MLB Power Rankings: The best-case scenario for all 30 MLB teams this season
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays overtake the New York Yankees
Passing the New York Yankees in the standings is the best-case scenario for the Toronto Blue Jays. Everyone knows the Blue Jays will be good, but most would predict it’s a Wild Card spot again for them. Winning the American League East is the goal. Hanging the Mission Accomplished banner at Rogers Centre with the Yankees looking up at them would be a brilliant ending to their 2023 regular season.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks sneak into the postseason on Zac Gallen’s back
Zac Gallen should be everyone’s favorite first-time Cy Young candidate in 2023. The stud Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher can help lead them far. Imagine them bumping off a team like the San Diego Padres from the postseason. If there’s one team on the rise in the National League to sneak into the postseason, it might be them.
8) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers basically clinch the NL West in August
Getting a magic number down to zero in August is a little too much, even for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let’s add the word “basically” in there. Sometimes you just know it’s smooth sailing through September. Being able to utterly dominate the division is the best thing the Dodgers can see happen for them in 2023. Then it’s onto the playoffs where they will hope to have a happy ending.
7) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets prove you can buy your way to the top
Can you buy a championship? New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is trying. Putting those millions to work and winning the pennant because it shows the greatest weapon the Mets will make them a threat as long as Cohen is in charge. They will always have draft picks and talent evaluators. Being able to spend your way out of trouble is artillery not every owner is willing to buy.
6) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals trade for then extend Shohei Ohtani
Watch out for the St. Louis Cardinals to become a midseason trade destination for Shohei Ohtani. There are a couple of reasons for it. They could use the arm in their rotation now and next season. He’d be a great DH option for them as well, allowing others to file in as depth. Any Ohtani trade does require an extension. The Cardinals should be able to afford both a trade and extension while remaining atop the list of National League contenders.