MLB power rankings: Ranking which teams are under the most pressure before the MLB trade deadline
By Kevin Henry
25) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers
Eduardo Rodriguez has returned to the mound just in time to show why could be the answer for some teams with postseason dreams. For the Tigers, now it’s about making sure that the 30-year-old southpaw not only continues to throw well, but also that he stays healthy. If he does both of those, both he and Michael Lorenzen could be pitchers on the move that could land the Tigers some reinforcements on the farm.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
The first team with a winning record to make an appearance on our power rankings, the Phillies know almost certainly they’re not going to be able to catch the Atlanta Braves for the NL East title. They also know they’re sitting in a good position to contend for a Wild Card spot, something they did last year and made it all the way to the World Series. With Bryce Harper soon to be manning first base, Philadelphia took care of one glaring need before the deadline ever arrived. Manager Rob Thomson has dealt with pressure since taking over the position, so we’re keeping the Phillies low on the list.
23) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros
Back-to-back entries for last year’s World Series participants? Ah, life is good when you have a deep roster and the flexibility to make your team better in just a few positions. Even with Jose Altuve’s early injury and Jose Abreu’s early struggles, the Astros always felt like the AL team that still was the one to beat to get to the World Series. Houston has dealt with the pressure of the postseason many times, and these next two weeks will see the Astros only getting stronger with deals. The only pressure in Houston is seemingly how much Dusty Baker puts on his toothpicks every game.
22) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves
The team with the best record in baseball, and arguably the shrewdest front office when it comes to making deals, the Braves have little to worry about during these next two weeks except making sure they stay healthy and upgrade at positions than can make them even harder to beat. For Atlanta, it’s all about being the hunted rather than the hunter heading toward the trade deadline. Everyone else is trying to catch them for the NL’s top seed, and that leaves them feeling just fine.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
With Houston breathing down their neck in the AL West standings, you might think the Rangers are feeling the heat. Ah, but that’s where a secret weapon kicks in in Arlington … manager Bruce Bochy. At the All-Star Game, plenty of Rangers praised the veteran skipper for being a steady presence. That steady presence who has plenty of postseason experience is going to pay big dividends for the Rangers, who will likely be active at the trade deadline and made the biggest early splash by acquiring Aroldis Chapman as their closer.