MLB Power Rankings: Week 5
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (13-10, PR: NR)
The snakes enter the power rankings after a nice 8-2 stretch that has them keeping pace with the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West. It’s a pretty classic DBacks team, one that hits well but is very top heavy on the pitching side. Michael Soroka is having a nice start to the season and could prove to be a big depth piece on the staff once Corbin Burnes returns around the mid-season.
11. Texas Rangers (12-11, PR: 11)
Rangers went 3-3 against two division opponents last week. Not bad, not great. Pretty much what the Rangers are so far this season but they are right in the mix of an interesting AL West division.
10. Cincinnati Reds (16-9, PR: NR )
This is a team that is over-performing a bit but when you win 8 of 10 games, that’s never anything to complain about. This is still one of the teams to watch in an incredibly stacked NL Central division, and right now, everyone else is chasing them.
9. Cleveland Guardians (14-12, PR: 9)
The Guardians are the current leaders of the AL Central, just ahead of the Tigers. The biggest stand out player right now is pitcher Parker Messick, who almost threw a no-hitter last week. His stat line after five starts - 3-0, 1.76 ERA, 0.88 WHIP.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (13-10, PR: 12)
I am cautiously optimistic this team is for real. They have been coin tossing wins and losses over the past couple of weeks but there is still a lot to like about this team. Paul Skenes has turned it around after a rough start to the season. Oniel Cruz, despite some defensive issues, is turning into one of the game’s best hitters.
7. Detroit Tigers (12-12, PR: 6)
Tigers have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games and look like they are starting to figure things out after a rough start. Closer Kenley Jansen moved into 3rd place on the all time saves list last week with his 479th career save. Would love to see him hit 500.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (13-9, PR: 4)
The Brewers sit at the bottom of the NL Central, yet they would have the 2nd best record in the American League. It’s another example of how good this division is this year.
5. Chicago Cubs (14-9, PR: 7)
The Cubs are on a current 7-game winning streak and they have started to climb back to the top of the NL Central. They have one of the most complete rosters in the game and they look to take on the Dodgers in LA this weekend.
4. San Diego Padres (16-7, PR: 5)
The Padres are on an absolute tear right now with an 11-1 stretch. They are tied with the Dodgers on top of the NL West. I feel like this team is overperforming a bit, they don’t hit very well and the pitching lacks depth. I don’t believe this amount of winning will last but enjoy it while it’s hot, San Diego.
3. New York Yankees (14-9, PR: 3)
After splitting a very entertaining series with the Angels, the Yankees swept the Royals last week. They lead the AL East and all of MLB with a 3.16 team ERA. Aaron Judge already has 9 home runs. Things are looking good right now for the pinstripes.
2. Atlanta Braves (16-8, PR: 2)
The Braves are back, ladies and gentlemen. Everything is working right now for Atlanta and they currently own the largest division lead in baseball at 5.5 games in the NL East.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (16-7, PR: 1)
To beat the champs, you gotta knock them out. Dodgers keep the top spot once again this week. They lead MLB in team batting average and slugging percentage and also have the most quality starts in baseball with 15. Shohei Ohtani’s pitching is off to an almost unhittable start with a 0.38 ERA over 24 innings.