MLB Power Rankings: Nearly unstoppable Rays, Giants have seen better days
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
Another .500 baseball team at 8-8, the Seattle Mariners have another one of those rosters of guys playing really well or terribly bad. Jarred Kelenic has finally arrived and he’s getting help from teammate Ty France. Then there’s not much else in the lineup contributing. This is a tough team to read. At least Luis Castillo is an early Cy Young contender. At 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA after 4 starts, the Mariners look like they have their ace.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
It may take some time before the Baltimore Orioles can sneak into the top dozen even if it’s just within their grasp. The pitching is still pretty lousy. Where they’ve excelled is at scoring runs in abundance. With 94 bodies crossing home plate already, they are second in runs scored. In case you’re curious, it’s not illegal to own an Adley Rutschman jersey even if you don’t root for the Orioles. Shipping takes 4-6 weeks. He’ll still be on an MVP pace by the time it arrives. Make sure you sign for it so your neighbor doesn’t steal the package.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
Leading the National League West, we find the Arizona Diamondbacks. While not the top team in the division in the MLB Power Rankings, they’re definitely doing a good job at earning our respect. Zac Gallen had a bumpy beginning to the year and now seems more like himself. Their record is better than their actual play on the field. However, with an 8-6 record against teams .500 or better, they may be a decent ball club and a sneaky playoff contender.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros
Let this serve as the final warning for the Houston Astros. They can only mention their 2022 World Series so much to help them in the MLB Power Rankings. Now 7-9 with the same exact record as the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, they’ve been incredibly slow out of the gate. If not for the Oakland Athletics, this is a team that might be in last place in their division. There just doesn’t seem to be quite the same urgency for them this season and with good reason. They won their championship. As much as the brain wants another, the hearts of many players may still be celebrating.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers
A run differential of +18 at this point in this season usually means you’re a pretty good ball club. This may be the case for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, at only 8-8, the .500 record puts them around the middle of the pack in terms of performance. The offense hasn’t been great with Max Muncy and Chris Taylor off to slow starts again this year. This upcoming week’s schedule is tough. They play the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. Some big wins and they can re-enter the top ten. Even splitting these games and they could fall back.