MLB Power Rankings: From the best to the worst after the MLB trade deadline
By Kevin Henry
MLB Power Rankings: 10. San Diego Padres
Some of the biggest news for the Padres came before the trade deadline (when the team caught fire and seemingly convinced general manager A.J. Preller that they should indeed be buyers) and after the trade deadline, when Joe Musgrove’s shoulder soreness landed him on the injured list. The Padres are hoping he returns this season, and San Diego would need him back to be a serious postseason contender.
MLB Power Rankings: 9. Toronto Blue Jays
Just call the Blue Jays the Northern Cardinals after a trade deadline where St. Louis and Toronto made multiple trades, with Jordan Hicks bringing his velocity to the Toronto bullpen among other moves. A sweep of Boston over the weekend has Toronto right in the thick of the AL East and the Wild Card chase. Can the Blue Jays live up to their potential and enter the postseason looking like a team that could challenge Houston for the AL title?
MLB Power Rankings: 8. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers boosted their lineup with Mark Canha and Carlos Santana, then added Andrew Chafin into the bullpen. Milwaukee was more active at the trade deadline than Cincinnati. Will that give the Brewers the edge in the race for the NL Central? With three home games against Colorado and three road games against the White Sox this week, Milwaukee should be able to flex some muscles.
MLB Power Rankings: 7. San Francisco Giants
One of the haunting questions of the trade deadline will be, “Why didn’t San Francisco do more to improve when it looks like a team that could grab a Wild Card spot?” Adding A.J. Pollock is not a needle-mover, but perhaps with Arizona stumbling and the Padres seemingly unable to get to .500 this season, maybe San Francisco’s decision to stay put was the right one.
MLB Power Rankings: 6. Houston Astros
The defending World Champions added Justin Verlander to the rotation. The bullpen also got better with Kendall Graveman coming on board. Add in a healthy Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve and it feels like the Astros are exactly where they want to be (and that’s prepared for battle in October) as the dog days of August kick into high gear.