MLB Power Rankings: April 15
After the first full week of baseball in the books, the power rankings have not shaken up that much as teams still continue to find chemistry this early in the season.
Despite the lockout, it was a thrilling first week of action with teams making their case to be top-tier competitors.
The Mets are off to a hot start, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians share a spot for first place in the AL Central, and the Colorado Rockies currently top the NL West.
To start the second week of the season, here are where the top teams stack up with a long season ahead.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
With a 5-2 start to the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shown they’re a well-rounded, complete ball club.
The Dodgers are still finding their stride however, and it’s only a matter of time until the bats of Trea Turner, Freddie Freeman and Cody Bellinger wake up and domination ensues.
After dropping a series to the Rockies in the mile-high city, it’s never smart to doubt and count out the Dodgers with their powerful lineup, as they could soon return to their old selves and earn their respect as the top team in the league.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is off to a red hot start for the Blue Jays, as the 23-year-old blasted three home runs against the Yankees, with two of them coming off of the highest-paid pitcher in the league in Gerrit Cole.
With the recent addition of Matt Chapman, the Blue Jays should not be taken lightly. With high expectations, they are projected to meet the White Sox in the ALCS this year.
The starting rotation consists of Kevin Gausman and, more recently, Jose Berrios. Strong arms and a balanced lineup have the Blue Jays in great shape to go deep in the playoffs.
3. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox may have some competition this year in the AL Central. With the Detroit Tigers adding Javier Baez and the Minnesota Twins grabbing Carlos Correa in free-agency, this division could easily be dubbed one of the best in baseball.
The White Sox are considered the best team in their division, as their offense is more than capable of scoring plenty of runs and their pitching staff is equally as talented.
With the big bats of Tim Anderson and Jose Abreu, the White Sox are a top competitor and sit at No. 3 in this week’s power rankings with a 4-2 record.
4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves are looking to repeat as champions for the first time since the Yankees from 1998-2000.
Thus far, Atlanta has only mustered three wins in seven games, as this ballclub always seems to start the season on the wrong foot.
Now that Freddie Freeman is gone, it is up to the bats of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. to carry the weight of the squad, as the NL East standings could look a little different this year.
With a lot of baseball to be played, the Braves sit comfortably in the top five.
5. Houston Astros
If the Astros are to win anything this year, hopefully they do it without cheating.
After the first week of baseball, the Astros sit atop the AL West with a 4-2 record and still boast a deadly lineup. Although Correa is gone, the lineup still remains strong with Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman returning ready to produce.
Not to mention the return of Justin Verlander, who could lead the Astros to the playoffs, if healthy.
After being in the World Series three times in the past five seasons, the Astros are not to be slept on and could be favorites once again.
6. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are off to a shaky start, as they currently stand with a 3-3 record and sit in third place in the NL Central.
As early as it is, this could be the year another championship is brought to the city of Milwaukee after the Bucks emerged victorious in the 2021 NBA Finals.
With the bats of former-MVP Christian Yelich, Hunter Renfroe, Willy Adames and the newest addition in Andrew McCutchen, the Brew Crew are looking to shake things up and remain consistent to make it back to the playoffs.
7. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are the big favorites to win the AL East this season, as they had a productive opening-week.
The Rays are 4-3, with three of their losses coming via the Oakland Athletics in a four-game series. Their bats are still trying to wake up and shortstop sensation Wander Franco is a force to be reckoned with.
The Rays are a solid ballclub and are slightly ahead of their AL East counterparts.
With a mildly-low payroll, the Rays are proof you don’t need to spend a lot of money to compete. The Rays are always a threat and earned their right to sit in the top-10 in the league.
8. New York Yankees
The Yankees did not start the season the way they would’ve hoped to, taking two of three from the Red Sox, yet dropping two of the first three to the Blue Jays.
With the slow start, one thing remains clear: this lineup is dangerous and it is only a matter of time until the bats of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson and Joey Gallo are awoken and the Yankees become a clear 100-win team.
The boys in pinstripes are looking for their first trip back to the World Series since 2009, and with the lineup they have formed and the pitching staff being extremely tough, don’t be surprised if this team starts making noise and proves why their lineup is so dominant.
Connor Fenix is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cjf5726@psu.edu.
