In this seventh edition of Bleacher Brothers MLB Power Rankings, the New York Yankees jump into the top spot. While last week’s rankings saw stability amongst the top five, the entire list this week has been shaken up. With the regular season coming to a close, the top ten continues to change with teams like the Padres and Astros continuing to rise, and teams like the Orioles continuing to trend down.
- New York Yankees (Previously – 2)
The Yankees come in at the number one spot for the first time after a phenomenal stretch to clinch their postseason berth. They’ve won six of their last seven and had an impressive road trip out west to help pad their American League East lead. When looking back at their season as a whole, this week’s series wins over Oakland and Seattle could be looked at as the deciding factor between the Yankees winning and losing the division.
- Los Angeles Dodgers (Previously – 3)
The Dodgers come in at the number two spot after clinching their postseason berth as well. They’ve won two straight series over the Marlins and Rockies, but remain outside the number one spot due to the level of competition. Notably this week, Shohei Ohtani completed his quest to the 50 home run, 50 stolen base milestone in a single season. He became the first player in MLB history to record a single season with both.
- Philadelphia Phillies (Previously – 1)
The Phillies clinched their National League East title but lost two series last week against two great teams in the Brewers and Mets. However, the Phillies are still undoubtedly a top three team in baseball, and shouldn’t fall out of that spot for the remainder of the regular season.
- San Diego Padres (Previously – 6)
The big risers of this week’s edition, the Padres have performed great recently earning their first top five appearance. After taking a series against the Astros, they took a much needed series over the Chicago White Sox. If the rotation can continue to dominate, the Padres will be a team to fear in October.
- Milwaukee Brewers (Previously – 4)
Losing a four game set to the Diamondbacks is not exactly an equation to rise in the rankings but their previous series win over Philadelphia maintains them in the top five. The Brewers also managed to clinch their National League Central division title, completing a dominant run over the division all regular season.
- Cleveland Guardians (Previously – 5)
The Guardians had a great week securing the American League Central but dropping a series to the Cardinals takes them down to the sixth spot. Jose Ramirez continues to rake for Cleveland at the plate, and this Guardians team could very easily retake a top five spot heading into the postseason.
- New York Mets (Previously – 9)
The Mets have been playing great baseball recently coming off of a series sweep over the Washington Nationals and a series win in a four game set over the Phillies. The rotation continues to put together solid starts headlined by left hander Sean Manaea. They are now a half game up on the Diamondbacks for the second Wildcard spot.
- Houston Astros (Previously – UR)
The Astros break into the top 10 at the number eight spot as they look to close in on the American League West. A series sweep over the Angels has helped pad their division lead, and the threat of Houston in the postseason is just about to be a reality again for the American League.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Previously – 8)
The Diamondbacks went on a great run this week with a four game win streak, and a big series win over the Brewers. They now sit in position for the final Wildcard spot in the National League, but with the Braves behind that spot is not guaranteed.
- Baltimore Orioles (Previously – 7)
The Orioles are the biggest droppers in this week’s rankings after their late season struggles have seemed to continue. They’ve taken brutal series losses to the Giants and Tigers recently, practically giving the division away to the Yankees. Baltimore still has a Wildcard spot virtually secured but will need a near perfect run and a horrible run from the Yankees if they want the division title.