MLB Power Rankings Week 13: Guardians make top-3 debut

With lower than three weeks to go earlier than the All-Star break, the Guardians have made their top-three debut.

Cleveland, winners of seven of its final eight video games, took a sequence in Baltimore to leapfrog the dominant Orioles, in addition to the Dodgers, in our energy rankings. Meanwhile, the Phillies took again the No. 1 spot from the Yankees, the Red Sox broke into the highest 10 and the Blue Jays have continued their slide all the best way right down to twenty fifth on our listing.

What will the ultimate few weeks of the primary half convey?

Our knowledgeable panel has mixed to rank each group in baseball primarily based on a mix of what we have seen thus far and what we already knew going into the 162-game marathon that could be a full baseball season. We additionally requested ESPN MLB specialists David Schoenfield, Bradford Doolittle, Jesse Rogers, Buster Olney and Jorge Castillo to weigh in with observations for all 30 groups.

Week 12 | Preseason rankings

Record: 53-27
Previous rating: 2

The Phillies agreed to a four-year extension with Cristopher Sanchez that features group choices for 2029 and 2030. The deal ensures Sanchez $22.5 million with the 2 choices value no less than $14 and $15 million. Not unhealthy for a pitcher not even assured a rotation spot getting into final offseason. Remember, the Phillies pursued Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which might have possible bumped Sanchez out of the rotation. Instead, he has a 2.67 ERA and has allowed only one residence run in 84⅓ innings. — Schoenfield

Record: 52-30
Previous rating: 1

It has been a tough few weeks for the Yankees after a easy two months. Injury scares to Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Significant accidents to Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton and prime prospect Jasson Dominguez. Several bullpen strikes — a number of by selection to enhance the group, a number of resulting from damage. But essentially the most alarming improvement has been the beginning rotation’s current struggles.

Carlos Rodon has been rocked in his previous two begins. Luis Gil was knocked out within the second inning final week. And on Tuesday, Gerrit Cole faltered in his second begin of the season. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner gave up six runs on seven hits (4 residence runs), walked 4 and did not file a strikeout in 4 innings. The Yankees have constructed an excessive amount of of a cushion to fumble away a playoff spot, however they will want the beginning rotation again on observe to beat Baltimore for the division. — Castillo

Record: 51-27
Previous rating: 5

With their seventh straight win Tuesday, the Guardians improved their profitable share to .662 — finest within the majors. (After Wednesday’s loss, nevertheless, they’re now one recreation being the Phillies for finest file in MLB.) Cleveland has completed with one of the best file within the majors six occasions in franchise historical past: 2007 (tied with Boston at 96 wins), 1996 (99 wins), 1995 (100 wins in a 144-game season), 1954 (111 wins), 1948 (97 wins) and 1920 (98 wins). Leading the best way is Steven Kwan, who’s lastly certified for the batting title and hitting .377 (finest in MLB) with extra walks than strikeouts. OK, he most likely will not hit .377 all season, however the final Cleveland participant to hit .350 was Manny Ramirez in 2000 (.351), and the final to hit .360 was Earl Averill in 1936 (.378). — Schoenfield

Record: 50-30
Previous rating: 3

The Orioles rolled by way of the Bronx final week, taking two of three from the first-place Yankees to maneuver inside a half-game within the AL East race. The constructive momentum ended there. Baltimore was swept out of Houston over the weekend earlier than shedding two of three video games to the Guardians to begin this week. The offense had mixed for 4 runs in a three-game stretch earlier than bouncing again to attain eight and 4 runs of their final two video games, however the beginning pitching has been the extra urgent subject. Orioles starters have mixed for a 6.56 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over 46⅔ innings prior to now 9 video games. The struggles coincide with Kyle Bradish present process Tommy John surgical procedure after John Means and Tyler Wells have been misplaced for the season final month. The depth behind ace Corbin Burnes is a large query mark. — Castillo

Record: 51-31
Previous rating: 4

We know this about Andrew Friedman, the pinnacle of baseball operations for the Dodgers — he will do one thing on the commerce deadline. He has added stars equivalent to Manny Machado and Yu Darvish prior to now, and in different years, it has been lesser names. But he all the time does one thing. So it is go time for among the struggling gamers on their roster. The Dodgers have waited for Gavin Lux, believing in his expertise, and he has had some good days just lately. Chris Taylor has been throwing out hits currently, which is sweet timing. Friedman will quickly consider and repair his roster. — Olney

Record: 48-33
Previous rating: 6

Should Willy Adames get some MVP votes? It sounds wild for a .238 hitter who has an OPS underneath .800 and is not among the many leaders in WAR, however the award should not simply be about stats. Adames is the guts and soul of a Brewers group that has been in first place all yr lengthy. But if you would like stats, how about this one: His batting common in video games deemed late and shut is .308, whereas his OPS is .852. That sounds just a little extra MVPish, proper? He additionally has a whopping 9 multirun residence runs. Remember, the MVP poll has 10 spots. There are extra absurd issues than giving Adames a bottom-five vote. — Rogers

Record: 44-34
Previous rating: 8

Heading into Wednesday’s doubleheader in opposition to St. Louis (which they ended up splitting), the Braves have been 24-26 since April 29, an prolonged streak of mediocrity following a 19-7 begin. The offense had an .801 OPS these first 26 video games however hit .226 with a .671 OPS over these subsequent 50. The pitching has remained constant: 3.62 ERA over these first 26 video games, 3.58 within the 50 following. One vibrant spot is Austin Riley is lastly beginning to appear like the Riley of the previous three seasons, hitting .441 with 5 residence runs over a current 10-game stretch. — Schoenfield

Record: 43-37
Previous rating: 11

Jarren Duran spent final season bouncing between Triple-A and the majors because the Red Sox limped to their second straight 78-84 file. This season, he has solidified himself as a cornerstone and potential All-Star for a membership unexpectedly in possession of a wild-card spot in late June. Buoyed by his elite velocity, the 27-year-old outfielder is slashing .288/.351/.480 with seven residence runs and 20 steals. He leads the majors in triples and is tied for the AL lead in doubles whereas being among the many prime outfielders throughout the game in defensive runs saved. He ranks eleventh in fWAR. In brief, he has been one of the full gamers in baseball in 2024. — Castillo

Record: 46-37
Previous rating: 7

On June 18, the Mariners beat fellow AL front-runner Cleveland to start a nine-game street journey. That pushed Seattle’s mark to a season-best 13 video games over .500 and prolonged its lead within the AL West to a whopping 10 video games. Order your playoff tickets now! Seattle nonetheless leads the division, however its lead over the Astros has fallen by greater than half since that very current apex. Suffice to say, it has been an extended street journey for Seattle, actually and figuratively.

In common, the Mariners have struggled away from residence all season, particularly in run prevention. Well, they have not actually hit anyplace, however the pitching has fallen off badly away from T-Mobile Park. Seattle has a 2.54 ERA whereas going 27-12 at residence however is 19-25 on the street with a bloated ERA of 4.55. — Doolittle

Record: 44-36
Previous rating: 10

Royce Lewis simply retains on hitting. The 25-year-old third baseman is batting .311 with 10 residence runs and a 1.138 OPS in 20 video games. After an 0-fer recreation final week, Lewis informed reporters, “I don’t do that slump thing.” He wasn’t mendacity. He went out and posted a three-hit recreation the subsequent day. He has no less than one hit in all however 5 video games he is performed this season and has not often had consecutive hitless video games in his main league profession, although he is hitless in his previous three video games. For essentially the most half, hitting comes simple for him. Staying on the sector has been the issue. If he does that, the Twins could have a celebrity fueling a harmful lineup in October. — Castillo

Record: 44-38
Previous rating: 9

With the Royals’ playoff chances shrinking quickly, president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo and his employees have amped up their aggression with the roster. Struggling slugger Nelson Velasquez was demoted when spark plug Michael Massey got here off the IL, and a reshaping of the flailing bullpen appears to be underway. In the minors, lefty Kris Bubic was shifted to the bullpen at some stage in his rehab task for Omaha. The Royals additionally signed veteran Jesus Tinoco to a minor league deal, although that signing is extra of a flier than something. The Royals have not been terribly proactive with regards to churning the previous couple of spots of their 40-man roster, so hopefully this spate of exercise isn’t arriving too late for a group nonetheless within the playoff hunt — if the bleeding might be stopped. — Doolittle

Record: 44-41
Previous rating: 12

The National League mud lavatory of wild-card contenders is, for now, a messy race of 10 groups vying for 2 spots. You may make an inexpensive case for every of the golf equipment, together with the Nationals, however apparently, many executives echo an identical sentiment as they assess what they see: The Padres ought to be one of the best group on this group of wild-card wannabes.

“There’s just a talent there,” one high-ranking official mentioned of San Diego final week. “They’ve got starting rotation problems, but with [the quality of] their position players, they should win a spot. Nobody can hit — but [the Padres] can hit.” — Olney

Record: 40-40
Previous rating: 15

All those that have been able to pop a cork over the demise of the Houston dynasty had higher hold that bubbly on ice, as a result of the Astros aren’t accomplished but. Last week, we famous that regardless of the urgency generated by their glacial starting, the Astros nonetheless had not been capable of reel off a sustained profitable streak. Almost definitely motivated by that actual energy rankings-related commentary, they proceeded to reel off a sustained profitable streak. With the Mariners and Royals stumbling on the identical time, Houston is — as ever — very a lot within the AL West title image and looms within the league’s wild-card race. Better test to see if that champagne has a return coverage. — Doolittle

Record: 41-38
Previous rating: 16

The Cardinals’ run up the standings is trying increasingly more actual due to a pitching employees that continues to overachieve. Of course, St. Louis would possibly disagree with that description, however actually, who noticed this coming? The Cards rank fourth in ERA over the previous month as, unexpectedly, Kyle Gibson has discovered the fountain of youth, Miles Mikolas has stopped giving up extra hits than innings pitched and reliever Ryan Fernandez has become a monster on the mound. It would not harm when your nearer goes 10-for-10 in save alternatives throughout that timeframe as properly. Plus, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment, so it is not just like the Cardinals are essentially peaking and can fall again. They’ve been spectacular since their gradual begin and deserve credit score for it. — Rogers

Record: 39-41
Previous rating: 13

The worst of Corbin Carroll‘s sophomore droop is seemingly behind him. Through May 28, Carroll was batting .184 with a .279 slugging share. Since then, he is hitting .286 and slugging .396 with a .387 OBP. He’s additionally contributing to the Arizona offense by getting on base and stymieing defenses together with his velocity; he is scored 22 runs in his previous 26 video games. For now, nevertheless, his energy has deserted him — his final residence run got here on May 7. There is extra work to be accomplished in what has been a studying expertise for the 23-year-old. — Olney

Record: 39-39
Previous rating: 17

Mark Vientos has been up and down between the Mets and Triple-A the previous two seasons, together with taking part in 31 video games this season for Syracuse. He was recalled for a second time in 2024 on May 15 when Joey Wendle was designated for task, and he is taken benefit of that chance. Vientos had back-to-back three-hit video games final week in opposition to the Rangers and homered twice off Gerrit Cole on Tuesday. He’s nonetheless simply 24 years outdated, and his rookie numbers thus far do not look all that totally different from the speed stats Pete Alonso put up on the identical age in 2019. Vientos has been taking part in third base and whereas protection is not his robust go well with, he is definitely surpassed Brett Baty because the third baseman of the longer term (or possibly he is a attainable substitute for Alonso at first base, if Alonso would not re-sign as a free agent). — Schoenfield

Record: 37-43
Previous rating: 18

If the Rangers are capable of crawl again into the postseason race, an unsung hero of their survival quest will likely be utility participant Josh H. Smith. We’re together with the center preliminary (the “H” is for Harris) as a result of he is truly the third Josh Smith to play within the majors prior to now decade. Josh H. has flourished throughout the absence of injured third baseman Josh Jung, whose restoration from a wrist damage could have hit a snag this week when some soreness cropped up throughout his rehab.

Smith has hit .294/.389/.462 this season, giving him a sturdy 144 OPS+. He’s actually put his physique on the road: Smith is tied for the MLB lead by getting plunked 12 occasions already. According to baseball-reference.com, on a group led by superstars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia, it is Smith who leads the best way in runs created and WAR. — Doolittle

Record: 40-41
Previous rating: 25

The Rays have surged currently after falling a season-high 5 video games underneath .500 on June 18. Yandy Diaz is a big motive for this. The first baseman was batting .243 with a .661 OPS by way of May after hitting .330 to win the AL batting crown and making the All-Star group final season. Díaz has resembled that 2023 model of himself thus far in June, slashing .343/.365/.500 with three residence runs in 23 video games. He has recorded hits in 22 of the 23 video games and a number of hits in 5 of the previous seven video games. The Rays, coincidentally, have received six of their previous eight video games to sneak again into the perimeter of the wild-card race. Maybe they will not be subtracting on the deadline in spite of everything. — Castillo

Record: 37-43
Previous rating: 19

Jonathan India is lastly heating up. A group chief and mainly the elder statesman of the infielders (together with Jeimer Candelario) although he is solely 27, India was 10-for-17 over the previous seven days (ending Tuesday) whereas compiling a 1.741 OPS — the best in baseball over that timeframe. Six of his hits went for additional bases, as his timing has been proper on the cash. He hasn’t flashed the identical form of energy that he confirmed in 2021, however his present OPS+ is consistent with that season, when he was the Rookie of the Year. Cincinnati has been searching for an offensive spark exterior of Elly De La Cruz — and India could also be it. — Rogers

Record: 38-42
Previous rating: 20

The Nationals have a brand new rival after all of the fireworks involving Jurickson Profar on Monday and Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Nationals misplaced each video games, with Profar hitting a walk-off single within the tenth inning Monday. That adopted a walk-off loss Saturday in opposition to the Rockies, when Colorado scored as soon as within the eighth and twice within the ninth to win 8-7. Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey have been clutch on the again finish of the bullpen, however Harvey factored into each losses and Finnegan was given the loss Saturday. — Schoenfield

Record: 37-43
Previous rating: 22

Jack Flaherty‘s determination to take a one-year cope with the Tigers was a guess on himself — and it may pay off in a big way. Flaherty has been dominant, with 108 strikeouts in 83⅓ innings — simply one of the best whiff charge of his profession — however extra importantly, he is absorbing innings, averaging six per begin. He’s been so good that if the Tigers saved him by way of this season, they may justify giving him a qualifying provide of near $20 million. But for now, the business wonders: Will he get traded? — Olney

Record: 39-41
Previous rating: 24

Should the Pirates subtract from their roster on the commerce deadline or add? Their proprietor says they wish to make a playoff push, however with their prime pitchers being so younger, some insiders say a postseason berth is extra possible subsequent yr than this one. The easy considering is the group ought to take it simple on younger phenoms Jared Jones and Paul Skenes whereas increase their stamina for future playoff runs. However, with the NL so bunched, it is likely to be a wasted alternative to face nonetheless. The subsequent month of baseball will determine the course for Pittsburgh. — Rogers

Record: 37-44
Previous rating: 23

Normally, when a group has a very good beginning employees, it results in a very good season. But the Cubs are the uncommon case by which that is not taking place, largely because of the remainder of their recreation being problematic. The group has squandered extra runs than is suitable on the bases, performed lower than anticipated protection, slugged lots lower than final yr and final, however definitely not least, they’ve blown all kinds of late-inning leads, together with one other ninth-inning meltdown Monday in San Francisco. That one ended on a walk-off stroll issued by Drew Smyly, who nibbled his manner into a nasty loss. There have been a lot of them for Chicago this season. — Rogers

Record: 39-42
Previous rating: 14

In current years, you can’ve moderately faulted the trouble of the Giants’ entrance workplace. But final winter, San Francisco was a giant spender, scooping up unsigned stars all through the winter, from Jorge Soler to Blake Snell to Matt Chapman. And but nothing has actually modified. We’re midway by way of the season, and the best batting common for any certified hitter on their roster is .234 (Thairo Estrada and Chapman). Heliot Ramos leads the group in residence runs with 10. Chapman has the best on-base share at .314. The Giants fired supervisor Gabe Kapler after a 79-win season final yr, and at current, they’re on a trajectory to win 76-78 video games underneath Bob Melvin. — Olney

Record: 36-43
Previous rating: 21

Orelvis Martinez‘s profession was flipped the other way up over the weekend. On Friday, after being known as as much as exchange the injured Bo Bichette on the Blue Jays’ roster, the group’s No. 2 prospect made his main league debut and registered his first hit. On Sunday, Martinez was suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The Blue Jays, in the meantime, misplaced their sixth straight recreation that day. It was a becoming week for Toronto, a membership with playoff expectations now nearer to the floundering Angels within the standings than the third wild-card spot. This group may look very totally different come August. — Castillo

Record: 33-46
Previous rating: 26

Starting pitching will likely be in excessive demand on the commerce market between now and the top of the deadline. Unfortunately for the Angels, we will cross one identify off the listing of potential targets: lefty Patrick Sandoval. His season is over due to a critical elbow damage that may require surgical procedure. Sandoval was 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA, persevering with a profession by which he is struggled to ascertain a agency foothold as rotation stalwart. During the three years from 2021 by way of 2023, he posted a 3.53 ERA (122 ERA+) whereas averaging 127 innings per season. It’s not prime Chuck Finley, however in 2024, these numbers will play. Nevertheless — and say what you need about pitcher data — Sandoval is 27 years outdated and has 19 profession wins and a 19-45 mark regardless of a 108 profession ERA+. Now, the unhealthy luck has gotten worse. — Doolittle

Record: 29-54
Previous rating: 27

And then there have been none. Maybe. Oakland designated veteran reliever Aaron Brooks for task on June 25, ending the righty’s keep within the majors for now. If he would not land one other huge league job, it can finish a virtually two-decade reign for Aaron Brooks in American main league sports activities that has spanned the NFL, NBA and MLB. They weren’t all the identical man, in fact, however the identify — Aaron Brooks — has quarterbacked the New Orleans Saints (2000 to 2006), performed level guard for numerous NBA groups (2007 to 2018) and operated out of massive league bullpens for 4 groups (2014 to current). Can it actually be over? — Doolittle

Record: 28-52
Previous rating: 29

It by some means simply retains getting worse for the Marlins, as they just lately transferred Jesus Luzardo from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL with a lumbar stress reaction (so take him off these commerce rumor lists). The IL for the Marlins now contains beginning pitchers Luzardo, Sandy Alcantara, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Weathers, Edward Cabrera, Eury Perez and Sixto Sanchez. They’ve used 13 totally different starters however by some means rank twenty eighth within the majors in rotation ERA as a substitute of final. With a 5.01 rotation ERA, they need to keep away from the franchise worst of 5.58 in 2007. Despite that, the Marlins nonetheless managed to win consecutive sequence in opposition to the Cardinals and Mariners (together with three straight walk-off wins). — Schoenfield

Record: 27-53
Previous rating: 28

If we have been to attract up an inventory of one of the best followers in main league baseball, the Rockies’ devoted must be within the dialog. Think about what they’ve signed up for. This is a franchise that has posted a profitable file simply twice prior to now 14 seasons — and but, Colorado followers constantly end up within the vary of 30,000 a recreation. Their loyalty to the game appears to be the one positive factor in regards to the group’s future. — Olney

Record: 21-61
Previous rating: 30

We’ve written about Garrett Crochet a number of occasions on this house, however he deserves much more recognition after yet one more stellar efficiency — this time in opposition to the mighty Dodgers. Granted, it was sans Mookie Betts, however Crochet mowed by way of them prefer it was his personal lineup of last-place hitters. He solely pitched 5⅔ innings, however that is as a result of the White Sox are taking it simple on him in his first yr as a starter and with the commerce deadline approaching — however he was extraordinarily efficient whereas in there. He gave up 5 hits with out issuing a stroll whereas placing out six. He continues to guide the AL in K’s — he is as much as 130 now — and he leads the majors with 17 begins. Teams ought to be lining up for his companies subsequent month. — Rogers