California Post Power Ranking of MLB Teams

Every week, the California Post presents the power rankings for MLB’s 30 teams, offering a snapshot of the competitive landscape. Here’s how things stand as of Saturday morning:

1) Dodgers (49-27)
The Dodgers have reclaimed the top spot in both the power rankings and MLB history for all-time wins. Even without two key starters, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, alongside All-Stars Will Smith and Teoscar Hernandez, they continue to dominate. This trend may just fuel the debate around the Dodgers’ impact on the game. (Last week: 2nd place)

2) Braves (47-27)
The Braves recently had a rough patch, losing back-to-back series against lower-tier teams like the Mets and Giants, which dropped them from first place. On a positive note, Drake Baldwin has returned from the injured list. (Last week: 1st place)

3) Yankees (46-28)
Gerrit Cole is bringing his A-game back, sporting a 2.57 ERA over five starts since coming off Tommy John surgery. This resurgence has helped the Yankees extend their lead in the American League East. (Last week: 3rd place)

4) Brewers (45-28)
Jacob Misiorowski’s first career shutout, complete with 15 strikeouts, has him leading MLB with 22 strikeouts this season. He was an All-Star last year, and this year he might just be the starting pitcher for a National League team. (Last week: 4th place)

5) Phillies (40-35)
While the Phillies are showing improvement since their early season struggles, outfield issues persist, especially with Adris Garcia sidelined for the year. Finding solutions before the trade deadline seems crucial. (Last week: 5th place)

6) Cardinals (40-34)
Dustin May, highlighted in last week’s rankings, achieved his first career shutout, making his one-year contract look like a steal. This performance is aiding the Cardinals in their unexpected playoff push. (Last week: 7th place)

7) Rays (42-30)
The Rays are in a slump; they were swept by the Dodgers and have seen three straight one-point losses. It’s becoming clear they might be facing some harsh realities. (Last week: 6th place)

8) Mariners (39-38)
There was considerable relief when Julio Rodriguez only missed one game due to hamstring spasms. However, after a hot finish to May, June has not been quite as kind. (Last week: 8th place)

9) White Sox (39-35)
Rate Field might just be the most mediocre ballpark in the MLB, but lately, the atmosphere has felt a bit electric, especially after surprising series wins against the Dodgers. (Last week: 9th place)

10) Cubs (40-36)
In their quest to shake off a midseason slump, Pete Crow Armstrong is pivotal after hitting for the cycle this week. Luckily, the team won’t have to consider letting him go any time soon. (Last week: 11th)

11) Guardians (40-36)
Cleveland faces a reality check now that Jose Ramirez will be out for up to six weeks because of a hamate fracture. These injury struggles are rearing their ugly head again. (Last week: 10th place)

12) Pirates (38-38)
In a quirky stat from the “Nerd Stats Department,” Pirates coach Don Kelly is performing quite well, holding the second-best adjusted manager decision success rate. (Last week: 12th place)

13) Diamondbacks (39-36)
General Manager Mike Hazen mentioned that the Diamondbacks “intend to be active” at the trade deadline, especially after injuries to pitchers Ryne Nelson and Mike Soroka. They must hold onto their wild-card spot. (Last week: 13th)

14) Padres (38-36)
Since briefly taking the lead from the Dodgers a month ago, the Padres have slumped, going 9-18. However, this may push GM AJ Preller to think outside the box during the trade period. (Last week: 14th)

15) Blue Jays (37-39)
Max Scherzer has returned to the injured list, which is just one of many issues the Blue Jays are grappling with this season, largely due to ongoing injuries to their pitchers. (Last week: 15th)

16) Nationals (39-37)
As the season hits the midway point, the Nationals find themselves a game shy of the wild-card spot, surprising many with their playoff contention. (Last week: 17th)

17) Marlins (38-38)
Similarly, the Marlins are just two games out of a wild card position, making them another surprising playoff contender this year. (Last week: 19th)

18) Athletics (38-38)
Nick Kurtz is on the rise, hitting seven home runs in his last 13 games and ranking first in the American League for RBIs, placing him third in OPS. (Last week: 16th)

19) Twins (36-41)
There’s some frustration towards the Twins; they weren’t expected to be great, yet they’re sitting in overall mediocrity, close to a wild-card spot. (Last week: 25th)

20) Astros (35-41)
Despite looking like sellers earlier in the season, the Astros’ recent 15-10 record in the last 25 games suggests they might still have a chance to be competitive. (Last week: 22nd)

21) Rangers (36-39)
After back-to-back losses to the Red Sox and Twins, it’s official: the Rangers’ struggles continue this season. (Last week: 18th)

22) Reds (35-39)
Hunter Greene has started his rehab process, but his return may come too late for the Reds, who are still struggling. (Last week: 20th)

23) Orioles (35-42)
Cal Ripken is reportedly taking on a more hands-on role with the Orioles, which may be fortunate given the team’s recent challenges. (Last week: 21st)

24) Mets (34-41)
Juan Soto leads the National League in OPS, but sadly, it hasn’t helped the Mets turn around their season. (Last week: 23rd)

25) Royals (32-45)
In Kansas City, it seems the Algerian national team is more popular than the Royals, which is just indicative of their struggles this season. (Last week: 26th)

26) Tigers (31-44)
Tarik Skubal voiced that the Tigers need to make improvements or risk change. He’s likely to sport a new uniform soon if the team’s fortunes don’t shift quickly. (Last week: 28th)

27) Giants (31-44)
Recently, the Giants have handed out several lucrative contracts but now appear willing to entertain trade offers. Times are tough for their management. (Last week: 27th)

28) Red Sox (30-43)
The Red Sox are having such a poor season that it seems like nothing can save them at this point. (Last week: 24th)

29) Angels (30-47)
With the same struggles facing new captain Kurt Suzuki, things aren’t looking up, especially with Mike Trout sidelined. (Last week: 30th)

30) Rockies (29-47)
The Rockies hold the worst record in MLB, and it’s hard to see things improving anytime soon. (Last week: 29th)

Award Tracker: National League Cy Young

1) Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers (8 wins, 3 losses, ERA 1.45, 93 innings, 138 strikeouts, 0.75 WHIP)

Misiorowski recently had a standout game, throwing 47 pitches clocked at over 161 mph, the most recorded in a single game. Although he gave up two runs in six innings against the Braves, he tallied seven strikeouts.

2) Christopher Sanchez, Phillies (8 wins, 3 losses, ERA 1.82, 99 innings, 116 strikeouts, WHIP 1.09)

Sanchez, a consistent presence in the National League, faced a rare defeat against the Brewers, where he allowed eight hits and four runs in under six innings. He described the game as a disaster. (Last week: 10th place)

3) Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (7 wins, 2 losses, ERA 1.47, 73 2/3 innings, 78 strikeouts, WHIP 0.88)

Ohtani had an impressive start to the season, allowing only five earned runs in the first 64 innings. However, recent struggles, including seven earned runs in his last 9 2/3 innings, raise concerns, possibly due to knee pain or a blister issue. (Last week: 8th)