MLB Power Rankings: Yankees vs. Phillies for No. 1, Mariners Join Top 10, Cubs Slide
The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies became the first teams in baseball to reach 40 wins last week, and those two star-studded rosters have emerged as the cream of the crop in their respective leagues.
Not far behind those two front-runners, the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are also top-tier contenders, while the Seattle Mariners enter the week as one of the hottest teams in baseball.
In the middle of the pack, there are nine teams within two games of either side of a .500 record, and that opens the door for plenty more shuffling in the coming weeks as those clubs find their footing as contenders or non-contenders.
For now, here's how all 30 teams stack up across baseball.
Nos. 30-28
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30. Chicago White Sox (15-45)
Previous Rank: 30
Last Week: 0-3 vs. TOR, 0-3 @ MIL
The White Sox have dropped 11 in a row and are currently on pace for a 121-loss season, which would put them squarely in the conversation for the worst team in baseball history. Despite their struggles as a team, Garrett Crochet (13 GS, 3.49 ERA, 93 K, 69.2 IP) and Erick Fedde (12 GS, 3.12 ERA, 66 K, 69.1 IP) have been one of the best one-two punches in baseball atop the rotation.
29. Los Angeles Angels (21-38)
Previous Rank: 28
Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY, 0-3 @ SEA
With a 1-8 record in their last nine games, the Angels have fallen to the bottom tier of teams and looked poised to be sellers at the trade deadline. Left-hander Reid Detmers was optioned to the minors on Sunday as he tries to sort through a rough patch after previously looking like a long-term building block on the staff.
28. Miami Marlins (21-39)
Previous Rank: 25
Last Week: 1-2 @ SD, 1-2 vs. TEX
The Marlins were shut out on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday last week as they search for answers offensively. They rank 29th in OPS (.641) and 29th in runs per game (3.65), ahead of only the White Sox in both categories. The rumor mill continues to swirl, with starter Jesús Luzardo and reliever Tanner Scott both the subject of trade rumblings last week.
Nos. 27-25
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27. Colorado Rockies (21-37)
Previous Rank: 29
Last Week: 2-1 vs. CLE, 1-2 @ LAD
The Rockies have now won three straight series at home after taking two of three from the Guardians, though they continue to struggle mightily on the road, falling to 8-23 with a minus-58 run differential after a 4-0 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday. Starter Cal Quantrill and reliever Jalen Beeks are both shaping up to be valuable trade chips at the deadline.
26. New York Mets (24-35)
Previous Rank: 27
Last Week: 0-3 vs. LAD, 2-2 vs. ARI
With a 9-19 record in May, the Mets have already fallen a staggering 17 games back in the NL East standings, and they might already be on the tipping point of an insurmountably poor start. Right-hander Tylor Megill has been a bright spot since returning from a shoulder injury, and he tossed seven shutout innings against the Dodgers on Tuesday.
25. Oakland Athletics (24-37)
Previous Rank: 26
Last Week: 1-2 @ TB, 1-2 @ ATL
The Athletics are in a unique position to give players who might otherwise be Quad-A guys an extended look at the MLB level, and that allows someone like Miguel Andújar a chance to get in a groove. The former Yankee went 10-for-25 with two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI in six games last week, and the A's continue to be a much tougher draw than they were a year ago.
Nos. 24-22
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24. Pittsburgh Pirates (27-32)
Previous Rank: 20
Last Week: 1-1 @ DET, 1-2 @ TOR
The Pirates are 21-19 against NL teams this season, compared to 6-13 against AL opponents following Sunday's loss to the Blue Jays. Former top prospect Nick Gonzales hit .319/.377/.536 with four doubles, three home runs and 16 RBI over 65 plate appearances in May, and he has settled in as the team's starting second baseman.
23. Houston Astros (26-34)
Previous Rank: 18
Last Week: 1-3 @ SEA, 1-2 vs. MIN
With a 4-3 loss to the Twins on Sunday, the Astros fell to 5-13 in one-run games. An inconsistent bullpen (14 losses, 10 blown saves) and a lack of clutch hitting (.715 OPS with RISP, 18th in MLB) have been two major issues, and after clawing their way back to respectability following an ugly start, it was another big step backward last week.
22. Arizona Diamondbacks (27-32)
Previous Rank: 21
Last Week: 0-2 @ TEX, 2-2 @ NYM
Losing ace Zac Gallen to a hamstring injury is a major blow for the D-backs, and it's the same hamstring that forced him to leave his April 26th start against the Mariners early. With Merrill Kelly also sidelined and Eduardo Rodríguez still working his way back from the lat strain that has sidelined him since spring training, the team's starting pitching depth is stretched thin.
Nos. 21-19
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21. Cincinnati Reds (26-33)
Previous Rank: 22
Last Week: 1-2 vs. STL, 2-1 @ CHC
The Reds hit an MLB-worst .213 in May while averaging 3.11 runs per game. After a red-hot start to the year, Elly De La Cruz saw his production bottom out last month when he hit .208/.298/.287 with one home run in 115 plate appearances. Can a weekend series win at Wrigley Field serve as a turning point?
20. Washington Nationals (27-31)
Previous Rank: 23
Last Week: 3-1 @ ATL, 1-2 @ CLE
It remains to be seen if the Nationals are ready to contend for a playoff spot this year, but they continue to be a thorn in the side of top-tier teams while hovering around the .500 mark. The trio of Dylan Floro (28 G, 7 HLD, 0.94 ERA), Hunter Harvey (28 G, 18 HLD, 2.08 ERA) and Kyle Finnegan (23 G, 16 SV, 1.57 ERA) in the late innings have shortened quite a few games when they have the lead.
19. St. Louis Cardinals (28-29)
Previous Rank: 16
Last Week: 2-1 @ CIN, 1-2 @ PHI
The offseason additions of Sonny Gray (10 GS, 3.00 ERA, 57.0 IP), Lance Lynn (12 GS, 3.23 ERA, 61.1 IP) and Kyle Gibson (11 GS, 3.60 ERA, 65.0 IP) have upgraded the starting rotation as hoped over the first two months, but the Cardinals have struggled to string together wins. Their next 16 games are against the Astros, Rockies, Pirates, Cubs and Marlins, so this will be a golden opportunity to make up some ground.
Nos. 18-16
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18. Toronto Blue Jays (28-30)
Previous Rank: 24
Last Week: 3-0 @ CWS, 2-1 vs. PIT
There has been plenty of trade speculation in recent weeks surrounding the potential availability of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, but after a 5-1 week the Blue Jays are suddenly just two games below .500 and 4.5 games back in the wild-card standings. It will likely take them falling out of the race entirely to consider a fire sale.
17. Tampa Bay Rays (29-31)
Previous Rank: 17
Last Week: 2-1 vs. OAK, 1-2 @ BAL
The Rays went 14-13 with a minus-13 run differential in May, and they have yet to string together a winning streak longer than five games while spending much of the year within a few games of the .500 mark. Third baseman Isaac Paredes has been one of the AL's most productive hitters, posting an .871 OPS with 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 32 RBI.
16. Chicago Cubs (29-31)
Previous Rank: 13
Last Week: 1-3 @ MIL, 1-2 vs. CIN
The Cubs have not won consecutive games since May 5, and they have now lost six straight series with a 5-14 record and a minus-30 run differential during that span. Pete Crow-Armstrong and David Bote were recalled from Triple-A last week as they try to shake up the offense with some new faces. The crosstown rival White Sox come to Wrigley Field on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Nos. 15-13
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15. Detroit Tigers (29-30)
Previous Rank: 15
Last Week: 1-1 vs. PIT, 2-2 @ BOS
Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have optioned Alex Lange, Matt Manning and most recently Spencer Torkelson to Triple-A, shaking up the roster while trying to stay in the AL Central mix. Versatile Matt Vierling went 10-for-26 with three doubles, two home runs and five RBI last week while starting games at third base, right field and center field.
14. Texas Rangers (29-30)
Previous Rank: 19
Last Week: 2-0 vs. ARI, 2-1 @ MIA
The Rangers snapped a six-game losing streak last Sunday, then put those struggles squarely in the rearview with a pair of series wins last week. Rookie Wyatt Langford was activated from the injured list on Friday, but he took the roster spot of fellow rookie Evan Carter who is dealing with lower back tightness.
13. San Francisco Giants (29-31)
Previous Rank: 10
Last Week: 2-1 vs. PHI, 0-3 vs. NYY
The Giants climbed into the Top 10 last week on the strength of an 8-2 stretch of games and kept things rolling with a series win over the Phillies, but they crashed back to earth over the weekend when they were outscored 20-10 over a three-game series with the Yankees. Starter Blake Snell exited Sunday's game with a groin injury, so an already banged-up rotation will be stretched thin once again.
Nos. 12-10
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12. Boston Red Sox (30-30)
Previous Rank: 14
Last Week: 1-2 @ BAL, 2-2 vs. DET
The Red Sox went 12-16 with a minus-14 run differential in May, with several arms from the starting rotation regressing after a terrific first month. Meanwhile, the offense lost Tyler O'Neill (knee inflammation) and Vaughn Grissom (strained hamstring) to injury last week, with Bobby Dalbec and Jamie Westbrook recalled from the minors to replace them on the roster.
11. San Diego Padres (32-30)
Previous Rank: 12
Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIA, 2-1 @ KC
Losing Yu Darvish (groin strain) and Joe Musgrove (elbow inflammation) will test the Padres pitching depth, and it will likely be Randy Vásquez and Jhony Brito who were both acquired in the Juan Soto trade filling the void in the rotation. Their upcoming matchups against the Angels, D-backs, Athletics and Mets provide them with a favorable stretch of games.
10. Atlanta Braves (33-24)
Previous Rank: 8
Last Week: 1-3 vs. WAS, 2-1 vs. OAK
The Braves played sub-.500 baseball in May, finishing 13-14 with a minus-five run differential, and Adam Duvall went 5-for-26 with 11 strikeouts last week in his first full week filling the void left behind by an injured Ronald Acuña Jr. after his torn ACL. Now they kick off a nine-game road trip looking to get things back on track.
Nos. 9-7
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9. Kansas City Royals (36-25)
Previous Rank: 4
Last Week: 1-3 @ MIN, 1-2 vs. SD
The Royals peaked at the No. 4 spot in these rankings last week, but after back-to-back series losses they now need to prove their unexpected hot start is for real with a tough upcoming slate of games against the Guardians, Mariners, Yankees and Dodgers. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is hitting .313/.367/.539 with 31 extra-base hits and 17 steals in a MVP-caliber start to the season.
8. Seattle Mariners (34-27)
Previous Rank: 11
Last Week: 3-1 vs. HOU, 3-0 vs. LAA
The Mariners are 7-1 in their last eight games, and star outfielder Julio Rodríguez is finally showing signs of life at the plate, going 9-for-26 with three steals and four runs scored last week. Top prospect Tyler Locklear is off to a strong start following a promotion to Triple-A last week, and he could be ready to help the MLB roster in the not-too-distant future.
7. Minnesota Twins (33-26)
Previous Rank: 9
Last Week: 3-1 vs. KC, 2-1 @ HOU
The Twins made a statement in taking three of four from the Royals, leapfrogging them in these power rankings and closing the gap in the AL Central standings. Third baseman Royce Lewis is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday against the Yankees, and he is capable of making a huge impact if he can stay on the field.
Nos. 6-4
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6. Milwaukee Brewers (36-23)
Previous Rank: 7
Last Week: 3-1 vs. CHC, 3-0 vs. CWS
The Brewers have built a seven-game lead in the NL Central standings, the largest of any division leader heading into the week, and a big matchup on the road against the Phillies awaits this week. Catcher William Contreras and shortstop Willy Adames are both having All-Star worthy seasons and leading a much-improved Milwaukee offense.
5. Cleveland Guardians (39-20)
Previous Rank: 3
Last Week: 1-2 @ COL, 2-1 vs. WAS
The Guardians went 19-9 with a plus-35 run differential in May to emerge as the team to beat in the AL Central, and they will square off against the second-place Royals at home to kick off the week. The offense has found an unexpected contributor in David Fry, who is hitting .355/.493/.636 with eight home runs and 27 RBI while starting games at catcher, first base, left field and designated hitter.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (38-23)
Previous Rank: 6
Last Week: 3-0 @ NYM, 2-1 vs. COL
Aside from a five-game losing streak a few weeks ago, the Dodgers have looked every bit the juggernaut they were expected to be when the season began, and they are still navigating multiple key injuries. Right-hander Gavin Stone went 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 32 innings in May, establishing himself as a rock solid middle-of-the-rotation option behind Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Nos. 3-1
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3. Baltimore Orioles (37-20)
Previous Rank: 5
Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS, 2-1 vs. TB
The O's were dealt a double whammy last week when it was announced that John Means and Tyler Wells would both be undergoing elbow surgery, but they continue to pile up wins, going 8-2 in their last 10 games. Keep an eye on Cade Povich as a potential call-up candidate as he has a 3.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 56.2 innings at Triple-A.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (41-19)
Previous Rank: 1
Last Week: 1-2 @ SF, 2-1 vs. STL
After back-to-back weeks in the No. 1 spot, the Phillies fell to No. 2 after a series loss to the Giants opened the door for the Yankees to overtake them. Utility man Edmundo Sosa hit .306/.375/.597 with 11 extra-base hits in 81 plate appearances in May filling in for the injured Trea Turner, and he has earned regular playing time in a super-utility role once Turner returns.
1. New York Yankees (42-19)
Previous Rank: 2
Last Week: 2-1 @ LAA, 3-0 @ SF
The Yankees have not suffered a series loss since May 2, and they went 21-7 with a plus-62 run differential in May to emerge as a legitimate World Series contender. Ace Gerrit Cole is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday, and with Clarke Schmidt now sidelined with a lat strain, the Yankees won't need to decide who gets bumped from the rotation following the emergence of rookie Luis Gil.
Complete Rankings
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Complete Rankings
1. New York Yankees
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
5. Cleveland Guardians
6. Milwaukee Brewers
7. Minnesota Twins
8. Seattle Mariners
9. Kansas City Royals
10. Atlanta Braves
11. San Diego Padres
12. Boston Red Sox
13. San Francisco Giants
14. Texas Rangers
15. Detroit Tigers
16. Chicago Cubs
17. Tampa Bay Rays
18. Toronto Blue Jays
19. St. Louis Cardinals
20. Washington Nationals
21. Cincinnati Reds
22. Arizona Diamondbacks
23. Houston Astros
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
25. Oakland Athletics
26. New York Mets
27. Colorado Rockies
28. Miami Marlins
29. Los Angeles Angels
30. Chicago White Sox
Stars of the Week
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Hitter of the Week: Alex Bregman, Houston Astros
Stats: 7 G, 10-for-28, 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R
With free agency looming this offseason and no movement on an extension, Bregman is poised to be one of the most talked about players leading up to this year's trade deadline. The 30-year-old was hitting .210/.278/.323 going into last week, but he raised his OPS by 81 points with a strong performance at the plate.
Pitcher of the Week: Gavin Stone, Los Angeles Dodgers
Stats: 2 GS, 2-0, 12.0 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 13 K
With five shutout innings against the Rockies on Sunday, Stone improved to 6-2 with a 2.90 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 62 innings over 11 starts. The 25-year-old struggled to a 9.00 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 31 innings as a rookie last season, but he has found his groove as a regular member of the Dodgers rotation. Since he's technically a rookie, we'll give him Pitcher of the Week honors and give Rookie of the Year honors to another young standout.
Rookie of the Week: Luis Gil, New York Yankees
Stats: 1 GS, W, 8.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Gil recorded a quality start in all six of his appearances in May, posting a 0.70 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 38.2 innings, limiting opposing hitters to a .109 batting average during that span. The 25-year-old has a big early lead in the AL Rookie of the Year race, and he is putting together a compelling Cy Young resume after only breaking camp with a rotation spot due to the Gerrit Cole injury.
AL Award Rankings
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AL MVP
1. Aaron Judge, NYY
2. Kyle Tucker, HOU
3. Juan Soto, NYY
4. Gunnar Henderson, BAL
5. Bobby Witt Jr., KC
6. José Ramírez, CLE
7. Isaac Paredes, TB
8. Salvador Pérez, KC.
9. Rafael Devers, BOS
10. Ryan Jeffers, MIN
AL Cy Young
1. Seth Lugo, KC
2. Tanner Houck, BOS
3. Tarik Skubal, DET
4. Luis Gil, NYY
5. Corbin Burnes, BAL
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Luis Gil, NYY
2. Wilyer Abreu, BOS
3. Davis Schneider, TOR
*Note: Until decisive information is released to the contrary, I'm working under the assumption that Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller exceeded rookie eligibility limits in 2023 since his status is listed as such on his Baseball Reference page.
NL Award Rankings
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NL MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, LAD
2. Mookie Betts, LAD
3. Marcell Ozuna, ATL
4. Bryce Harper, PHI
5. Jurickson Profar, SD
6. William Contreras, MIL
7. Alec Bohm, PHI
8. Freddie Freeman, LAD
9. Christian Walker, ARI
10. Luis Arraez, SD
NL Cy Young
1. Ranger Suárez, PHI
2. Shōta Imanaga, CHC
3. Zack Wheeler, PHI
4. Tyler Glasnow, LAD
5. Chris Sale, ATL
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Shōta Imanaga, CHC
2. Jared Jones, PIT
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LAD
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