Every week, the California Post Power Ranking of MLB’s 30 Teams highlights the ongoing competition for playoff spots. This week’s focus is on which teams are in a position to buy or sell as the August 3 trade deadline approaches.
1) Dodgers (58-31)
Buy and sell…? The Dodgers, previous World Series champions, are, once again, at the top of the league. If their starting pitchers stay healthy, they likely won’t have significant needs. But that doesn’t mean they won’t look for upgrades. If the Tigers considered trading Tarik Skubal, the Dodgers would likely express interest. Interestingly, they’ve historically used the trade deadline to enhance their already strong farm system by selling off surplus talent. I think this summer could see a similar strategy. (Last week: 1st place)
2) Brewers (54-32)
buy. Not exactly from the clearance aisle. The Brewers once benefited greatly from a deadline deal when CC Sabathia joined the team in 2008. Perhaps acquiring a top starter like Skubal could similarly boost their chances this season. They are currently second best in the league. (Last week: 2nd place)
3) Phillies (49-39)
buy. And keep pushing forward. Thanks to a stellar rotation, the Phillies are bouncing back from a rough start and are now looking to overtake the struggling Braves in the NL East. However, their lineup lacks depth and needs reinforcement. (Last week: 5th place)
4) Rays (52-33)
buy. Absolutely. The Rays have a shot at the postseason in the average American League. Their pitching staff is solid, but their lineup is lacking in home runs, ranking low among teams. They’ll need more power to compete effectively in October. (Last week: 6th place)
5) Yankees (49-38)
buy. And let’s be cautiously optimistic. Top priority must be keeping Aaron Judge and Max Fried healthy until they return from their injuries. Recent struggles, like a seven-game losing streak, are a reminder of this challenge. Longer-term, the team could improve, especially at catcher. (Last week: 3rd place)
6) Cubs (49-39)
buy. Just a bit more. The Cubs kicked off their trade season early with a deal for David Peterson from the Mets last week and have shown significant improvement, winning 11 of their last 14. They need to maintain this upward trajectory, perhaps by bolstering their rotation further. (Last week: 8th place)
7) Braves (51-35)
buy. Before it’s too late. Atlanta’s good vibes have vanished, and they’ve fallen into a slump, raising concerns about their season’s direction. Getting Ronald Acuña Jr. back will help, but they still have numerous gaps to fill. (Last week: 4th place)
8) Cardinals (46-39)
buy. In a cautious sense. The Cardinals are keeping their wild-card hopes alive, but they’re still a young team recovering from a rebuild. Dustin May’s situation will be pivotal; after struggling recently, his future could define their trade decisions. (Last week: 9th place)
9) White Sox (45-42)
buy. Sort of. The White Sox have also exceeded expectations, so they aren’t in a rush at the trade deadline. It makes sense to pursue minor enhancements. (Last week: 7th place)
10) Marlins (47-42)
buy. Somehow… again. The Marlins have turned their season around with a notable winning streak. Sandy Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, faces trade speculation, but could have value if conditions align next season. (Last week: 15th)
11) Guardians (47-42)
buy. Indeed. Cleveland has a history of being tough to engage with in trades, but it might be time to make some bold moves. The AL is in flux, and they should add a strong hitter to enhance their chances. (Last week: 12th)
12) Mariners (45-44)
buy. And I’m hopeful for an offensive turnaround. Seattle boasts a strong pitching rotation, but their batting must step up for true success. Adding talent to the lineup could be critical. (Last week: 10th)
13) Rangers (45-43)
buy. With caution. The Rangers don’t seem like clear favorites yet, even with their recent winning streak positioning them well in the AL West. They should consider strategic additions but avoid radical changes. (Last week: 19th)
14) Pirates (44-45)
buy. And prove you’re serious to Paul Skeens. Despite not having a stellar season, this is a chance to build confidence in their current pitching talents and pursue a wild-card spot. (Last week: 13th)
15) Diamondbacks (43-44)
sell. But not entirely. Their pitching has been shaky, and the dream rotation they envisioned hasn’t materialized. Treat this year as a reset and focus on acquiring young talent. (Last week: 14th)
16) Padres (43-44)
sell. And prepare for next year. While it’s not in general manager AJ Preller’s nature to step back, the Padres’ ongoing struggles may be a sign to trade some non-essential pieces and regroup. (Last week: 11th)
17) Nationals (46-43)
sell. And avoid future bullpen messes. While a playoff chase might be tempting, a few solid weeks won’t change the long-term outlook. For now, focus should remain on future planning. (Last week: 20th)
18) Blue Jays (42-46)
buy. And aim for a return to form come October. The Blue Jays have shown they can be competitive in postseason play, and the upcoming trade deadline presents an opportunity to improve their roster. (Last week: 16th)
19) Astros (43-47)
buy. Because options are limited. The Astros have a fading window but still maintain a core capable of championship contention. They should seek reinforcements to make another playoff run. (Last week: 18th)
20) Red Sox (38-48)
buy. What other choices does Craig Breslow have? The Red Sox recently delivered a strong performance against the Yankees, showing potential. Salvaging the season could also help him maintain his job. (Last week: 26th)
21) Twins (42-47)
sell. As expected. While the Twins are still hovering around playoff spots, they aren’t true contenders and have valuable trade assets like Joe Ryan. (Last week: 21st)
22) Orioles (41-48)
buy. And hope for a turnaround in the second half. The Orioles have completed their rebuild and have enough talent worth investing in this season. (Last week: 22nd)
23) Athletics (41-47)
sell. And keep nurturing for the future. Young talent is on the rise, but the Athletics’ rebuild is moving slowly. (Last week: 17th)
24) Tigers (38-50)
sell. Reluctantly. The Tigers find themselves in a challenging position, ranking low in the AL. It may be wise to capitalize on Skubal’s value while it’s high. (Last week: 23rd)
25) Reds (40-47)
sell. Whatever is possible. The Reds appear to lack the direction to compete this season. It may make sense to maximize assets while developing their youthful core for future success. (Last week: 24th)
26) Royals (35-53)
sell. To safeguard Bobby Witt Jr.’s future. Despite having a standout shortstop, this season feels lost. They need to leverage the trade deadline to prevent future seasons from going off track. (Last week: 25th)
27) Mets (36-52)
sell. And hope David Stearns hasn’t lost his edge. The ownership situation appears stable now, which could allow for a rebuild. Let’s see if Stearns can find valuable trades. (Last week: 27th)
28) Giants (36-51)
sell. And hope Buster Posey knows what to do. Offloading bigger contracts won’t be easy, but it will be necessary to make necessary changes before the deadline. (Last week: 28th)
29) Angels (36-53)
sell. It’s time for real changes. Bringing in John Mozeliak marks a positive shift, and now they should begin a long-overdue rebuild. (Last week: 29th)
30) Rockies (36-53)
sell. Whatever that may entail. The Rockies have struggled to make significant trades in past seasons, and that trend seems set to continue as they focus on internal development. (Last week: 30th)
Award Tracker: National League Rookie of the Year
1) JJ Weatherholt, Cardinals (Batting average .261, 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, OPS .758) – Weatherholt has emerged as a cornerstone for the Cardinals at just 23 and has the potential to be a Gold Glove candidate.
2) Sal Stewart, Reds (Batting average .257, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, OPS.813) – Stewart is now one of three rookies to achieve 60 RBIs before the All-Star break, a noteworthy feat in MLB history.
3) TJ Rumfield, Rockies (.293 batting average, 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, OPS.860) – Rumfield was recognized as the National League Rookie of the Month twice, a promising sign for the Rockies.
