The Phillies solidify their spot at the top and the Orioles continue to slide in our updated MLB power rankings.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (90-59) | Last week: 1
Philadelphia getting major contributions from unheralded players in Cal Stevenson and Buddy Kennedy is the stuff of championship teams, and the duo helped earn a series win over the Mets to virtually put away the NL East. Finishing with the top record in the NL would be huge for the Phillies with a 52-26 home record.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (88-61) | Last week: 2
There is a case to be made for the Dodgers moving down a spot, as not only did they go 2-4 last week, but they also likely lost ace Tyler Glasgow (elbow) for the year. However, the possible return of Shohei Ohtani on the mound is something that could make a huge difference in October.
3. New York Yankees (87-63) | Last week: 3
New York took three games in a four-game series against the rival Red Sox over the weekend, and their 3.0-game lead in the AL East seems about as comfortable as it gets for such a margin in September. And fortunately, a 16-game homerless streak for Aaron Judge was ended with a grand slam, so the Paw Patrol curse mentioned last week has been broken.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (86-63) | Last week: 4
Milwaukee has been sitting in the top five as a sneaky team in the National League, and they’ll get a great test starting tonight with a three-game series against the Phillies—which comes on the heels of taking two of three games in Arizona over the weekend.
5. Cleveland Guardians (86-64) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Cleveland has the best home record in the AL, and 75% of their remaining games will come at Progressive Field as they look to push the Yankees for the top seed in the postseason. With the Twins coming to town for four games to begin the week, it’s an opportunity for the Guardians to put them away in the division race.
6. San Diego Padres (85-65) | Last week: 7 (+1)
San Diego continues to ascend, and my statement last week about the Dodgers likely not being caught in the NL West could be tested as the Padres now sit just 3.5 games back with a matchup in LA looming next week. Watch out for Manny Machado (14 RBI over the past ten games) heating up at the perfect time.
7. Baltimore Orioles (84-66) | Last week: 5 (-2)
I have mentioned the Orioles slipping in recent weeks, and the struggles continued with a 2-4 stretch with series losses against Boston and Detroit. On the bright side, Corbin Burnes has now had four consecutive quality starts, including seven shutout innings on Saturday.
8. Houston Astros (81-68) | Last week: 8
Houston began last week with a couple of losses at home to the Athletics, so it was good for them to bounce back with four straight wins ahead of their trip to San Diego. Looking ahead to October, starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (11-6 with a 2.88 ERA) is a wild card that could be used out of the bullpen.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks (83-66) | Last week: 9
Arizona only had five games last week and went 3-2, so things are still tight for the final wild card spot with the Mets and Braves each just 2.0 games behind. Fortunately, Ketel Marte looks healthy since being activated from the injured list ten days ago, and he knocked off some rust with a four-RBI game.
10. Kansas City Royals (82-68) | Last week: 10
Recent struggles with runners in scoring position is something that needs to change for the Royals to make noise next month, and it cost them a potential sweep yesterday in a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh. The final homestand of 2024 (six games) is a prime opportunity to get back on track in clutch situations.
11. New York Mets (81-68) | Last week: 11
12. Atlanta Braves (81-68) | Last week: 12
13. Minnesota Twins (79-70) | Last week: 13
14. Seattle Mariners (77-73) | Last week: 15 (+1)
15. Detroit Tigers (77-73) | Last week: 16 (+1)
16. Chicago Cubs (76-73) | Last week: 14 (-2)
17. Boston Red Sox (75-75) | Last week: 17
18. St. Louis Cardinals (74-75) | Last week: 18
19. Tampa Bay Rays (73-77) | Last week: 19
20. Cincinnati Reds (73-78) | Last week: 22 (+2)
21. Toronto Blue Jays (72-78) | Last week: 23 (+2)
22. San Francisco Giants (72-78) | Last week: 20 (-2)
23. Pittsburgh Pirates (71-78) | Last week: 24 (+1)
24. Texas Rangers (71-79) | Last week: 21 (-3)
25. Washington Nationals (68-81) | Last week: 25
26. Oakland Athletics (65-85) | Last week: 26
27. Los Angeles Angels (60-89) | Last week: 27
28. Colorado Rockies (57-93) | Last week: 29 (+1)
29. Miami Marlins (55-95) | Last week: 28 (-1)
30. Chicago White Sox (35-115) | Last week: 30