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Sat, Sep 07 | 10:55 pm

Early Season Shake-Up in MLB Power Rankings

by | Apr 9, 2024

For those who may have lost track amidst the flurry of games, fear not – the Power Rankings are here to provide clarity. Compiled by MLB.com contributors and presented by Will Leitch, here’s a rundown of the latest rankings, with a return to weekly updates moving forward. 

So, where do things stand after the opening whirlwind of the season? Let’s dive in.

1. **Los Angeles Dodgers**: After a mere 10 days, Mookie Betts has commandeered the leaderboard across multiple statistical categories, showcasing his all-around prowess. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani’s .944 OPS, while impressive, places him third on his own team, a testament to the Dodgers’ offensive firepower.

2. **Atlanta Braves**: Despite early pitching setbacks, including Spencer Strider’s UCL injury and Max Fried’s rocky start, the Braves surged ahead with a weekend sweep against the defending NL champions. With multiple players boasting OPS over 1.000, the Braves’ lineup depth is proving formidable.

3. **New York Yankees**: Overcoming doubts stemming from Gerrit Cole’s injury, the Yankees delivered a statement sweep against the Astros before securing series wins against 2023 playoff teams, the D-backs and Blue Jays. Giancarlo Stanton’s resurgence adds to the team’s offensive prowess.

4. **Texas Rangers**: Despite setbacks like Josh Jung’s unfortunate wrist fracture, the Rangers maintain momentum, buoyed by promising performances. Tarik Skubal’s stellar pitching provides hope amidst adversity, as the team awaits the return of key players.

5. **Baltimore Orioles**: A sluggish start for the Orioles’ young offense raises concerns, with notable prospects like Jordan Westburg and Gunnar Henderson struggling early. However, Triple-A standout Jackson Holliday offers a glimmer of hope with his impressive performance.

6. **Philadelphia Phillies**: Trea Turner’s slow start mirrors the team’s offensive struggles, with the Phillies batting just .229 collectively. Yet, amidst the challenges, the team’s City Connect jerseys offer a silver lining.

7. **Detroit Tigers**: A surprising ascent in the rankings reflects the Tigers’ resilience, with Tarik Skubal emerging as a Cy Young contender. Despite recent losses, signs of life abound in Detroit.

8. **Houston Astros**: A slow start raises eyebrows, marking the Astros’ first five-game under .500 streak since 2016. Concerns loom for José Abreu amidst offensive struggles.

9. **Chicago Cubs**: Amidst a competitive NL Central, the Cubs quietly impress, securing victories against formidable opponents like the Dodgers.

10. **Cleveland Guardians**: Despite Shane Bieber’s absence, the Guardians thrive on the mound, boasting a stellar team ERA and minimal home runs allowed.

11. **Pittsburgh Pirates**: Emerging as an unexpected story, the Pirates demonstrate resilience with victories against formidable opponents, sparking intrigue in the Central Division.

12. **Milwaukee Brewers**: Christian Yelich’s resurgence fuels the Brewers’ offensive spark, supported by standout performances from William Contreras and Jackson Chourio.

13. **Arizona Diamondbacks**: Despite setbacks against formidable opponents, the Diamondbacks exhibit promising signs, albeit with a reverse narrative from last season.

14. **Toronto Blue Jays**: A recent series sweep underscores the Blue Jays’ struggles, highlighting offensive inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities.

15. **Cincinnati Reds**: The NL Central surprises with multiple teams in the top half of the rankings, including the Reds, led by the unexpected surge of Spencer Steer.

16. **Boston Red Sox**: Buoyed by stellar pitching, particularly from the bullpen, the Red Sox showcase defensive prowess despite offensive inconsistencies.

17. **Tampa Bay Rays**: A return to .500 offers a glimmer of hope, yet concerns linger over pitching woes, notably an elevated team ERA.

18. **Kansas City Royals**: Capitalizing on home advantage, the Royals secure key victories against division rivals, propelled by strong starting pitching and MJ Melendez’s heroics.

19. **San Diego Padres**: Fernando Tatis Jr.’s resurgence injects excitement, yet the Padres struggle to find consistency early in the season.

20. **Minnesota Twins**: Despite a slow start, Carlos Correa shines, boasting an impressive OBP amidst team struggles.

21. **Seattle Mariners**: High strikeout rates hamper the Mariners’ offensive production, prompting cautious optimism amidst early challenges.

22. **St. Louis Cardinals**: Defensive prowess prevents a subpar start, yet pitching concerns linger, particularly among offseason acquisitions.

23. **San Francisco Giants**: Hopes rest on Jung Hoo Lee’s potential, though early struggles underscore offensive uncertainties.

24. **Los Angeles Angels**: Logan O’Hoppe’s standout performance offers a silver lining amidst Mike Trout’s absence, highlighting offensive potential.

25. **New York Mets**: Defensive lapses mar the Mets’ early season, necessitating swift adjustments as they face challenging matchups ahead.

26. **Washington Nationals**: Stephen Strasburg’s retirement marks the end of an era, as the Nationals navigate a season of transition.

27. **Miami Marlins**: A much-needed win offers relief, yet Eury Pérez’s news compounds early season woes for the playoff hopefuls.

28. **Chicago White Sox**: Despite Garrett Crochet’s standout performance, offensive struggles plague the White Sox, posing early season challenges.

29. **Colorado Rockies**: Kris Bryant’s struggles contrast with flashes of brilliance, as the Rockies aim to find consistency amidst early setbacks.

30. **Oakland Athletics**: Turmoil surrounds the Athletics, yet Mason Miller’s electrifying presence offers a glimmer of hope amidst adversity.

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