Skip to content

MLB Power Rankings: Red-hot A's and Giants making things interesting

Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / Getty

This is the 10th edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2019 season. Rankings will continue being published every second Monday throughout the regular season, with the next instalment coming on Aug. 5.

Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
67-35 7-3 +165 1 (-)

It's not surprising that the Dodgers' offense has been the best in baseball since the All-Star break by FanGraphs WAR. Los Angeles has hit a whopping 26 home runs in 10 second-half games, with Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy pacing the club with four each. Perhaps most impressively, that run qualifies as a slump for Bellinger. Since the Midsummer Classic, the 24-year-old's average is 55 points lower than his first-half numbers, while his slugging is nearly 40 points lower.

2. New York Yankees

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
64-34 7-3 +138 2 (-)

The Yankees have won seven out of 10 after the All-Star break to pad a big lead atop the AL East. New York now owns the best winning percentage in the AL. MVP candidate DJ LeMahieu has collected a hit in all but one of those post All-Star break contests - including three multi-hit games - to raise his average to an AL-leading .333. New York's vaunted bullpen leads the majors in WAR (5.5) and owns the second-best ERA (3.71).

3. Houston Astros

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
64-37 7-3 +107 3 (-)

It seems like the Astros are putting everything together for their postseason push, and the team feels poised for another deep run. Houston's hitters have posted a 133 wRC+ since the All-Star break, good enough for second in the AL, and Astros pitchers have looked unbeatable. The team's starters have produced an MLB-best 31.5 percent strikeout rate in the second half, with Gerrit Cole and the ageless Justin Verlander combining for 43 punchouts over 25 innings of work.

4. Oakland Athletics

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
57-43 8-2 +97 10 (+6)

Can you name the best-hitting team in the second half? If you guessed the A's, who lead the league with a 145 wRC+ since the Midsummer Classic, you'd be right. No one has been hotter than Ramon Laureano, who's hitting .471 with four dingers and a 1.513 OPS over the past nine games. Oakland hasn't lost consecutive games since June 8, and the team is 25-10 over that span while starting to breathe down Houston's neck.

5. Minnesota Twins

Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
60-38 4-6 +111 4 (-1)

The Twins have looked a bit lethargic out of the gate to start the second half, and their next assignment is a tough one against the Yankees. Minnesota's offense has been simply mediocre, with a .261/.345/.477 slash line since the break. However, the Twins are benefitting from elite starting pitching, with the staff authoring a 2.94 ERA thanks partly to magnificent starts from Michael Pineda and Martin Perez.

6. Atlanta Braves

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
60-41 6-4 +51 5 (-1)

If you haven't already, it's time to buy into the Braves. With every other team in the NL East faltering, Atlanta is quietly establishing itself as a contender. Among NL clubs, only the Dodgers and Rockies have scored more runs than the Braves. However, Atlanta is allowing runs at a league-average rate, so the team's front office needs to address the rotation and bullpen before the trade deadline.

7. Washington Nationals

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
52-46 6-4 +37 7 (-)

The Nationals are now the only team threatening the Braves' throne atop the NL East, and the two rivals just split a four-game set. With another series coming up against Atlanta, along with tough matchups against the Rockies and Dodgers, the Nats need to stay afloat. Ideally, that will involve adding top-tier relief help to a bullpen that ranks 19th in the majors by FanGraphs WAR.

8. Chicago Cubs

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
54-45 7-3 +66 8 (-)

The Cubs are red hot to start the second half. Chicago has won seven of nine games, but the Cubs still sit just two up in the super-tight NL Central. Four players with 20-plus home runs power the club's offense, and All-Star catcher Willson Contreras can make it five if he hits one more. Meanwhile, Yu Darvish has struck out 15 batters over 12 shutout innings in his last two starts.

9. Cleveland Indians

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
57-41 7-3 +45 11 (+2)

The Twins better watch out, because the Indians are primed for a big second-half push, and a fourth straight AL Central crown could be within reach. Cleveland is just three games back of Minnesota after sitting as far as 11 1/2 back on June 2. The club's starting pitchers have posted the fourth-highest WAR in the AL (9.2), while the relievers have recorded MLB's lowest ERA (3.34). Just imagine the roll this team can get on when Corey Kluber and possibly Carlos Carrasco return. Also, would the front office actually consider dealing Trevor Bauer now?

10. Tampa Bay Rays

Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
57-45 4-6 +84 6 (-4)

The Rays snapped a season-worst five-game losing streak on Sunday, largely because of Travis d'Arnaud's grand slam. The catcher has been sensational since coming over from the Dodgers, leading all players at his position with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs since June 6.

11. Boston Red Sox

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
54-46 5-5 +52 9 (-2)

The Red Sox are playing inconsistent baseball while entering their most important stretch of the season. Starting Monday, Boston's next 14 games are against the Rays and Yankees, the two teams directly above them in the AL East division standings. The Red Sox are just 5-11 against Tampa and New York this season, and they've been outscored 64-96 in those games.

12. Milwaukee Brewers

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
53-48 6-4 -4 13 (+1)

There's just something missing for the Brewers. The team's offense has still been productive, with Christian Yelich continuing to mash, and Keston Hiura surpassing the astronomical hype that accompanied him to the majors. If they're going to threaten for the division, the Brewers might need to add a starter or two. Credit to Zach Davies is due, though, as the right-hander has continued to suppress runs (2.79 ERA in 20 starts) despite posting the second-worst strikeout rate of any qualified starter.

13. St. Louis Cardinals

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
51-47 7-3 +16 15 (+2)

The biggest acquisition the Cardinals could receive at the deadline would be their own star players playing better. Expect the front office to still try to bolster a club that sits just 2 1/2 games out of the division lead despite not firing on all cylinders. How St. Louis fares during a four-game series against the Pirates set to open on Monday could determine if the Cardinals are buyers at the deadline.

14. Philadelphia Phillies

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
52-48 5-5 -17 12 (-2)

It's almost unfathomable that a lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, and J.T. Realmuto is below average, but here we are. Since the break, the Phillies' offense has only been better than the Pirates in the NL by wRC+. Philadelphia is facing an easy schedule coming up, with series against the Tigers, Giants, and White Sox, but the Phillies need to turn their season around in short order.

15. Los Angeles Angels

Masterpress / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
52-49 7-3 +15 18 (+3)

The Angels are within striking distance of the postseason, and they're one of eight teams in the AL with a positive run differential, sitting alongside every other legitimate contender (Yankees, Twins, Astros, Athletics, Rays, Red Sox, and Indians). Is that a sign of what's ahead down the stretch? Or just the Angels beating up on the Mariners in six of their last ten games?

16. Arizona Diamondbacks

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
50-50 5-5 +63 16 (-)

With the Diamondbacks sitting at .500 and tied for a distant second place in the NL West, there's some optimism surrounding this team. After all, the D-Backs are 2 1/2 games back of the NL's second wild-card spot. However, still expect them to sell at the deadline. If he's made available, there's no question Zack Greinke would be the top pitcher on the market.

17. Texas Rangers

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
50-49 3-7 -9 14 (-3)

It appears the Rangers' bubble is bursting after a surprising first half. Texas has lost seven straight while falling 13 games behind the AL West lead and 6 1/2 out of a wild-card spot. With the trade deadline around the corner, the team is now likely to sell. Veterans Mike Minor, Hunter Pence, and Shin-Soo Choo could all be on new teams in August.

18. San Francisco Giants

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
50-50 8-2 -42 25 (+7)

A miraculous run highlighted by a seven-game winning streak has the Giants back at .500 and in a dead heat for second place in the NL West. Alex Dickerson has heated up out of nowhere, posting a .795 slugging percentage with five home runs in 24 games with the Giants. Will San Francisco's newfound competitiveness preclude the team from selling off top assets like Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith?

19. Colorado Rockies

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
47-52 3-7 -37 19 (-)

It's been a rough start to the second half for the Rockies. The team has only won three games, and Colorado just snapped a six-game losing streak on Sunday. The Rockies are getting plenty of offense and zero pitching. Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, and Trevor Story have all posted an OPS over .900. However, the Rockies' rotation is a mess despite boasting some big arms, and Wade Davis has been arguably the league's worst closer.

20. Cincinnati Reds

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
44-53 3-7 +27 20 (-)

Even while owning the sixth-best run differential in the NL, the Reds sit seven games out of the second wild-card spot because their offense can't score enough runs to complement a stellar pitching staff. It's unfortunate that Cincinnati will be forced to sell after an ambitious winter, but hopefully Tanner Roark, Jose Iglesias, Yasiel Puig, and potentially Raisel Iglesias will land the team plenty of prospects at the deadline.

21. San Diego Padres

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
47-52 3-7 -45 17 (-4)

The young Padres are starting to fade. The club has only won twice since the All-Star break while falling into a last-place tie in the NL West. It's too bad rookie Chris Paddack can only pitch every fifth day, because San Diego sure could use more guys like him in its starting rotation. The electric right-hander's recent no-hit bid was broken up in the eighth, and it would have been the first no-hitter in team history.

22. Pittsburgh Pirates

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
46-52 3-7 -56 21 (-1)

The Pirates' recent rough patch has likely made it easier for the front office to sell, and there could be significant movement from the team. Starling Marte, Corey Dickerson, Felipe Vazquez, Melky Cabrera, Jordan Lyles, and Francisco Liriano could all be traded, but also expect the unexpected. This is the same front office that pulled off the blockbuster Chris Archer trade last deadline.

23. New York Mets

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
45-54 5-5 -29 23 (-)

It's been a nightmare season for the Mets aside from the performances of Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Jacob deGrom. Alonso has gone yard in three of the last five games after a mini drought following the Home Run Derby. The rookie is now up to 33 homers, and he needs 19 more to tie Aaron Judge's rookie record.

24. Chicago White Sox

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
44-52 2-8 -98 22 (-2)

The White Sox are approaching their competitive window, but they likely won't be serious postseason contenders this year. That leaves the front office with some challenging decisions leading up to the deadline. Should Chicago try to extend Jose Abreu? Or is the team better off trading him for future help, and then bringing Abreu back over the winter?

25. Toronto Blue Jays

Duane Burleson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
38-63 4-6 -79 24 (-1)

Has Marcus Stroman made his final start for the Blue Jays? If so, he went out with a bang. The right-hander tossed seven shutout innings against Detroit on Friday, and he'll now be one of the top starters available at the trade deadline. Toronto could move a number of pieces, including Freddy Galvis, Eric Sogard, Ken Giles, Justin Smoak, and Daniel Hudson.

26. Seattle Mariners

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
40-62 2-8 -109 26 (-)

Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has already moved many of his tradeable assets, but expect the league's most trade-happy executive to shop around several other veterans. Dee Gordon, Domingo Santana, Tim Beckham, Roenis Elias, and Mike Leake - fresh off a near-perfect game - could all be traded to help restock Seattle's farm system and save some money.

27. Kansas City Royals

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
37-64 7-3 -76 28 (+1)

It's a small sample size, but the Royals' performance lately has to be encouraging for the front office. Kansas City has won seven of its last 10 games, including a four-game sweep of the rival White Sox. Jakob Junis has partly fueled the turnaround by posting a 1.35 ERA over his last three starts.

28. Miami Marlins

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
36-61 3-7 -98 27 (-1)

Lewis Brinson is trying to rediscover his stroke in the minors, but Jordan Yamamoto - another piece from the Christian Yelich deal - has been excellent. The right-hander owns a 2.61 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 38 innings (seven starts). Yelich turning into one of MLB's best players since leaving Miami will always sting. But if the Marlins can turn several pieces from that trade into core parts of their rebuild, watching Yelich soar will at least be a little easier to swallow.

29. Baltimore Orioles

Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
31-67 4-6 -184 30 (+1)

Even a lost season can feature magical moments. Journeyman starter Asher Wojciechowski recorded one of the more unlikely pitching lines of the year on Sunday, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Red Sox. The right-hander, who entered the start with a career 6.49 ERA, finished with 7 1/3 shutout innings and a career-high 10 strikeouts.

30. Detroit Tigers

Mark Cunningham / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record Last 10 RD Previous rank (change)
30-65 2-8 -191 29 (-1)

Nicholas Castellanos is heating up, and that's certainly a good thing for the Tigers. The outfielder is one of the club's best trade chips, and he'll likely fetch a solid return while hitting .300 with five doubles and a pair of home runs over his last ten games.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox