MLB Power Rankings: 1st-Half Review and Look Ahead for Each Team
The 2015 MLB All-Star Game festivities have come to a close and it's time to start looking forward to the stretch run of the regular season.
There have been a plethora of storylines so far this season. From surprising teams to dominant contenders, this season has had it all.
Here is where each team stands at the midpoint of the 2015 MLB season.
30. Philadelphia Phillies: 29-62, Last in NL East
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A once-consistent contender in the National League, the Phillies are now at the bottom of the major leagues due to underwhelming performances and aging players.
The team is at the bottom of virtually every statistical category. The Phillies rank 29th with just 308 runs scored this season while the team’s pitching staff has recorded a league-worst 4.83 ERA.
Philadelphia stumbled into the All-Star break while going 3-12 in the team’s final 15 games of the first half.
First baseman Ryan Howard and second baseman Chase Utley are clearly on the decline, and the front office hasn’t done a lot the past few years to prepare for the future. The future begins now for the Phillies as they look toward 2016 and beyond.
29. Milwaukee Brewers: 38-52, Last in NL Central
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The Brewers have plenty of talent to be at the very least formidable in the National League, but their inconsistent play and awful pitching has them as the second-worst team in baseball.
The team’s starting rotation has been abysmal this season, with four out of five starting pitchers recording a 3.60 ERA or higher. The team’s No. 1 starter, Kyle Lohse, has struggled mightily this season with a 5-10 record and a 6.17 ERA.
Offensively, the team is very gifted but has been unlucky due to a plethora of injuries to key players. Former All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy and center fielder Carlos Gomez are just a few of the many names who have ended up on the team’s disabled list this season.
The Brewers are held back by major holes in the team’s starting rotation combined with the continued threat of an injury bug. While the team hopes to get back on track in the second half with an almost entirely healthy team, it is arguably too little, too late for Milwaukee.
28. Colorado Rockies: 39-49, Last in NL West
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The Rockies are one of the top offensive teams in baseball with plenty of sluggers in their starting lineup. However, the main reason they’re in the cellar of the National League West is that they’re one of the worst teams in baseball in allowing offensive production.
The Rockies rank dead last in MLB with just 32 quality starts from the team’s starting rotation. Ever since the team lost former All-Star Ubaldo Jimenez via free agency, Colorado has failed to find an identity with its pitching staff. The Rockies also have recorded a dismal 4.82 team ERA this season.
The bright spot of the team has been its two top offensive stars, third baseman Nolan Arenado and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Arenado has been arguably the top all-around third baseman this season with a .293 batting average, 24 home runs and 70 RBI.
There are trade rumors surrounding Tulowitzki, as he acknowledged to reporters, and those rumors put the franchise in a precarious situation. While the team has plenty of offensive talent, Tulowitzki’s leadership has helped the team keep its head above water this season. The Rockies may need to develop a few starting-caliber pitchers to return to formidable status.
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27. Miami Marlins: 38-51, 4th in NL East
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The Marlins have played encouraging baseball this season despite being written off by many experts before the regular season started. However, a recent injury to the team’s second-best player puts them toward the bottom of the rankings.
All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon suffered a dislocated thumb during the team’s 14-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. The extent of the injury is uncertain, but "there is a possibility that the speedy second baseman ... can avoid time on the disabled list," per Craig Davis of the Sun-Sentinel. Gordon leads the league with a .338 batting average and 122 hits.
Miami’s pitching has been impressive this season despite just returning its best pitcher. The team just returned star pitcher Jose Fernandez after a long-term stint on the disabled list dating back to last season. The team ranks in the top half of MLB with a 3.79 team ERA, 49 quality starts and a 1.26 WHIP.
The Marlins are a solid team as a whole on paper but could slip if Gordon has to miss an extended period of time. Taking his production away from the team’s starting lineup could allow this team to plummet after the All-Star break.
26. San Diego Padres: 41-49, 4th in NL West
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The Padres were thought of as a preseason World Series favorite heading into 2015 but have failed to live up to high expectations.
The team has failed to hit consistently this season with a .238 team batting average. San Diego’s leading hitter, Justin Upton, is hitting just .253 in 2015. Offseason acquisition Matt Kemp has underwhelmed this season with a .250 batting average and .291 on-base percentage.
Pitching has been a question mark for the team this season as the Padres have allowed the fifth-most home runs in the National League, with 92. The team’s pitching staff has been wild in hitting 32 opposing batters.
The Padres stumbled into the All-Star break in losing six out of the team’s final eight games. The team will probably be massive sellers at the trade deadline, which could allow it to drop further down this list in the coming weeks.
25. Oakland Athletics: 41-50, Last in AL West
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The Athletics were arguably the best team in baseball when the All-Star break arrived in 2014. This season the team is one of the worst.
Oakland has been impossible to figure out this season due to the team’s inconsistency overall. After an abysmal May in which the Athletics went 11-19, the team went 15-12 in June before recording a 6-5 record before the All-Star break in July.
Despite having a top-10 starting lineup and rotation, Oakland’s bullpen has been awful this season. The team has recorded the third-most blown saves and the second-to-last amount of saves in the American League.
While the team showed signs of its high potential in recent weeks, the team’s questionable bullpen and inconsistent play has resulted in the Athletics being in the cellar of the American League West.
24. Cincinnati Reds: 39-47, 4th in NL Central
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The Reds have underwhelmed this season despite having some of the top playmakers in the major leagues.
The team ranks 25th in MLB with just 331 runs scored. Despite having sluggers Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, the Reds have failed to match the offensive potential of their roster.
Cincinnati’s pitching staff has demonstrated poor command this season with a National League-most 288 walks allowed this season. However, the team’s bullpen anchored by closer Aroldis Chapman has sealed the deal late in games.
The Reds have great potential to break out after the All-Star break once they find their stride offensively. There is no doubt the team has all the players in place to make a deep run, but the question remains whether they will even come close to that point.
23. Seattle Mariners: 41-48, 4th in AL West
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The Mariners are similar to the Padres in the sense of the high expectations placed upon them after nearly making the postseason in 2014. However, like the Padres, the Mariners have failed to come close to those expectations.
After a rough start to the year, the team’s starting rotation has finally begun to come around mostly due to the addition of Hisashi Iwakuma and the emergence of young studs like Mike Montgomery. In his rookie season, Montgomery has recorded a 5-3 record and nearly threw a no-hitter against the Padres.
The biggest dud for the Mariners this season has once again been the team’s putrid offense. The struggles of former All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano has expanded to the rest of the team as Seattle has recorded a .236 team batting average, the second-worst in MLB.
The Mariners were arguably one of the best teams in baseball during the second half of last season, which ultimately kept them just a half game away from earning a wild-card spot. While the team’s pitching lately has been encouraging, Seattle’s offense needs to pick it up for the team to have even the smallest of chances late in the season.
22. Atlanta Braves: 42-47, 3rd in NL East
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Once projected during the offseason to be one of the worst teams in baseball, the Braves have played impressive baseball this season despite having quite a few holes on their roster.
The Braves are one of the most efficient offensive teams in baseball with a ninth-ranked .256 batting average, ranked ninth. First baseman Freddie Freeman leads the way with a .299 batting average and 41 RBI.
The team’s weakness has been with its pitching staff. The team has the fourth-worst WHIP in baseball, while teams are hitting a combined .266 against it. The recent loss of closer Jason Grilli for the season should be key heading into the second half.
The Braves are clearly a developing team but are making due despite being a few key players away from being back in the National League discussion. The team could be sellers at the deadline in order to receive prospects and financial assets.
21. Boston Red Sox: 42-47, Last in AL East
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The new-look Red Sox have underwhelmed this season despite the key offseason acquisitions of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. So far the biggest names have also been the biggest surprises in the team’s lineup.
Second baseman Brock Holt played in his first All-Star game on Tuesday after emerging this season. Holt leads the team with a .379 on-base percentage and a .412 slugging percentage.
After losing virtually its entire pitching staff before last season’s trade deadline, the team’s pitching this season has been abysmal. The team has a 4.44 ERA, which ranks 28th in MLB, and has allowed opponents to hit a combined .266.
Thankfully for the Red Sox, the team plays in the American League East, which has the closest divisional race at the All-Star break. The team will need to make some deals for pitchers before the trade deadline, but Boston could make a move up the standings later in the season.
20. Chicago White Sox: 41-45, Last in AL Central
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The White Sox made some noise this offseason with pitching acquisitions to an already-formidable offense. However, 2015 has been quite the challenge for Chicago in terms of offensive production.
The team has scored a league-worst 292 runs, along with recording a .294 on-base percentage. Second-year stud Jose Abreu has been the one bright spot as he leads the team in batting, RBI and home runs.
American League Cy Young contender Chris Sale has flourished this season with a league-best 157 strikeouts and a 2.72 ERA. Jeff Samardzija has taken major strides since his slow start to the season with just five earned runs allowed combined in his past three starts.
The White Sox have pieces in place to be successful for the next few years but need to acquire consistent hitting to contend in the American League Central. Their division is heavy with great hitting, and they will need to produce more offensively to be considered a legitimate threat.
19. Cleveland Indians: 42-46, 4th in AL Central
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Manager Terry Francona is in year two of his reign as the leader of the Indians and it’s been an up-and-down season for the Tribe.
The team’s pitching has been solid this season and ranks among the top half of MLB teams in almost every statistical category. Reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer have been solid since a rough start to the season.
Outside of All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis and outfielder Brandon Moss, the team’s offense has been sporadic this season. The team ranks 20th with a .248 team batting average and 347 runs scored.
The Indians made quite the run after the All-Star break in 2014 and nearly contended for a wild-card spot before falling during the season’s final weeks. If they are to make the same type of run this season, they will need to find more offensive production outside of Moss and Kipnis to ensure stability.
18. Texas Rangers: 42-46, 3rd in AL West
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The Rangers have surprised many this season after being one of the worst teams in baseball in 2014. A recently struggling pitching staff has revealed the true identity of the team as it plummeted into this season’s All-Star break.
The team lost seven of its final eight games and was swept in back-to-back series against the Diamondbacks and the division-leading Angels. After the team’s pitching impressed during the beginning of the season, it has been the biggest problem for the team in recent weeks.
The Rangers allowed 33 runs against the Angels and have struggled mightily. The team has recorded a dismal 1.37 WHIP this season, which ranks 28th.
There is no doubt the Rangers can score runs as they have weapons such as Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland. However, the team is on its way back to the bottom of the American League standings unless its pitching can come around.
17. Arizona Diamondbacks: 42-45, 3rd in NL West
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Like the Rangers, the Diamondbacks have been one of the biggest surprises this season after being in the cellar of the standings in 2014.
Arizona has one of the best offenses this season and is in the top 10 in many statistical categories. The team has scored the fifth-most runs in baseball while maintaining a .262 team batting average.
Early National League MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt has dominated this season with a league-best .340 batting average, 21 home runs and 70 RBI. The problem has been the team’s pitching with the third-worst team ERA in the league and just two shutouts.
The Diamondbacks are a young team with one of the best players in baseball but still have a long way to go to return to National League contending status. The National League West has been unpredictable this season, but the team will most likely slip during the season’s final months.
16. Baltimore Orioles: 44-44, 3rd in AL East
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The Orioles were one of the best teams last season before falling to the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series. Despite the early struggles, the team is just four games out of first place in the American League East.
The team stumbled into the All-Star break in losing 10 out of its final 13. Baltimore’s pitching struggled mightily to end the first half of the season in allowing 30 runs combined over the final six games.
Former All-Star Ubaldo Jimenez has seemed to return to form after struggling the past few seasons. Jimenez leads the Orioles with a 7-4 record, 98 strikeouts and a 2.81 ERA. The back end of the rotation has been the biggest issue for the Orioles, as Miguel Gonzalez and Chris Tillman each have an ERA of at least 4.24 or higher.
The Orioles have plenty of offensive weapons including Manny Machado, Adam Jones and Chris Davis. If they want to re-emerge as the favorite in the American League East, they will need to acquire one more pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline.
15. Detroit Tigers: 44-44, 3rd in AL Central
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There is no doubt in the minds of many fans and experts alike that the Tigers have the best offense in all of MLB. Early struggles have raised many question marks for one of the league’s best teams on paper.
Offensively, the team has been led by one of the best players, Miguel Cabrera. He has hit .350 this season with 15 home runs and 54 RBI. The biggest surprise for the team has been J.D. Martinez, who has scorched 25 home runs and 59 RBI.
Outside of ace pitcher David Price, the back end of the team’s pitching staff has been awful. The team has recorded a 4.31 ERA, which ranks among the worst staffs in all of baseball. The Tigers have also allowed the second-most runs in the American League.
The main reason the Tigers plummeted and underwhelmed in last year’s postseason was the team’s ineffective starting pitching and bullpen. If they want to get back in the hunt and make a deep run in the playoffs, they’ll need to figure out their pitching situation fast.
14. Toronto Blue Jays: 45-46, 4th in NL East
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The Blue Jays have finally put together a solid season for the first time in many years. After making a sum of acquisitions a few years ago, their moves are finally coming to fruition as they compete in the American League East.
The team has scored the most runs in baseball with offensive firepower. Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista and Chris Colabello are just a few of the names that have made a huge impact in 2015.
The reason the team has a below-.500 record has been the team’s inconsistent starting rotation. Former All-Star knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has been abysmal this season with a 4.87 ERA and a 3-10 record. Toronto’s bullpen has been unreliable as well with an American League-worst 14 saves.
If the Blue Jays want to seriously contend for the team’s first postseason berth in two decades, they will need to acquire pitching at the deadline. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported in May the Blue Jays were interested in Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels, and Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported in June "trade discussions" for closer Jonathan Papelbon, so it’ll be interesting to see where the team goes from here.
13. San Francisco Giants: 46-43, 2nd in NL West
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Even during their World Series runs, the Giants were known as a team that was limited offensively and did just enough to win games. In 2015, the tide has turned as the Giants have risen as one of the top offensive teams in the National League.
San Francisco has recorded 831 hits this season, which is the most in the National League. Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Nori Aoki have led the charge, which has resulted in the team hitting .271.
The problem for the Giants has been injuries suffered by several of the team’s key players. Aoki had led the team in hitting this season before suffering a leg injury that has resulted in a lengthy stint on the disabled list.
The team isn’t at full strength and that was clear with the team’s performance to end the first half. After losing seven straight games, the team won four of its last five games and is still in the hunt in the National League West.
12. Tampa Bay Rays, 46-45, 2nd in AL East
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The Rays currently hold the second wild-card spot in the American League after a fast start to 2015.
The team’s strength has been its pitching, as ace Chris Archer has been one of the most dominant pitchers. The Rays have recorded a 3.56 ERA, which ranks eighth. However, the team needs to find a viable No. 2 option like Matt Moore, who has had problems with his command this season.
Second baseman Logan Forsythe has been one of MLB’s breakout starts this season. Forsythe has recorded an impressive .776 OPS, which is a career high for him. However, third baseman Evan Longoria has failed to find his stride this season and has underachieved in the middle of the order.
If the Rays can figure out their pitching situation behind Archer and continue to improve their hitting, they’ll solidify the wild-card spot.
11. New York Mets: 47-42, 2nd in NL East
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The Mets have one of the most dynamic starting rotations in the league with a ton of young talent. With ace Matt Harvey back after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, pitching has the Mets as a National League contender.
The problem for the Mets has been hitting, which ranks among the lowest in baseball. The team has hit just .233 this season, which ranks last. Outfielder Juan Lagares has been the only bright spot offensively with a .256 batting average.
The team’s bullpen has been outstanding this season, led by closer Jeurys Familia, who has 27 saves. Sean Gilmartin, Erik Goeddel and others have been reliable go-to players in the bullpen.
The Mets will need to hit the ball better in order to stay in the playoff hunt. There is no question they have enough pitching to get by, but they will need to be more efficient offensively.
10. New York Yankees: 48-40, 1st in AL East
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Even without future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, the Yankees are still finding ways to win.
The Yankees have scored the second-most runs in baseball and are getting contributions from all over their starting lineup. First baseman Mark Teixeira has returned to form and leads the team with 22 home runs and 62 RBI.
The problem has been with the team’s starting pitching and the Yankees are without a clear ace on their staff. C.C. Sabathia is on the decline, and while Michael Pineda has looked impressive this season, his injury and longevity concerns are valid.
The team’s offense should be able to at least keep the Yankees in contention later in the season, but if the team wants to get back to the World Series discussion, the pitching situation will have to play out for the better.
9. Chicago Cubs: 47-40, 3rd in NL Central
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The Cubs were another team picked by many to make a World Series run this season. While the team is over .500 at the All-Star break for the first time in years, recent offensive struggles are concerning.
The team has averaged just 2.6 runs scored per game over its past 18. The Cubs rank 27th with a .239 team batting average, even with stars Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.
Chicago’s pitching staff has been great this season due to the acquisition of Jon Lester this offseason. The Cubs rank first with a .234 opposing batting average and a 1.16 WHIP.
The Cubs will have to figure out their hitting struggles quickly if they hope to gain ground with the leaders of the NL Central.
8. Houston Astros: 49-42, 2nd in AL West
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The Astros shot out of the gate with a great start to 2015. After leading the American League West for a majority of the first half, the team has slumped in recent weeks and has fallen to second.
The Astros lost eight of their final 10 games due to a suddenly dormant offense. The team averaged two runs per game over its final eight and couldn’t find a rhythm offensively against the Rays, Indians and Red Sox.
The team has been led by its stellar starting pitching, including ace Dallas Keuchel. The Astros rank fourth with a .237 opposing batting average and rank third with a 1.19 WHIP.
The Astros have great starting pitching, which is needed to make a run to the postseason. If they want to make a deep run, they’ll have to end their hitting woes after the break.
7. Minnesota Twins: 49-40, 2nd in AL Central
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The surprising Twins have made noise in the American League Central and are seen as the greatest challenger to the Royals for the divisional crown.
The team has a plethora of young talent that has flourished so far. Second baseman Brian Dozier and rookie Miguel Sano are just a few of the names who have made an impact this season.
The team’s starting rotation has been a question mark in what has been an otherwise exciting season for the Twins. Phil Hughes is the team’s No. 1 starter but has struggled with his command as of late with a 4.32 ERA.
The Twins won seven of their final nine before the All-Star break and have great momentum moving toward the home stretch. While the team has a great closer in Glen Perkins, they could bolster their bullpen to give Perkins more support.
6. Washington Nationals: 48-39, 1st in NL East
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The Nationals have once again taken charge of the National League East due to the outstanding contributions from players such as Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer.
Harper has been at the top of the National League MVP discussion this season with a .339 batting average, 26 home runs and 61 RBI. Scherzer has led the Cy Young discussion with a 10-7 record, 150 strikeouts and a 2.11 ERA.
The problem for the Nationals this season is the injuries suffered by key players. Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman are just a few of the names on the injury report.
The Nationals need to get healthy in order to keep a hold on the NL East. If the Mets catch fire, Washington could be in trouble as time goes on.
5. Los Angeles Angels: 48-40, 1st in AL West
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The Angels have been one of the hottest teams in baseball recently and have reclaimed the American League West. The team has won 10 of their last 13 as reigning MVP Mike Trout has reignited the Angels.
Trout is right back in the MVP discussion with a .312 batting average and 26 home runs. He has helped refuel the performance of first baseman Albert Pujols, who leads the team with 56 RBI.
The Angels have pitched well despite having average pitching. Hector Santiago has been the most impressive with a team-low 2.33 ERA and a 6-4 record.
The Angels have plenty of firepower to stay in the race offensively. However, they’ll need to add a pitcher or two at the deadline to make a deep run in the playoffs.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers: 51-39, 1st in NL West
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The Dodgers have reclaimed the National League West due to impressive pitching and young offensive talent.
Reigning Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw has arguably been the second-best pitcher on the team’s staff behind Zach Greinke. Through 18 starts, Greinke has dominated with an 8-2 record and 1.39 ERA.
The team has been propelled offensively by young talent from top to bottom. Rookie Joc Pederson leads the team with 20 home runs and a .364 on-base percentage.
Third baseman Justin Turner has made an impact after emerging late last season, with a .308 batting average and .508 slugging percentage so far.
The problem for the Dodgers has always been underwhelming performances in the postseason. If they hope to make a deep run and end their streak of poor performances in October, they’ll have to finish the year strong.
3. Kansas City Royals: 52-34, 1st in AL Central
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The Royals have picked up where they left off after making it to the World Series last season.
The team has won seven of its last eight and has extended its lead in the American League Central. The Royals also had seven players voted to the All-Star Game by the fans.
The team is one of the best offensive teams in the league with a second-best .274 batting average. Outfielder Lorenzo Cain leads the way with a .316 batting average, 42 RBI and a .491 slugging percentage.
The Royals have also found their new ace pitcher in offseason acquisition Edinson Volquez. Through 18 starts, he has recorded an 8-4 record with 80 strikeouts and a 3.31 ERA. Reigning American League Comeback Player of the Year Chris Young has also been impressive and leads the team's starters with a 3.00 ERA.
The Royals are set for another deep postseason run with almost all of their players returning from last season. It’s safe to say that Kansas City is for real and is now the hunted rather than being the hunter of the American League.
2. St. Louis Cardinals: 56-33, 1st in NL Central
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The Cardinals have the best record in baseball this season but stumbled into the All-Star break by losing five of its last seven.
Pitching has been the forefront of the team’s success this season. The Cardinals lead MLB with a 2.71 team ERA and are second in the league with 59 quality starts from their starting rotation.
When the Cardinals have struggled this season, it’s been because of their inconsistent hitting. The team has a .257 team batting average but has scored just 355 runs, which ranks 19th.
The Cardinals are always around as October approaches but their lead over the National League Central is diminishing. The team needs to catch fire when they come back from the break or they risk falling in the National League Central standings.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates: 53-35, 2nd in NL Central
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The Pirates have been the hottest team in baseball over the past seven weeks and have closed the gap between themselves and the division-leading Cardinals in the National League Central.
What gives the Pirates the edge is the fact that they’re the hottest team and recently took three of four from the Cardinals.
A former No. 1 overall pick by the Pirates, Gerrit Cole has solidified his spot as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. Cole has a 13-3 record, 116 strikeouts and a 2.30 ERA so far this season. A.J. Burnett is an early Comeback Player of the Year candidate after a rough season with the Phillies in 2014.
Andrew McCutchen has rebounded after a tough start to 2015 with a .311 batting average over his past 30 games. He also leads the team with 56 RBI and a .392 on-base percentage.
The Pirates have the bullpen, hitting and starting rotation to make a deep postseason run in 2015. The hottest team in MLB will aim to continue their momentum into the second half.
All stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.
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