25) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
Before the season began, few would have expected to see the Cardinals this low on this list, coming in with a 22-29 record away from Busch Stadium. However, this has been an unexpected season on a number of levels for St. Louis. John Mozeliak and company can only hope that it’s a one-season blip on the radar and the moves they make at the trade deadline have them on solid footing to compete again in 2024.
24) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets
Like the Cardinals, the Mets haven’t found much luck on the road, posting a 23-30 mark outside of Queens. However, at Citi Field, the Mets at least have a winning record (23-22). That’s the good news. What’s the bad news? No other team below New York has won more at home than lost, meaning it’s truly been the road Mets that have cost them this season, especially when you look at New York’s 47-34 road record last season.
23) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
Perhaps it’s ironic that three teams that were all expected to contend for deep postseason runs are lined up near the bottom of the power rankings when it comes to their road performances. San Diego checks in with a 23-28 road mark, and those numbers have improved greatly by winning four of their last five road games (against Toronto and Detroit).
22) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
The Friendly Confines have at least been somewhat friendly to the Cubs this season, logging a 26-26 mark at Clark and Addison. However, Chicago’s 21-25 record away from home is about on par with what the Cubs did last season on the road (37-44). After spending to bring in veterans like Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini, Eric Hosmer and others, it’s clear the roster moves didn’t give Chicago that much of a bump.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
The team we ranked last week as the one with the most pressure on it as the MLB trade deadline approached is just 22-26 on the road and has a nine-game road trip to Toronto, Detroit and Atlanta beginning on Tuesday. Could struggles to open the journey be the final straw in determining the fate of Shohei Ohtani in an Angels uniform?