MLB Power Rankings: From the best to the worst after the MLB trade deadline
By Kevin Henry
MLB Power Rankings: 15. Minnesota Twins
The Twins didn’t do much at the MLB trade deadline, but perhaps the Twins feel like they have everything they need already in house to win the AL Central? Minnesota is 5-1 in August and has opened up a 4.5-game lead on the Guardians in the division, so Minnesota holding on to its prospects and putting the pedal down toward winning the division seems to be the plan in the Twin Cities.
MLB Power Rankings: 14. Chicago Cubs
Are they buyers? Are they sellers? The Cubs kept plenty of people guessing until word came down that Cody Bellinger would not be traded. Once that was known, there wasn’t much suspense around Marcus Stroman perhaps moving. However, with him now on the injured list, it’s going to take more of the offense (and newly acquired Jeimer Candelario) to lead Chicago to the postseason.
MLB Power Rankings: 13. Miami Marlins
The Marlins were very active at the trade deadline, showing that they believe they can be a force if they can grab one of the Wild Card spots. With Philadelphia also battling for the postseason and the Braves in the division as well, if Miami can turn some of its moves at the deadline into some wins in the division as the schedule, that’s a positive. However, losing two of three to Philly and getting swept by the Rangers in Texas certainly didn’t help.
MLB Power Rankings: 12. Cincinnati Reds
The youth movement in Cincinnati is facing its first true test after losing its first six games of August. With Miami coming into Cincinnati for three games to begin the week, it will be interesting to see which of the two franchises badly in need of a series win come away with one. The Sam Moll addition to the bullpen wasn’t much at all at the deadline. Will the Reds regret being so quiet?
MLB Power Rankings: 11. Philadelphia Phillies
Getting Michael Lorenzen at the trade deadline could prove to be one of the best deals of any team. If Philadelphia can stretch out its rotation and still have arms heading into the postseason that aren’t exhausted, is anyone going to put it past them to make another run to the World Series?