MLB Power Rankings: The worst-case scenario for all 30 MLB teams this season
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians are a one-man lineup
Jose Ramirez is easily the best hitter on the Cleveland Guardians. He got some help last year from some unexpected sources. Andres Gimenez and Steven Kwan were a fun pair. If they regress and newcomer Josh Bell is more like his San Diego Padres self from last year than the player he was with the Washington Nationals, the Guardians could be looking at a one-man lineup. They won’t go far under those circumstances.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox rebuild begins
The Chicago White Sox weren’t nearly aggressive enough this offseason. Andrew Benintendi and Mike Clevinger aren’t nearly good enough to lift them to the next level. It’s okay for fans to already feel like the worst-case scenario has begun. It would be for a rebuild on the horizon. It seems like they just went through one. With many of their young players not reaching the potential and several older ones nearing free agency, it’s an unfortunate path the White Sox could head down.
8) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies rebuild doesn’t begin
On the topic of rebuilds, the Colorado Rockies actually need one. It doesn’t need to be extensive. However, trades candidates like Charlie Blackmon, C.J. Cron, and Randal Grichuk are sitting there waiting for the highest bidder. The Rockies haven’t been able to figure out their pitching. Even the wisest scientists probably couldn’t help. Colorado doesn’t need to completely gut the roster. They just need to be smart and sell.
7) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves collapse in September
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Atlanta Braves are hoping this doesn’t apply to them. They’ve had bragging rights for two straight years when the New York Mets collapsed in September. Feeling confident in themselves right now, the worst-case scenario would be for the same to happen to them. Making it worse, the collapse also includes the Philadelphia Phillies passing them.
6) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees lose in the ALCS again
Another New York Yankees loss in the ALCS is devastating. And we know exactly who eliminates them. Yet again, the rival Houston Astros arrive to deliver a gut punch to the Yankees in this worst-case scenario. It’s one of the most predictable outcomes in the sport.