MLB Power Rankings: Week 9
12. Minnesota Twins (24-22)
The Twins had a terrible week, getting swept by the Yankees and Guardians. Yes, it was a tough schedule but if you had any hope the Twins were contenders this season, it took a huge blow in the wrong direction. They had a chance to take over first place in the AL Central but now sit 5.5 games back entering the week.
11. San Diego Padres (25-24)
The Padres make a return to the power rankings. After a very strange week where they were swept by the Rockies at home, they are on the verge of sweeping the Braves in the four game series on the road. It seems if there is any team that can compete with the Dodgers in the NL West, it’s the Padres. They are 4-2 so far against their rivals this season.
10. Seattle Mariners (25-22)
Seattle had a decent 3-3 week against two good teams in the Royals and Orioles. The schedule will continue to be tough as they travel to the Bronx to take on the Yankees this week. The Mariners have continued to hold their AL West lead, entering the week 1.5 games ahead of the Rangers.
9. Chicago Cubs (26-22)
The Cubs had a rough 2-5 week against the Braves and Pirates. The offense has not been putting up a lot of runs lately. So unless Shota Imanaga is pitching (0.84 ERA), it’s been difficult securing those wins. They are 2 games back of the Brewers for the NL Central lead.
8. Milwaukee Brewers (27-19)
The Brew Crew continues their surprising start to the season. They have been in first place all season and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be slowing down any time soon. William Contreras has led an offense that is top 5 in the league in runs, slugging percentage and batting average.
7. Atlanta Braves (26-17)
The Braves have found themselves in a little bit of a slump in the month of May and there’s a legitimate conversation as to if they are favorites to win the division any more. They are currently 5.5 games back of the Phillies, who sit in first place. The offense, that was one of the best of all time last season, has not looked nearly as elite so far this year.
6. Kansas City Royals (29-19)
The Royals had a nice 4-2 week against the Mariners and Athletics. They are 1.5 games back of the Guardians for first place in the AL Central.
5. Cleveland Guardians (30-17)
The Guardians got a huge weekend sweep of the Twins last weekend. They separated themselves in the division, with only the Royals keeping pace. Cleveland has been one of the biggest surprises this season but they are proving win by win, they deserve to be considered a postseason contender.
4. Baltimore Orioles (29-15)
The Orioles have let the Yankees over take them for first place in the AL East. It will be a season-long battle between the two clubs. They will not play each other again until late June.
3. New York Yankees (33-15)
The Yankees swept both the Twins and White Sox last week and have won 8 of their last 9 games. This current streak has propelled them to a two-game lead in the AL East. Aaron Judge has come back to life after a slow start to the season and now leads the team in home runs with 13.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (34-14)
The Phillies went 6-1 last week against the Mets and Nationals. They have extended their AL East division lead to 5.5 games and look like the new team to beat in that division. It was very hard to choose between the Phils and Dodgers for the number one spot. The two teams are so close in many ways but I’m giving a razor-thin edge to the Dodgers.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (32-17)
The Dodgers had a 5-2 week against the Giants and Reds to maintain their 7-game NL West division lead. As great as the hitting has been, the pitching deserves some credit too. They rank third in team ERA, second in WHIP, and first in BAA. If you were wondering like I was when the Dodgers and Phillies play each other, it won’t be until early July in Philadelphia. Hopefully those two teams are still 1 and 2 by that time.