MLB Power Rankings: 12 teams with the most to panic about

By Tim Boyle | May 1, 2023

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 29: Jake Bauers #61 of the New York Yankees walks off the field after slamming on to the outfield wall while fielding a fly ball against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the first inning at Globe Life Field on April 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Max Scherzer #21 of the New York Mets reacts after an ejection by umpire Phil Cuzzi #10 during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

10) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

Following the New York Mets and panicking seems to be a requirement. Fans aren’t in all-out panic mode right now. However, the mystery of what Justin Verlander will be when he finally does step on the mound and exactly how much Max Scherzer has left has crept into the minds of many.

There are two ways to look at the Mets. They’ve overcome some major injuries. With a lineup that scares no one, they’ve scored runs quite regularly. There are some gigantic roster holes at the moment. The rotation is a patchwork of depth pieces and the bullpen has at least a few guys in it even diehard baseball fans didn’t know before the season began.

Panic can set in for fans once the Atlanta Braves get a slightly bigger deal. Even then, you’ll find enough who believe this is the year where it’s the Braves who collapse and not the other way around, which always seems to happen.

9) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox

This year’s Boston Red Sox look like they can handle themselves against bad or mediocre teams. The problem is they play in a division with four other clubs expected to at least compete for a playoff spot. Although they aren’t the leaders in terms of panic within the American League East right now, fans shouldn’t get too cocky about this ball club.

Starting pitching is a major issue for the Red Sox and without it, they have no chance at competing. The bullpen hasn’t been anything special either. Heck, even the offense has been relying on some ugly losses by the opponent to sneak away with the win.

Jarren Duran is helping to ease some of those worries with his hot start since getting promoted. The Red Sox are an average-at-best ball club playing exactly up to those expectations. Why panic? Nobody wants to get their heart broken. This season feels like one where the Red Sox will inch to .500 then slightly over and back again. The bigger concern is what they do in the future. Their farm system isn’t loaded with future aces. Enjoy the wins. Don’t expect much more than a couple of victory laps.

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