance to play. Frankly, they don’t have much of a choice. The front office shredded the MLB roster in the offseason and at the trade deadline. Practically 26 roster spots are up for grabs. The record might not be what fans want. At least they’re getting a peek at the future with the occasional reminder of why the present year was so rough.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are falling hard in the MLB Power Rankings. Once a team often finding itself in the rebellious late teens, they are fading and looking to join the worst clubs in the sport.
It’s no surprise to see Miami this low. Injuries have pushed several young players into roles they were not prepared for. Even Sandy Alcantara has looked slightly less sharp. It’s hard to spin this year in a positive light for the Marlins. They were about as bad as expected.
23) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies
The runaway worst team in the National League West is now the Colorado Rockies. The division might not be exceptionally strong but it’s clear who the least favorite child of it is.
Their 36-32 record at home is a reminder of how average or better they could potentially be if built better. The Rockies truly are a club that benefits from the ballpark they play 81 games in. We see it in the numbers. Players who weren’t so great with other teams see their power numbers surge. Meanwhile, pitchers cannot wait to get traded.
22) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are caught in between having a promising and a questionable future. Because they are a major market team and ownership continued to spend even into the last offseason, right now is kind of a trial period for next year.
The Cubs will have spaces available for veterans and also younger players. Many are already auditioning for regular playing time in 2023. As far as play on the field goes, they are in “spoil-now” mode.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
A major rebuild could be headed to Orange County this offseason. The Los Angeles Angels let down the fans and more heads could roll. Or we could simply see more expensive heads get signed in free agency. Both options are available.
The Angels have been much more average of late than the below-average club their record says they are. There are ways they can win games—most of which involve Shohei Ohtani doing it all himself with the occasional help from Mike Trout.