A shuffled final MLB power rankings for the month of August includes the Cubs joining the top ten.
1. Atlanta Braves (84-45) | Last week: 1
While Collin McHugh struggled in yesterday’s loss, the Atlanta bullpen has become a major strength for the all-around club—which should be huge in October. It’s been a couple of weeks since a Matt Olson homer, so perhaps a power surge is coming soon.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (80-49) | Last week: 2
Mookie Betts is scorching hot this month, putting himself in the NL MVP discussion for a Dodgers team that’s on the heels of the Braves atop the majors. This weekend was Betts’ first game back at Fenway since Boston traded him in 2020.
3. Baltimore Orioles (81-49) | Last week: 3
The Orioles swept the Jays over the weekend and own a 10-3 record versus the AL East opponent this season—a big reason they sit atop the division. With September just a few days away, it’s cool to see Baltimore enjoying such an outstanding year.
4. Tampa Bay Rays (80-52) | Last week: 4
The Rays went 6-1 in their past seven games to reach 80 wins and remain in the race with the Orioles for the AL’s top record. Boston and Seattle loom next week, but Tampa will first look to stay hot at Miami and Cleveland.
5. Seattle Mariners (74-56) | Last week: 6 (+1)
With how awesome the Rangers looked for most of this season, paired with the Mariners getting off to a slow start, it was difficult to see this surge coming to get Seattle atop the AL West over the Texas teams. The division is going to be super close over the final month.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (73-57) | Last week: 9 (+3)
The Brewers have won eight games in a row, and they haven’t been doing it against slouches, toppling the Rangers, Twins, and Padres. With an uncertain future, manager Craig Counsell has always done a great job with his squad.
7. Philadelphia Phillies (72-58) | Last week: 10 (+3)
The Phillies are coming off a 5-1 week, and it included back-to-back dominant performances from Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola—who have been relatively disappointing at times but might get going at the right time.
8. Texas Rangers (73-57) | Last week: 5 (-3)
After a 1-9 record over the past ten games, the Rangers tumble down the power rankings to No. 8. Texas had a ten-game lead over the Mariners, but they’re suddenly battling to get back on track and make the postseason.
9. Houston Astros (74-58) | Last week: 7 (-2)
The Astros drop mainly due to the Brewers and Phillies rising, but they also must contend with red-hot Seattle within the division. This week, the ‘Stros begin with Boston for a three-game series with big wild-card implications.
10. Chicago Cubs (69-61) | Last week: 13 (+3)
Both the Cubs and Diamondbacks are on the rise, currently taking the final two wild card slots in the National League. Chicago was wise not to deal Cody Bellinger (.321 average this season, five RBI yesterday) at the trade deadline.
11. Minnesota Twins (68-63) | Last week: 11
12. Toronto Blue Jays (71-60) | Last week: 8 (-4)
13. Arizona Diamondbacks (69-62) | Last week: 15 (+2)
14. Boston Red Sox (69-62) | Last week: 12 (-2)
15. Cincinnati Reds (68-64) | Last week: 16 (+1)
16. San Francisco Giants (67-63) | Last week: 14 (-2)
17. Miami Marlins (66-65) | Last week: 17
18. San Diego Padres (61-70) | Last week: 18
19. Los Angeles Angels (63-68) | Last week: 19
20. New York Yankees (62-68) | Last week: 20
21. Washington Nationals (61-70) | Last week: 23 (+2)
22. Cleveland Guardians (62-69) | Last week: 22
23. New York Mets (60-71) | Last week: 21 (-2)
24. Detroit Tigers (59-71) | Last week: 24
25. Pittsburgh Pirates (58-73) | Last week: 26 (+1)
26. St. Louis Cardinals (56-75) | Last week: 25 (-1)
27. Chicago White Sox (52-79) | Last week: 27
28. Colorado Rockies (49-81) | Last week: 28
29. Kansas City Royals (41-91) | Last week: 29
30. Oakland Athletics (38-93) | Last week: 30