MLB Power Rankings: The worst-case scenario for all 30 MLB teams this season
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals see Paul Goldschmidt suddenly decline
The St. Louis Cardinals are holding onto many of their best young players, but it could be a mistake if suddenly Paul Goldschmidt goes on the decline. This isn’t a team completely reliant on the reigning National League MVP. However, while he’s playing this well, they need to win a championship. Nobody may be better built to begin a dynasty more than them right now.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers make no progress toward the future
One of several teams who simply need to make progress, the Detroit Tigers are stuck in the basement with very little light. They don’t need to contend this year nor should we expect it. Some sign of improvement is what the Tigers need to give their fans. Sports in Detroit aren’t very good these days. The Tigers are a big reason for it.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals make no progress toward the future
Much of what was said about the Detroit Tigers applies to the Kansas City Royals, too. The only difference is the Royals fans can pivot to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Royals don’t have a Patrick Mahomes, though. Finding some sort of progress toward discovering who they are and what they can do is the mission of this season.
17) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs waste another offseason
The Chicago Cubs have been slowly rebuilding. This offseason included a few more risks with additions like Cody Bellinger to the roster. The worst thing for them is a lot of wasted money on players who simply weren’t good enough to deserve it. The Cubs have continued to sign free agents during this phase of the team’s history. Until they start winning, it’s questionable as to why they keep buying players.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles are worse than last season
A lack of major improvements might have the Baltimore Orioles going in the wrong direction. They courageously made a late-season run at a playoff berth only to come up just shy of a spot. The worst thing for them is to revert back to their old ways. This was supposed to be a year where they do make the postseason. Falling short when they have this many good bats already would feel like a real waste.