MLB Power Rankings: Astros reign supreme, Yankees lost some steam
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
The World Baseball Classic featured both of the Los Angeles Angels stars with a Shohei Ohtani vs. Mike Trout matchup finishing it off. The performance does little to help them in the MLB Power Rankings. What puts them in the middle is how the club didn’t fold in the offseason. With an up-and-coming rotation and a healthy Anthony Rendon, the Angels should be much better.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
On the topic of much better, the Texas Rangers are expected to compete this season. They fall out of the top dozen teams to begin the year which means a playoff spot is within reach yet not quite on the tips of their fingers. The Rangers had a disappointing season in 2022. An offseason highlighted by overhauling the starting pitching staff should lead to better results.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
It’s difficult to ever buy into what the Tampa Bay Rays are doing. We need to give them credit for what they accomplish nearly every season on a low budget. They get the unlucky number 13 spot in the MLB Power Rankings to begin the year. Don’t worry, Rays fans. They are baseball’s ultimate underdog. Put them against the ropes and they’ll punch out of it. Let’s see what the front office has cooked up this offseason to reinvent the game.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers fell just shy of a playoff berth last year. With much of the roster intact and a few different players added in, they’ll need a bit more from star players like Christian Yelich if they’re going to return to the postseason. The Brewers are a team with a chance to swing in either direction. If the pitching doesn’t hold up, they could be doomed. If the arms do their job, don’t rule out a division title.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are the best team in their division not because they have the most stacked roster but because they continually prove they are worthy. They were one win away from advancing to the ALCS last season. They may not have the same firepower as some other clubs. Still, this is a club we shouldn’t sleep on. Jose Ramirez is already in the MVP conversation and Andres Gimenez looks like he’ll turn into an absolute stud.