MLB Power Rankings: Week 24 Update

With only a handful of series left to go, the wild-card races are heating up toward the middle of September.

In the National League, the third wild card is up for grabs. The Mets’ free fall has been generational, and they dropped Friday night’s game to the Rangers for their seventh straight loss. The Giants, meanwhile, won again, and only trail the Amazins’ by half a game. The Reds and Diamondbacks are also very much in the race, with them trailing by only one and a half and three games.

Over in the American League, the third wild card holder has a different story. The Mariners have won seven in a row, improving to 80-68 to tie the Astros for first in the AL West, while also holding off the Rangers and Guardians. Their division rival Rangers continue to keep pace, however, and got a big win behind Jacob deGrom in his homecoming in Queens.

1. Phillies

Not only have the Phillies looked like the best team in baseball, but recently, they’ve played like the best team of baseball.

Last week, the Phillies swept the Mets out of town, ending the division race early in September while potentially knocking their rivals out of the playoffs. The rotation looks strong, with Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola, and Jesús Luzardo all pitching strongly.

Friday was also no different, as they took care of business against the playoff-hopeful Royals.  They got an impressive five innings from Walker Buehler, who was backed by homers from Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott. The Phillies now only trail the Brewers by two games for the best record in baseball.

2. Brewers

Milwaukee was on both ends of the sweep last week. After taking three from the Pirates, the Crew went to Texas where they were swept at the playoff chasing Rangers.

Still, this team is strong, and they’ll spend the next couple weeks getting ready for October. They’re the only team at 90 wins right now, and it’s being led by a gagdety offense and strong pitching.

It’s time we give our props to Christian Yelich. The man is getting zero media attention and quietly has 28 homers and 95 RBIs. The back also seems healthy, as the former MVP has posted a 3.3 bWAR in 136 games.

3. Dodgers

The Dodgers picked up three massive wins over the Rockies last week. And I know, winning aginst the Rockies isn’t necessarily something to celebrate, but the Dodgers have a pivotal part of the schedule right now.

They only lead the Giants by seven games after Friday’s extra innings loss, and still have six games left against them. Yet, the Dodgers are still at three because they’re loaded with talent. Especially with Max Muncy returning last week, who has posted a ridiculous 3.4 bWAR in just 92 games. In fact, when Muncy has played this season, the Dodgers have gone 55-35.

4. Cubs

Chicago bounced back last week with a series win over the Atlanta Braves. And while their division might be out of reach, the wins are still huge.

The Cubs hold the top wild card spot, and opened their lead to four and half games over the Padres. That means if the season ended today, Chicago would host a best-of-three wild-card series over the second team below them.

Friday was no different with a big win over the Rays. This team has pushed through a lot this season, with injuries to Kyle Tucker and the starting rotation, but they continue to prevail with an 84-63 record.

5. Blue Jays

The Jays dropped a series to the Yankees, but responded quickly, taking two from the Astros and one Friday against the Orioles. Every win matters for the Jays, as the Yankees are only three games behind them and the Red Sox four and half.

Friday saw leadoff specialist George Springer drive in two runs, improving his slashline to .297/.393/.542 with 28 homers. He won’t win the AL MVP, and isn’t being discussed as heavily as Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh, but Springer might finish third in the race.

6. Yankees

The Yanks kept up their September surge with a Friday win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Judge continued his MVP play by driving in two runs, and Ben Rice knocked in a fourth run to help everyone in the Bronx breathe. The Yankees continue to push the Jays as their deficit is only at three games for the division, but even if they don’t catch up, they up top in the first wild card spot in the AL. Right now, if the season ended, it would be them hosting the Red Sox.

7. Tigers

After stumbling a couple weeks ago, the Tigers have corrected their course.

They went into New York and took two of three, including a game where they exploded in the later innings and won 12-2. The Tigers are dangerous, and despite struggling in the second half, they reminded us all of how good the team is.

8. Padres

The Padres missed an opportunity Friday to get a game back on the Dodgers.

Facing the Rockies, JP Sears allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings of work, eventually leading to the offense being shut down by one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. The Padres are still sitting well in the second wild card, but they have a serious chance to take the division from the Dodgers.

Jackson Merrill has been electric the last week, batting over .500 with two homers, but the rest of the group hasn’t given him much support.

9. Mariners

After the Mariners fell in danger of surrendering a playoff spot, they’ve responded by winning seven straight games.

Sure, it’s come against the Braves, Cardinals, and Angels, but you have to win the games on your schedule no matter the opponents. Just look at the Mets. Friday was another big one for the M’s, as they held on to a 2-1 lead to defeat the Angels. Luis Castillo provided six strong innings, and demonstrated how deep and scary this Mariners rotation will be in October.

10. Astros

Houston’s picking a bad time to lose series.

They’ve dropped their last two to the Blue Jays and Rangers, allowing the Mariners to tie them for the lead in the AL West. As of now, the season series is tied at 5-5 between the two clubs, and they’ll face each other for one more three game series starting September 19. The last thing the Astros want to do is play catch-up then.

Rest of the Field

11. Giants
12. Red Sox
13. Diamondbacks
14. Reds
15. Guardians
16. Rangers
17. Mets
18. Cardinals
19. Royals
20. Rays
21. Orioles
22. Angels
23. Athletics
24. Braves
25. Marlins
26. Pirates
27. Twins
28. Nationals
29. White Sox
30. Rockies

 

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