SSN: MLB Power Rankings – One Month In
May 6, 2022
As the Major League Baseball season approaches the one-month mark, there have been no shortages of headlines and early season surprises. Today, I compiled my “Power Rankings” of all 30 teams, as they stand through about 25 games. The MLB season lasts 162 games, so understandably, a lot is expected to change by the end of the year, but here’s where all 30 teams stack up after one month, in my opinion. (all data and records are accurate as of the morning of May 5).
1. New York Yankees (18-7)
Carried by a recent 11-game winning streak, the Yankees have risen to the best record in baseball in dominant fashion. The potent offense is firing on all cylinders, with teammates Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo tied for the MLB lead in homers with 9 each. If this team maintains good health and the starting pitching continues to do what they’ve done, the Yankees could stay in the top spot the whole season.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (16-7)
This offseason, the Dodgers built what many called the most formidable starting lineup in baseball history. They currently sit at 16-7, and that is even while their offense has been struggling. If the lineup starts to hit like they’re expected to, watch out.
3. New York Mets (18-9)
Not to be outdone by their cross-city rivals, the Mets have enjoyed an extraordinary start to their season. They haven’t lost a series so far, and with the rest of the National League East struggling, this team could roll to a super impressive record come late in the season. Don’t forget, they still haven’t gotten ace Jacob deGrom back.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (17-8)
After starting the season slow, the Brewers have won 8 of their last 10 and currently have the third best run differential in baseball (+36). The pitching staff is the defined strength of the team, and if the offense continues to get contributions from everyone, the Brewers could win a very competitive NL Central.
5. San Diego Padres (16-9)
The Padres, coming off a disappointing season, have gotten off to the start they needed to prove this team can still live up to the sky-high expectations. They’ve won 7 of 10 and are in second place in the NL West, which features four teams above .500 and one team right at .500 (Diamondbacks).
6. Toronto Blue Jays (16-10)
This is a Blue Jays team that is one of the most entertaining teams to watch in all of baseball, and the offense has been fantastic. Offseason acquisition Kevin Gausman has maybe been the best starter in the Majors up to this point, and his veteran experience is paying dividends within the young clubhouse in Toronto.
7. Tampa Bay Rays (15-10)
The Rays represent the third AL East team inside the top seven on this list, which accurately represents just how competitive this division is going to be. Tampa Bay’s front office continues to push the right buttons, and the team keeps picking up wins.
8. Los Angeles Angels (16-10)
The star-studded Angels are off to a nice start, led by a pair of former MVP’s in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. The AL West could be a very interesting division to watch as the season goes on.
9. Minnesota Twins (15-10)
Following the disappointment from last season’s disappointment, the Twins were a question mark coming into the season. They’ve been impressive so far, and OF Byron Buxton is playing like an MVP early on.
10. St. Louis Cardinals (14-10)
The Cardinals field a talented, experienced team that has postseason expectations. So far, the veteran pitching staff has been strong, and if St. Louis is able to produce enough offense, they could challenge the Brewers for the division title.
11. San Francisco Giants (14-10)
Following last season’s 107 win year, the Giants are off to a strong start yet again. A surprise to many, this team just finds ways to win.
12. Houston Astros (14-11)
The powerhouse Astros lost some key contributors in the offseason, but through 25 games, they still have a winning record and are likely to contend for the division title yet again.
13. Colorado Rockies (14-10)
Thanks to a superb 8-3 start, the Rockies have enjoyed being the biggest surprise of 2022 so far. They have benefitted from timely hitting and a seemingly improved bullpen, and if the success continues, the NL West could turn out to be the tightest division in baseball.
14. Seattle Mariners (12-13)
Seattle, after gaining the love of the country during last season’s run to finish the season, is hungry to reach the postseason this year, but they’ve struggled a bit offensively out of the gate.
15. Miami Marlins (12-12)
The Marlins, another surprise team to start the year, have relied on stellar starting pitching to reach their .500 record of 12-12, and they currently sit in second place in the NL East, ahead of the defending champion Atlanta Braves.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (13-13)
In what many considered to be a lost season, the Diamondbacks have fought hard and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
17. Chicago White Sox (11-13)
Chicago’s South Side team came into the season with sky-high expectations, but have struggled early on.
18. Atlanta Braves (12-15)
The defending champs lost 2020 MVP 1B Freddie Freeman, and his presence seems to be missed as they currently sit in 3rd place in the NL East.
19. Cleveland Guardians (11-13)
Starting pitching and 3B Jose Ramirez have carried this team to 11 wins, but they’ll need greater contributions from others if they want to hunt the postseason.
20. Boston Red Sox (10-15)
After adding talent in the offseason, the offense has faltered and the pitching staff has been inconsistent, at least so far.
21. Philadelphia Phillies (11-14)
The super talented Phillies lineup has performed well, but the bullpen has limited this team to 11 wins.
22. Texas Rangers (10-14)
Even after adding Marcus Semien and Corey Seager in the offseason, it’s been an uphill battle this season as the pitching staff has struggled.
23. Oakland Athletics (10-15)
The Oakland A’s lost several key guys this offseason, and the new guys are taking a little time to get acclimated to their new home.
24. Pittsburgh Pirates (10-14)
The Pirates have been better than years past, but they are unlikely to compete for the postseason this year.
25. Chicago Cubs (9-15)
Chicago’s North Side team still benefits from their passionate fanbase, but the offense has really struggled to produce runs this year.
26. Baltimore Orioles (9-16)
The youth is developing, and sooner rather than later, this team will start winning consistently.
27. Washington Nationals (9-17)
Juan Soto has 6 HR’s, and 7 RBI. The offense is just not getting on base at a playable rate.
28. Kansas City Royals (8-15)
Bobby Whitt Jr. has been exciting, perhaps showcasing what the upcoming seasons could feature.
29. Detroit Tigers (8-15)
The Tigers have had a rough last 10 games, going 2-8 in that span.
30. Cincinnati Reds (3-21)
The Reds are off to the worst 24 game start in MLB history.
Story by Noah Spirek.