MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams rank solely in run differential
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians at -18
The defending American League Central champions aren’t off to a good start this year. Their 122 runs scored is among the worst. The 140 runs surrendered is one of the better totals around the league. This has been the Guardians’ formula for years. Lean on Jose Ramirez for offense. Ask Shane Bieber to do amazing things on the mound. It hasn’t worked yet. This year, those blueprints continue to hold them back from the ultimate prize.
19) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants at -17
The San Francisco Giants are exactly where they should be. A -17 run differential isn’t glamorous nor is it awful enough for fans to plead with ownership to sell the team. One could even argue the Giants have overachieved slightly this season. The lineup is mediocre at best and the pitching staff is no prize. While teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Guardians look far more prone to turn things around, the Giants are meeting expectations.
18) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets at -10
Are the New York Mets really in this bad of shape? A run differential of -10 sure seems to put them in a class well below where they should be. The pitching staff has been a mess this season and that’s the main place to put the blame. It’s not just injuries either. Max Scherzer looks like a shell of his former self. Fans are holding out hope he can figure it out. Otherwise, that $43+ million contract this year with a player option for the same next season is going to drive Steve Cohen mad.
17) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres at -4
A win over .500 yet 4 runs below even in run differential, the San Diego Padres have been a bit of a disappointment. They’re well within range of the division lead and with the lineup they have we’d have to assume they’ll start hitting eventually. Their 145 runs scored are near the bottom in the National League. The saving grace has been the 149 runs allowed which is among the best.
16) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees at +3
Barely ahead of their Big Apple brothers are the New York Yankees. They’re nearing the .500 mark with an 18-17 record. The offense has actually been the greater weakness for the Yankees this season. They’ve scored only three more runs than they have allowed. This team should be scoring much more. For the most part, they’re getting enough out of the pitching. The bats, on the other hand, are letting them down.