MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams rank after the Winter Meetings

5) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves

If you’re tempted to slide the Atlanta Braves down the MLB Power Rankings because of inactivity, your feelings are justified. They haven’t done much but that could be because they don’t really need to. Atlanta is well-positioned already to have an almost complete roster. Bringing back Dansby Swanson is a possibility and so is looking for an upgrade somewhere else in the lineup. It wouldn’t be a shock if all the Braves do is add depth. Even then, they’re a challenger for the pennant.

4) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals

It was a great move by the St. Louis Cardinals to ruin the winter for Cubs fans by signing Willson Contreras away. He made the most sense for them behind the plate. Now they have him and suddenly the team looks a lot more dangerous. They have some of the best young talent in the sport and two of the top three MVP finishers including the winner, Paul Goldschmidt. Expect them to do much more than fall in the Wild Card round next year.

3) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

This offseason hasn’t been a particularly awesome one for the Los Angeles Dodgers just yet. Nonetheless, how can the team with the best record in 2022 fall too hard? They have some amazing players returning. The quieter they are, the more afraid the rest of the league should be. Something major is brewing with this team.

2) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees

It cannot be overstated how important it was for the New York Yankees to re-sign Aaron Judge. Now that they did, the focus should turn to improvements. This means change. The Yankees look very much like they did at the end of last season with Judge and Anthony Rizzo already back. An upgrade to the rotation and left field are both necessary. They have pieces to trade. Make it happen.

1) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

The defending champion Houston Astros are number one in the MLB Power Rankings and for good reason. Although Justin Verlander is gone, they have a complete rotation and enough bats to make up for any trouble they get into. The Jose Abreu signing was a beautiful thing for them. Houston is a destination ball club. Prepare for them to stealthily sign at least one more top free agent before the title defense officially begins. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Nobody could beat the Astros last year.