Every week, the California Post ranks MLB’s 30 teams and reviews an intriguing awards race. Here’s this week’s update (as of Thursday night):
1.) Yankees (26-12)
A new No. 1 has emerged. The previously top-rated Braves performed well this week (4-2 on their trip to Colorado and Seattle), but the Yankees are at another level right now. They’ve secured 16 wins in their last 19 games, leading the majors in team ERA and sitting just behind the Braves in runs scored. Cody Bellinger stands out with 14 hits, 10 of which are extra-base hits, alongside 13 RBIs over the last 26 games. (Last week: 2nd)
2.) Cubs (26-12)
What a week at Wrigley! The Cubs swept their seven-game homestand, including an impressive three-game walk-off series against the Reds. It’s tough news that Matthew Boyd suffered a torn meniscus while playing with his kids. Still, with 15 home wins in a row since April 12th, spirits are high. (Last week: 4th)
3.) Braves (26-12)
It’s early May, but this week’s series at Dodger Stadium feels significant—maybe a postseason preview? While the Braves are strong, they’ve only won a series once against a team on a winning streak so far. Their performance against the Dodgers could reveal how legitimate they really are. (Last week: 1st)
4.) Dodgers (23-14)
The Dodgers face their own challenges this weekend. After a recent slump, their offense is starting to wake up, though they’ve been playing just .500 ball since mid-April. They have undeniable championship potential, but a strong series against Atlanta could help solidify their position. (Last week: 3rd)
5.) Rays (25-12)
Interesting stats this week: the Rays are 5-10 against NL Central teams but a staggering 20-2 against everyone else. They’re currently on a seven-game winning streak and have claimed 13 victories in 14 games overall, not allowing more than four runs during this stretch. (Last week: 6th)
6.) Cardinals (22-15)
Maybe I’m too optimistic, but the Cardinals are feeling unstoppable lately. They managed to win a homestand against last year’s NLCS participants— the Dodgers and Brewers. With a top-10 offense and surpassing pitching stats, they’re turning some heads. (Last week: 11th)
7.) Padres (22-15)
The Padres’ rotation is looking powerful, but their offensive line is only 10th in both batting average and OPS. It’s a concerning note that Fernando Tatis Jr. has yet to hit a home run, and they’re feeling the impact during a tough 3-6 stretch. (Last week: 5th)
8.) Brewers (19-16)
Keep an eye on Bryce Turan; he’s entering the MVP conversation. As of Thursday, he’s leading the NL in on-base percentage and ranks high in OPS. His success story is a feather in the cap for the Brewers, who picked him 21st overall in the 2018 draft. (Last week: 7th)
9.) Pirates (21-17)
This week was a test for the Pirates, who bounced back after a five-game losing streak to dominate the Reds and take two of three from the Diamondbacks. They’re demonstrating signs of being a playoff-caliber team, reminiscent of their earlier season performance. (Last week: 13th)
10.) Mariners (18-20)
Seattle’s situation is tricky: they’ve spent only one day above .500 this season. Despite a week filled with ups and downs, they’re just a game from first in the AL West, even after a sweep by the Mariners and winning two out of three against the Braves. (Last week: 10th)
11.) Phillies (17-21)
Are the Phillies making a comeback? It seems like they might be. After bringing in Don Mattingly, they’ve won eight of their last ten games. The offense is waking up, with Bryce Harper boasting a .333 average and three home runs last week. (Last week: 20th)
12.) Guardians (20-19)
This year, the AL Central is feeling pretty mediocre, similar to the AL West. But at least the Guardians have managed a winning team by avoiding a four-game split with the Royals. (Last week: 14th)
13.) Reds (20-18)
It’s tough to say, but we hinted last week that the Reds had been due for a drop. They’ve lost seven straight since then, shattering their perfect one-run game record and sliding down to last place in the fiercely competitive NL Central. (Last week: 8th)
14.) Diamondbacks (17-19)
This hasn’t been a great week for the D-backs—they were swept by the Cubs and dominated by the Pirates. For the first time in a month, their ERA has fallen below .500, revealing weaknesses in their pitching staff that has the fifth-highest ERA in the league. (Last week: 9th)
15.) Rangers (17-20)
The Rangers could really use Corey Seager back. While he shows solid stats with seven home runs and 19 RBIs, his batting average is unusually low at .209, and he’s racked up way more strikeouts than usual. (Last week: 12th)
16.) Athletics (19-18)
We’re not sold on the Athletics yet, but it seems they don’t need to be spectacular to stay competitive in their struggling division. (Last week: 19th)
17.) Blue Jays (16-21)
We’re still waiting for the Blue Jays to find their rhythm. Unfortunately, losing four straight hasn’t helped. Surprisingly, their offense, ranked 26th in scoring, is lagging behind their pitching, which is 17th in ERA. (Last week: 16th)
18.) Orioles (17-21)
Things looked up when the Orioles won six of seven games in early April, but since then, they’ve only managed to win three in a row. (Last week: 18th)
19.) Marlins (17-21)
Interestingly, Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez is leading the majors in hits. Unfortunately, Miami isn’t faring well lately, with a current 2-5 record this week. (Last week: 17th)
20.) Red Sox (16-22)
Not sure if Chad Tracy will turn out to be a good MLB manager, but he isn’t shying from the challenge. The team’s been 6-5 since Alex Cora was let go. (Last week: 24th)
21.) Royals (17-21)
While they had a fun time, the Royals finally seem to be functioning like a competent team again. It’s uncertain if they can fully become a “good” club, though. (Last week: 27th)
22.) Tigers (18-20)
Tariq Skubal is undergoing surgery, and there’s been a suspension for Framber Valdez. Plus, the team recently suffered a loss against the Red Sox—bad week all around, leaving the outlook for the year quite uncertain. (Last week: 15th)
23.) White Sox (17-20)
Munetaka Murakami is hitting home runs, trailing only Aaron Judge. Additionally, 24-year-old shortstop Colson Montgomery has added his share too. However, they’ve both combined for 99 strikeouts and only 61 hits. (Last week: 26th)
24.) Nationals (18-20)
Random Stat Alert: James Wood is leading the National League in walks and strikeouts. As a team, they struggle with consistency—much like the Nationals, who are experiencing rough pitching. (Last week: 22nd)
25.) Astros (15-23)
There are issues with injuries, coupled with the misfortune following the Astros this season. Carlos Correa’s injury has shaken them, and the pitching staff has faced challenges, leaving the outlook bleak. (Last week: 23rd)
26.) Twins (16-22)
I’m relieved Joe Ryan seems to have avoided a serious injury. Trading a productive veteran like him at the deadline might be the only positive move for the Twins this year. (Last week: 28th)
27.) Mets (14-23)
A 4-2 road trip against the Angels and Rockies was a slight win for the Mets. However, they still lost a game in heartbreaking fashion. A small improvement, but they need to pick up the pace. (Last week: 30th)
28.) Giants (14-23)
Last week, Tony Vitello tried to rally the team, showcasing their poor on-base percentage and walk rate. With seven losses in eight games, they are in a rough patch, having their worst streak in years. (Last week: 21st)
29.) Rockies (15-23)
They managed to avoid a sweep by the Mets but lost six straight before that. On a positive note, the team’s grounds crew is getting attention for their work during the snowstorms. (Last week: 25th)
30.) Angels (15-23)
One viral tweet pretty much sums up the Angels: They boast a top-five MVP candidate in Mike Trout and a top Cy Young candidate in Jose Soriano, yet they hold the worst record in the American League. That’s enough to keep them at the bottom for now. (Last week: 29th)
Awards: American League MVP
1) Aaron Judge, Yankees (.270 average, 15 HR, 29 RBI, 1.043 OPS)
Believe it or not, Aaron Judge has reached 15 home runs faster than ever before, even after a slow start of just three in his first 14 games. This performance has propelled him to the top of the AL WAR leaderboard, as the Yankees remain the best team in baseball this season.
2) Yordan Alvarez, Astros (.319 average, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 1.061 OPS)
Despite the chaos surrounding the Astros, Alvarez has proven to be back in MVP form, hitting in 27 of 38 games and consistently appearing in the top percentile in hitting metrics. The pressing question remains if the club will trade him as its championship window appears to be closing.
3) Ben Rice, Yankees (.343 average, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 1.214 OPS)
Ben Rice continues to impress, sporting an OPS significantly higher than any other player this year. His batting average ranks near the top, with only 108 at-bats thus far. Notably, his performance against left-handers has been better than expected, dispelling doubts about his suitability as a part-time player.
