MLB Power Rankings: The best-case scenario for all 30 MLB teams this season
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs are low-key offseason winners
The Chicago Cubs had a good yet not great offseason. Many of their signings could, however, outperform expectations. This is a club with the possibility of becoming low-key offseason winners. A huge bounceback from Cody Bellinger, a Cy Young-worthy performance out of Jameson Taillon, and Trey Mancini making teams regret passing on him would be their best-case scenario. Dansby Swanson having a career-year would be the perfect way to start his tenure in Chicago.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays make an expensive move
We are beginning to see the Tampa Bay Rays spend more money. They’re locking up players, relievers specifically, in their complicated process of trying to win without overspending. It would be fantastic to see them make an expensive move. This could mean adding a superstar player paired with a bad contract. There needs to be some sign that they won’t always have to outsmart everyone else.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins are more than pests in the NL East
The Miami Marlins have gotten a lot better. On both sides of the ball, this is a team capable of competing. Their biggest problem is being in the National League East with three monster teams. Being more than just pests in the division is their best-case scenario. Imagine the Marlins finishing in third-place. The team that finishes behind them might not sell a single ticket in 2024.
17) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox get a lot more from Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert
Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert have so much potential. The two budding stars of the Chicago White Sox have yet to really piece together the kind of year everyone knows they can have. A big year from either one will help the White Sox now and in the future. It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for one of these kids to become one of the best in the league.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves lock up Max Fried long-term
Max Fried is the next Atlanta Braves player who needs a contract extension. The Braves have an amazing young core signed up for the next few years. Does Fried end up going the way of Dansby Swanson? The longer Atlanta waits, the more likely it is they don’t hand him a deal.