Every week, the California Power Ranking offers insights into MLB’s 30 teams. This week’s rankings reflect the standings as of Saturday morning:
1) Dodgers (52-30)
The Dodgers didn’t have their best week, dropping a series to the Orioles and experiencing setbacks, including Aki Sasaki’s performance against the Padres. They also faced issues balancing frustrations between Minnesota’s Shohei Ohtani and catcher Dalton Rushing. Nonetheless, the Twins dominate the majors and sit at the top of the rankings, aided by their significant victory over the Twins during their Minnesota trip. (Last week: 1st place)
2) Brewers (50-29)
Jacob Misiorowski has emerged as one of the toughest pitchers in the league, clocking in at 165.5 mph. Manager Pat Murphy, showcasing impressive resilience, was back just a day after undergoing extensive back surgery. Their combined efforts have driven the Brewers to five consecutive wins. (Last week: 4th place)
3) Yankees (48-33)
Surprisingly, the Bombers haven’t hit their stride since Aaron Judge’s injury, tallying a 12-10 record in June without him. Still, their pitching remains superb, particularly with Cam Schlitter’s standout season (8-4, 1.62 ERA). If this is the tough part of the season, they should manage just fine. (Last week: 3rd place)
4) Braves (49-31)
The Braves are on a rough patch, losing 10 out of their last 14 games, with their offense scoring five or more runs only four times during this stretch. It might be a temporary slump, but it’s opening the door to concerns. (Last week: 2nd place)
5) Phillies (46-36)
The Phillies have made a resurgence in the National League East after winning four consecutive games, benefiting significantly from the Nationals’ bullpen struggles. Christopher Sanchez has cooled off, but Zack Wheeler is back in form. If only Bryce Harper would tone down his taunts directed at Nationals fans. (Last week: 5th place)
6) Rays (46-33)
Craig Kimbrel, surprisingly still pitching, was unable to finish a no-hitter bid this week. Yet, the Rays have navigated weaknesses in their schedule and are still chasing the Yankees in the American League East. (Last week: 7th place)
7) White Sox (42-38)
The White Sox are showing they’re playoff contenders, evidenced by their recent 22-run game against the Royals, one of the highest in franchise history. The South Side energy remains strong. (Last week: 9th place)
8) Cubs (44-38)
After a rough patch, the Cubs have reignited their momentum with a recent 10-3 record, thanks in part to players like Pete Crow and Armstrong. However, their past experiences make us wonder if they can maintain this form. (Last week: 10th place)
9) Cardinals (42-37)
For the Cardinals, the focus must be on the upcoming trade deadline, as the front office needs to be proactive despite a rebuilding year. However, their current 2-6 slump isn’t helping matters. (Last week: 6th place)
10) Mariners (42-41)
The American League is surprisingly mediocre, with the Mariners being a key example of underperformance. Their path to potentially shining in the AL West seems distant, allowing others to linger in the mix. (Last week: 8th place)
11) Padres (43-37)
The Padres are showing signs of life, recently beating the Braves and Dodgers. With Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. elevating their game, they are gaining momentum. (Last week: 14th)
12) Guardians (42-40)
Similar to the Yankees, the Guardians have faced challenges due to injuries to key players like Jose Ramirez. However, they’ve struggled, losing 7 of 10 games. (Last week: 11th)
13) Pirates (41-41)
Not much has changed for the Pirates lately, except for a rookie standout. Connor Griffin made a memorable return from the injured list with a home run. (Last week: 12th)
14) Diamondbacks (41-40)
Questions arise over why the Diamondbacks didn’t attempt to bring back Paul Goldschmidt in the offseason. While he flourishes in New York, they recently released Carlos Santana, marking a miscalculation for a team that needs to perform better. (Last week: 13th)
15) Marlins (43-39)
Similar to last year, the Marlins have gained momentum and are on a recent wave of victories. With seven wins in the last eight games, could history be repeating itself? (Last week: 17th)
16) Blue Jays (39-43)
Despite their struggles in the standings, the Blue Jays made their mark in All-Star Game fan voting, with six finalists. It will be interesting to see how their All-Stars fare amid potential playoff misses. (Last week: 15th)
17) Athletics (40-42)
The frustrations of mediocrity in the AL persist as the Athletics find themselves in playoff contention, despite a subpar record. Could this be the year of unprecedented October records? (Last week: 18th)
18) Astros (40-44)
The Astros are performing well lately, going 7-3, but skepticism remains about their true return to form. In the AL, one doesn’t necessarily need to be exceptional to contend for the playoffs. (Last week: 20th)
19) Rangers (40-42)
Many of the same sentiments regarding the Astros apply to the Rangers as well. Is MLB truly convinced that increased parity will remedy existing issues? (Last week: 21st)
20) Nationals (41-42)
The Nationals could serve as a case study against parity concerns. Had they invested modestly in their bullpen, playoff aspirations might have been feasible. Instead, several late-game collapses this week against the Phillies curtailed their momentum. (Last week: 16th)
21) Twins (39-44)
Even after being swept by the Dodgers, the Twins remain close to the Wild Card. There’s still hope, especially with Byron Buxton potentially securing an MVP-caliber season. (Last week: 19th)
22) Orioles (39-44)
The inconsistency of the American League is evident with the Orioles. They brilliantly took 2 of 3 from the Dodgers but faltered in 2 of 3 against the Angels. (Last week: 23rd)
23) Tigers (35-47)
The Tigers may spark intrigue as the trade deadline approaches, being just five games behind. However, their upcoming stretch will be critical for playoff hopes, especially concerning Tarik Skubal’s potential trade. (Last week: 26th)
24) Reds (38-42)
While the Reds aren’t top-tier, they haven’t shown the complete dysfunction seen in other teams expected to linger at the bottom of the rankings. They deserve a slight respite. (Last week: 22nd)
25) Royals (34-49)
Bobby Witt Jr. could make history this season. With the Royals potentially at 66 wins, he stands as a leading MVP candidate, aiming to beat the record for fewest victories by an MVP winner set by Cal Ripken Jr. (Last week: 25th)
26) Red Sox (34-46)
At least the Red Sox remind us it is indeed possible to hit a new low while eyeing the AL playoff picture. Losing five games following a series against the Rockies wasn’t ideal, but they did snag a few victories against the Yankees subsequently. (Last week: 28th)
27) Mets (34-48)
The Mets’ issues culminated in a historic blunder, leading to the departure of Carlos Mendoza after a rough stretch. It’s hard not to wonder about David Stearns’ future as well. (Last week: 24th)
28) Giants (33-48)
Unlike the Mets, the Giants face issues beyond just baseball. Their recent crises have included the Pride Knight controversy alongside player struggles, and their current losing streak mirrors the Angels’. (Last week: 27th)
29) Angels (34-49)
This week marked a managerial shakeup for the Angels, with GM Perry Minassian being let go and former Cardinals executive John Mozeliak stepping in. It might offer a positive change, although lingering ownership issues remain unresolved. (Last week: 29th)
30) Rockies (32-50)
The Rockies, thankfully, aren’t caught in the same dysfunction, but their performance is dire. They recently managed to erase an eight-run deficit but still ended with a loss against Minnesota. (Last week: 30th)
Award Tracker: American League MVP Award
1) Yordan Alvarez, Astros (.318, 25 HR, 56 RBI, 1.055 OPS)
With Aaron Judge out for months, the AL MVP will likely be someone other than him or Ohtani for the first time since 2020. Alvarez is currently leading in OPS and showcasing versatility.
2) Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (.294, 10 HR, 32 RBI, .833)
Witt has returned from a knee sprain and is leading the league in wins above replacement. His impressive 28 stolen bases contribute to his status as a frontrunner.
3) Nick Kurtz, Athletics (.278, 19 HR, 62 RBI, .959 OPS)
Ben Rice and Dillon Dingler also merit attention, but Kurtz leads in RBIs and walks, potentially driving the A’s to a wild card showing.
