MLB Power Rankings: Astros reign supreme, Yankees lost some steam

5) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

We’ve entered the rest of the NL East. The New York Mets fall into third within the division because of how evenly matched the clubs are and the atrocious ending to the 2022 season. They were one-hit in Game 3 at home. While they’ve made some upgrades, they had a somewhat similar offseason as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Minus Edwin Diaz for the whole season, they’ll need to put a lot of faith into the rest of their team to make a dominant closer an unnecessary part of the puzzle.

4) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies may not be any better than the New York Mets. Last year’s regular season standings suggested as much. However, as the reigning NL Champions, they get a little more benefit to kick off the year. They’ll do it without Bryce Harper in the beginning and will have to navigate all season without Rhys Hoskins. Offense will come from other places. Getting enough from the pitching is the far bigger question.

3) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series and took the division again in 2022. Although they fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason, they do look mightier heading into this season. Atlanta has some pretty good starting pitching depth and a lineup that compares to just about everyone. Even if they’re going to go with the less popular choice of keeping Vaughn Grissom off the Opening Day roster, the Braves will be a force in the league yet again.

2) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres

Sorry, Los Angeles Dodgers fans. The San Diego Padres eliminated your team in the postseason and only got better this offseason. Their already stacked starting lineup only got better with the addition of Xander Bogaerts. The Padres aren’t going to win a World Series with ease or even cruise into the postseason without a fight. Maybe the hungriest team for a championship out there, let’s put the pressure on the Padres to deliver early on.

1) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

There’s no question who deserves the number one spot. The Houston Astros remain an incredible ball club. An injury to Jose Altuve might have put a slight damper on their hopes and dreams of repeating. He’ll be back in a few weeks and they’ll make do without him until then. With a very similar roster as last season with maybe the biggest difference being the loss of Justin Verlander, the young pitching staff will have their chance to prove they don’t need him.