Each week, the California Post evaluates MLB’s 30 teams and highlights an intriguing awards race. Here’s the latest update (as of Thursday):
1) Braves (22-10): The Braves boast not only the best record in baseball history but also remain undefeated in series this season (9-0-1). Their schedule hasn’t been the toughest, but a point difference of plus-66 puts them tied with the Dodgers for the best in the majors. This means they’ve overtaken LA for the top spot in our rankings. (Last week: 3rd place).
2) Yankees (20-11): Remember when both the Yankees and Mets faced a five-game losing streak? While the Mets have struggled since then, the Yankees have really turned things around. They’ve won 12 of their last 16 games and even had an eight-game winning streak at one point. They’re now benefiting from solid pitching (3.11 team ERA) and Aaron Judge’s timely resurgence (.288 batting average and nine home runs since April 12). (Last week: 2nd place)
3) Dodgers (20-11): A few weeks back, we speculated whether the Dodgers had any weaknesses, and it turns out they do. Their offense has hit a slump, showcasing a 5-7 record in recent games. Superstars like Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez are underperforming, with OPS figures below .750. After a surprising series loss to the Marlins, this performance has caused a drop in our rankings. (Last week: 1st place).
4) Cubs (19-12): The Cubs lost a series in Los Angeles, halting their winning streak at 10 games, but they managed to take two of three from the Padres, finishing the trip at .500. They have five regular players hitting .290 or better, tying them with the Braves for the best in the majors. (Last week: 4th place)
5) Padres (19-11): The Padres had a rough week, losing three of five games, and a misplayed foul ball recently ended Mason Miller’s streak of scoreless outings. However, they remain just a half-game behind the Dodgers in the NL West. (Last week: 5th place)
6) Rays (18-12): Maybe it’s time to start paying attention to the Rays. They won 13 of their last 18 games and allowed more than five runs only four times during that stretch, quietly achieving the second-best record in the American League. (Last week: 13th)
7) Brewers (16-14): It’s fortunate that Milwaukee’s younger pitchers, Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison, are performing well, especially since veteran starter Brandon Woodruff has faced a concerning velocity drop. (Last week: 6th place)
8) Reds (20-11): Despite allowing more runs than they’ve scored, the Reds have still managed to win nearly twice as many games as they’ve lost. They deserve some recognition for their perfect record in one-point games and overtime, but one can’t help but think about potential regression. (Last week: 11th place).
9) D-backs (16-14): Ildemaro Vargas has now hit in all 23 games he’s played this year for the third straight week, which is a nice boost as Ketel Marte struggles with an OPS below .700. (Last week: 10th place)
10) Mariners (16-16): Despite recent setbacks, the Mariners remain higher in the rankings. Their impressive 5-1 road trip brought them closer within the weak AL West. (Last week: 15th)
11) Cardinals (18-13): The Cardinals are performing better than expected during this rebuilding year, thanks to the impressive efforts of young talents like Jordan Walker and JJ Weatherholt. (Last week: 18th)
12) Rangers (15-16): There may be some issues with the Rangers’ offense. After a poor showing last year, they’re now struggling in multiple offensive categories. (Last week: 7th place)
13) Pirates (16-16): Paul Skeens and the Pirates have hit a wall against the Cardinals, getting swept in four games. Skeens now stands at 0-5 in his career against St. Louis, with a surprising number of losses against other teams. (Last week: 8th place).
14) Guardians (16-16): The Guardians need the help of Travis Bazana, their former No. 1 overall pick. The team’s OPS ranks near the bottom in the AL. (Last week: 9th place)
15) Tigers (16-16): Kenley Jansen had a rough week with two blown saves. Nevertheless, the Tigers’ rotation has been impressively strong, with a solid 3.69 ERA. (Last week: 12th)
16) Blue Jays (14-17): The Blue Jays welcomed back an important player from the injured list and enjoyed success, thanks to Trey Yesavage’s strong season debut. They won more than they lost this week for the first time this season. (Last week: 16th)
17) Marlins (15-16): After losing for years at Dodger Stadium, the Marlins finally turned it around, winning two out of three games recently. Their impressive pitching held the Dodgers to just three runs over two games. (Last week: 22nd)
18) Orioles (15-16): Adley Rutschman seems poised for a breakout year, but his pitching staff is struggling, sitting near the bottom in ERA. Additionally, they’ve placed Opening Day starter Trevor Rogers on the injured list. (Last week: 14th)
19) Athletics (17-14): While we’re still not fully on board with the Athletics’ hype, Nick Kurtz is making headlines with a record streak of 19 consecutive games with a walk. (Last week: 23rd)
20) Phillies (12-19): The Phillies made changes with the firing of Rob Thomson, yet they managed to win a series against the Giants. They don’t feel as hopeless compared to other struggling big-market teams. (Last week: 20th)
21) Giants (13-18): The Giants seem stagnant after a win against the Dodgers but then lost a series in Philadelphia. Their stars are not performing as needed. (Last week: 17th)
22) Nationals (15-17): In a curious twist, the Nationals are tied with the Yankees for the most road wins this season. However, their home record is concerning at 3-10. (Last week: 27th)
23) Astros (12-20): The Astros suffered a disappointing series against the Yankees, losing two out of three games and struggling throughout the week. (Last week: 24th)
24) Red Sox (12-19): Manager Craig Breslow’s recent firing of Alex Cora and the hitting staff raises questions. The starting rotation they invested heavily in is underperforming significantly. (Last week: 25th)
25) Rockies (14-18): People are starting to notice that the Rockies aren’t as dreadful as last year’s team. That being said, they still have a long way to go. (Last week: 28th)
26) White Sox (14-17): Munetaka Murakami is now leading the league with 12 home runs, tying him with Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge. (Last week: 29th)
27) Royals (12-19): It’s hard to understand why Royals vs. Angels was a marquee matchup last weekend. Nonetheless, they managed a good game, pulling off a sweep after overcoming a rain delay. (Last week: 30th)
28) Twins (14-18): The Twins’ initial strong performance has fizzled, with eight losses in ten games leading into Thursday, heading quickly into expected rebuilding territory. (Last week: 21st)
29) Angels (12-20): The Angels’ promising starts from Mike Trout and Jose Soriano are overshadowed by team issues. With six consecutive losses, their bullpen has been struggling. (Last week: 26th)
30) Mets (10-21): The Mets are officially at the bottom of the rankings after a disappointing homestand (3-6 against the Twins, Rockies, and Nationals). They have the worst record in MLB, low scoring, and a lack of excitement around the team overall. (Last week: 19th)
Award Tracker: National League MVP
1) Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (.273 average, 6 HR, 13 RBI, .897 OPS, 2-1 as a pitcher, 0.60 ERA, 34 Ks, 2.2 fWAR)
Ohtani is making a compelling case for the Cy Young award, which in turn strengthens his MVP candidacy, even with a slower start at the plate. Despite some early struggles, he leads all players in overall WAR.
2) Matt Olson, Braves (.296 average, 9 HR, 28 RBI, .987 OPS, 1.7 fWAR)
Olson has been a standout among the Braves, with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley underwhelming. His strong showing is reflected in top rankings for both OPS and RBI.
3) Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (.218 average, 11 HR, 19 RBI, .959 OPS, 0.5 fWAR)
Schwarber has the potential to improve significantly as the season continues, currently leading the league in home runs and setting the stage for an impressive narrative if the Phillies make a playoff push.
