MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams rank after the Winter Meetings
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers went out and did exactly what they said they would. Martin Perez accepted the qualifying offer back in November. Over the last week, they’ve signed Jacob deGrom and Andrew Heaney. The rotation is suddenly looking a lot better. The Rangers have work to do in other departments, but their greatest need has been filled before Hanukah is over.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
Putting the Milwaukee Brewers this high in the MLB Power Rankings is giving them the benefit of the doubt. They did add Jesse Winker in the Kolten Wong trade. This is a club that came close to making the postseason last year. They still have Corbin Burnes and other solid pieces. They do seem to be falling fast in the MLB Power Rankings. Do they want to compete or do they just want to make the fans think they’re trying to? The latter seems more correct after the Winter Meetings.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a tough team to buy into as a legitimate World Series threat. They’re definitely good. They are a smart baseball club that works on a budget. The Zach Eflin addition should give them an arm they can hope to develop further. However, the bats remain underwhelming and a problem area for this team. Where will they find their bargain trade chip to boost the offense?
12) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles nudge ahead of the Rays not so much because of what they’ve done this offseason but because it’s safe to believe they have momentum on their side. The Orioles are what a team like the Diamondbacks will hope to grow into this coming year. Baltimore does need more pitching and the addition of a top free agent shortstop could do wonders for them. Flip them with the Rays if you must. The two clubs are very different yet very close.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are going to look a lot different this season. Teoscar Hernandez is ready to tear the cover off the ball for them. Kolten Wong will look to have an impact in a different way as their starting second basemen. We all know how much Jerry Dipoto loves to have an active offseason. They’ve laid out some groundwork for whatever they have planned.