The trade deadline is quickly approaching the MLB, it will be here next week and that means that the midway point of the season is also upon us. The good teams are finally starting to separate from the bad teams and the playoff races are heating up. If this shortened season is showing us anything though it is that a team who looks to be out of it can get right back in it with one great week.
The San Diego Padres sat under .500 last week and now find their way into our top ten and on the flip side, the Rockies were in second in their division and fall all the way into the 20s. The one thing that has remained constant though is that the top-5 and the bottom-5 have remained consistent for the most part, as for the other 20 spots, not so much.
We should be expecting things to shake up by next week, in fact, they are already starting to shake up with the deadline approaching. Most teams are still in contention as of right now so it will be interesting to see who is going to buy and who is going to sell over the next week.
At almost the halfway point in the season we have seen things that we expected like the Dodgers being great, and things that were unexpected like the Orioles sitting at .500, but either way we are back with another week of power rankings. There were some massive jumps in the power rankings this week with the Giants taking the largest jump at 11 spots, but there were also some big drop offs with the Rockies falling down 11 spots.
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1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2020 Record: 22-8
Prev. Week (2 ↑1)
This is not a strange situation for Dodgers fans these past couple seasons, they are the best team in the national league and as of right now they are the best team in the MLB. The offense has been fantastic (as expected), averaging about six runs over the past week, plus reigning MVP Cody Bellinger is starting to heat up a little bit. Dodgers fans have to be most thrilled about Corey Seager though. Seager is once again looking like an all-star and if the Dodgers want to make a long postseason run then he will be needed. On top of the offense, the pitching has also been great (outside of Ross Stripling), although they haven’t been able to match their season average, there is a reason why they 5-1 over the past week and 9-1 over the past 10 games.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
2020 Record: 19-10
Prev. Week (5 ↑3)
The Rays have overtaken the Yankees as the division leaders in the AL East and with the injuries the Yankees are facing, the Rays could be there for a long time. Over the past week they are 5-1 which included a sweep over the Yanks. Brandon Lowe has to be the biggest surprise on the offensive end and although he may have had a down week, he has still been their most productive hitter. Offense is not the mantra of this team though, that would be the pitching and now, without Charlie Morton they need some people to step up. Collectively, that is what they are doing, the name of the game is scoring more than the other team and the Rays have been great at that over the past 10 days.
3. Oakland Athletics
2020 Record: 20-9
Prev. Week (1 ↓2)
The Athletics started the week off slowly after losing their first two on the road, but they ended the week strong going 4-1 for a 4-3 week. While they may not have been the hottest team of the week, they are still one of the hottest teams in the league winning seven of their past 10 games. Other than the horrid outing by Frankie Montas in which he allowed nine ER there pitching has been great, however, the offense has been a little stagnant in close game situations. In their past seven games they have averaged slightly less than four runs a game, this is not a good recipe for winning even with great pitching. Watch for the A’s to add a bat before the trade deadline to help out an offense that can disappear at times.
4. New York Yankees
2020 Record: 16-9
Prev. Week (3 ↓1)
The Yankees are picking up right where they left off last season and not in a good way, the injury bug has been creeping up and now it is out in full force. Luckily (I guess), for them their latest series with the Mets was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns so they have had a chance to regroup a little from a tough week. They started off finishing off a sweep against Boston, but then Tampa came in and overtook the division having the Yanks finish the week at 1-3. One thing the Yankees have is depth, but one thing they are struggling with right now is pitching. James Paxton is the biggest concern and starting pitching is holding this team back, expect them to address this come the deadline.
5. Minnesota Twins
2020 Record: 19-10
Prev. Week (6 ↑1)
The offense may not be on the pace they were last season, but they are doing enough to win. While the offense is great, the real key to this week was the starting pitching staff. While they did have two losses on the week, those were performances from starters who have not been that good all season. This is of some concern from Jake Odorizzi, and now he is on the IL so they can only hope for the best. Hopefully the best news of the week though was that Jose Berrios is back to his old self. Berrios through a gem on Thursday with one hit allowed and zero runs, he is there star pitcher and they are going to need him to make it far.
6. Cleveland Indians
2020 Record: 17-11
Prev. Week (7 ↑1)
Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac are not currently on the roster, yet they are 4-2 over the past week. Okay, the games were against the Pirates and the Tigers but still. In the long run the pitching could be an issue if something is not figured out soon because although they have potential, they have not shown the offensive prowess to overcome bad pitching. Again, they were facing two teams on the down swing during the past week so it should not be something we look into when we look at the offense. If the plan is to keep those two off the team then they should trade for a bat or two sooner or later so they can contend in the stacked AL Central.
7. San Diego Padres
2020 Record: 18-12
Prev. Week (16 ↑9)
Going into this week the Padres sat one game under .500 at 11-12, now they sit six games over .500 after winning seven in a row. After the big deal with Fernando Tatis at the beginning of this week, it seemed like the team had his back in the best way possible, win as many games as you can. In fact, the Padres set a record for grand slams in consecutive games, this may not continue but it shows that the offense can be deadly. It certainly looks as if this team’s young talent mixed in with their veterans are starting to come together and at this rate they are well ahead of their projected pace.
8. Chicago White Sox
2020 Record: 17-12
Prev. Week (14 ↑6)
The White Sox like the Padres have one of the best young rosters in the game and this past week they proved why they should be forces for years to come. Over the past week they are averaging seven runs per game, that is almost always going to result in a victory. That’s the thing about this offense, some can struggle but they have so much depth that it will be made up for. Jose Abreu went crazy with 7 HRs and 15 RBIs this week and on top of that, the pitching staff had a great week, posting a 2.18 ERA. The White Sox are still a young team, but there is a lot to be excited about on the south side.
9. Chicago Cubs
2020 Record: 17-10
Prev. Week (4 ↓5)
Did the Cubs miss their chance to maximize profits for Kris Bryant if they were going to trade him? He only played in two of the team’s eight games this past week, but for the season he is still under the Mendoza line (.200). Bryant is not the only Cub struggling though, over their past eight games the team is only averaging about 3.25 runs per game, this would need excellent pitching to overcome and their staff is not there. They did have a tough slate of games, but that is no excuse for the recent struggles. With only a week before the trade deadline, the Cubs have a lot of thinking to do about their future.
10. Atlanta Braves
2020 Record: 16-12
Prev. Week (8 ↓2)
Atlanta’s starting rotation may be in shambles right now, but it was still good enough to go 3-2 over the past week. Without great pitching they are going to need the offense to step up and so far, they have, averaging 6.6 runs per game over their last five games. Having an offense that can produce is great, but the key to being a true contender is mixing that with a good/great pitching staff and they do not have that. Without the pitching they are bound to lose games no matter how good their offense is. The pitching staff needs to be worked out quick, especially in a division that is as wide open as the NL East.
11. Houston Astros
2020 Record: 15-13
Prev. Week (10 ↓1)
The Astros did not have a bad week at all, they only fall in the rankings due to other teams having great weeks. While the Astros didn’t have a bad week, it still seems like the team has not completely come together and losing Yordan Álvarez for the season doesn’t help. Running into the red-hot Padres did no favors for this team either. While the Astros have not looked like themselves so far this year, making the playoffs should not be an issue in the AL West. And don’t look now but Jose Altuve is starting to heat up, plus Kyle Tuckers has filled in greatly in the outfield. Still a concerning issue though is the pitching, mostly due to injuries but expect the Astros to buy some pitching pieces at the deadline to be right back in the championship conversation.
12. St. Louis Cardinals
2020 Record: 9-8
Prev. Week (Unraked)
The Cardinals are finally playing again and therefore can be ranked somewhat properly. The Cardinals have a lot of making up to do in terms of games if they want to be even with the rest of the league, this past week was just a start playing nine games. While there is some concern on the offensive end there is also a good amount to be excited about. This includes Paul Goldschmidt looking like his former self in Arizona and Harrison Bader being on an absolute tear (in limited at bats), Brad Miller has also been a nice surprise. Pitching has also been very good, but that was expected. This is a team in a tough situation when it comes to trading because they are about 5-10 less games played than any other team.
13. Baltimore Orioles
2020 Record: 14-14
Prev. Week (11 ↓2)
The Orioles were a team that looked like they were going to drop immensely by the end of the week, but they finished strong winning two against the Red Sox. While they still may be ranked too high it is hard to argue against a team that would currently make the playoffs. This next week will show who the Orioles truly are, Pedro Severino left the game Sunday due to injury as well as Wade LeBlanc who left with an elbow injury. Ryan Mountcastle finally being called up is something Baltimore has been waiting for and so far, he’s impressed (it’s been three games). Pitching is still a concern and we could very well see the Orioles dump some bullpen pieces to add prospects for the future.
14. Toronto Blue Jays
2020 Record: 13-13
Prev. Week (24 ↑10)
The Blue Jays made a massive jump this week and the toughest part of this was whether or not they should be above the Orioles, while they easily could have there is still something this team needs to prove. The most impressive part of this run though is that they did it without Bo. Bichette has been on the IL for the past week, yet the Jays still managed a 6-2 record. Now if only they can do this with him out there then you have a playoff team in the making. Their ability to win one-run games the past week has been incredible, there is no way they can sustain this though, while the bullpen has been excellent for the most part, they need better outing from the starters, so every game is not a barnburner.
15. San Francisco Giants
2020 Record: 14-16
Prev. Week (26 ↑11)
The Giants went from being one of the worst teams to being a playoff contender in less than a week and that is in large part due to the offense coming all together (outside of Solano) and averaging about 7 runs a game over the last seven games. An offense firing on all cylinders mixes perfectly with a pitching staff who is posting under a 3 ERA and that is exactly what is happening. This is what was expected out of the Giants a couple of years ago when they brought in all these proven veterans, better late than never, but it brings the conundrum of what to do at the trade deadline. There are pieces to sell that would bring good return, but do you focus on the future or the now?
16. New York Mets
2020 Record: 12-14
Prev. Week (21 ↑5)
In only three games it is tough to really evaluate the week with anything other than what we saw. In the three games the offense looked unstoppable with 24 runs and while the pitching may not have been excellent it was still pretty darn good posting a 3.33 ERA. The tough part for them is that they currently sit in a COVID-19 stoppage and we don’t know when they will pick up playing. Obviously, we hope they can get back on the field soon and healthy, but it could be up to two weeks potentially before we see that, they are expected to get back Tuesday, but we really never know in this climate.
17. Washington Nationals
2020 Record: 11-14
Prev. Week (19 ↑2)
Stephen Strasburg is now officially done for the season and just like that so may the Nationals. The best news for the Nationals though is that the NL East looks open for that second playoff position so even without Strasburg they have a chance to get there. Luis Garcia so far has been the prospect to watch, batting .400 with a .979 OPS over the past six games. If Carter Kieboom doesn’t figure things out quick, then Garcia could replace him permanently. Then we look at the Nationals bread and butter in the pitching and it just hasn’t been there. Patrick Corbin and Max Scherzer are not the only ones struggling, most of the starters are while the bullpen has actually been very good. This needs to change because their offense just may not be strong enough to carry them.
18. Miami Marlins
2020 Record: 11-11
Prev. Week (13 ↓5)
The Marlins may be .500 right now but that is not a good thing with how hot they were to start the season. Luckily, they won two of their last three to salvage a little this week, but they are starting to look exactly like the team many people expected them to be. They are still without some of their best players such as Sandy Alcantara who is still absent due to COVID-19, but now may be the time to sell your best performers such as Jonathan Villar. Villar has been very good this year and should be a welcome addition to any team as long as the price is right. The Marlins issue is that they cannot produce runs while they give up a lot, so you may as well sell at the deadline so you can get something in return.
19. Cincinnati Reds
2020 Record: 11-15
Prev. Week (20 ↑1)
The offense was supposed to lead this team to the playoffs and right now they are playing like the worst offensive team out there. When Eugenio Suarez is leading your team over the past week with a .227 avg, 3 RBIs and 4 R then you know there are issues. Luckily, starting pitching has been very good up to this point in the year otherwise they could be fighting with the Pirates for worst record in the league. The bullpen on the other hand is a different story, they rank as one of the worst in the league and with a bad offense to match that right now it is not a winning combination. There will be some tough decisions made soon on whether to buy or sell, if they decide to sell then Jesse Winker could provide a good return in exchange.
20. Colorado Rockies
2020 Record: 13-15
Prev. Week (9 ↓11)
The Rockies started off so hot that there was no way they were going to be able to sustain that pace. In their past seven games they are 0-7 and look to be trending in a negative direction. However, those past two series were against the Astros and the Dodgers so we will see if this upcoming series against the Diamondbacks changes anything. This team is built on offense, but they have only managed about 3.3 runs over their last seven. With the inconsistency of their pitching who has allowed double that at 6.7 runs over the last seven than something needs to change. Whether that means buy at the deadline or sell something needs to happen and quickly.
21. Milwaukee Brewers
2020 Record: 11-15
Prev. Week (12 ↓9)
The Pirates swept you? That’s when you know a team is in a funk and that is right where the Brewers sit, they are 1-5 over the past week and things don’t look to be getting any better. There are really no bright spots for the Brewers recently, Christian Yelich is in a funk once again—or still in his funk—the pitching has not been there, and the offense has been one of the worst in the league. Brandon Woodruff and Adrian Houser have been good, but they have not been getting to run support they need. They should still be fighting for a playoff spot, but they could also get a massive return for Josh Hader if they decide to part ways with him.
22. Philadelphia Phillies
2020 Record: 10-14
Prev. Week (18 ↓4)
The Phillies have already been trying to help themselves in the trade market recently by adding bullpen pieces, but how much is it really going to help. This is a historically bad bullpen and will seemingly undo any work that the offense puts in. Unless these new pieces are magic then it seems like the season may already be lost for the Phillies—sounds crazy for a team only four games under .500. It’s a shame too because the offense is clicking and looking like one of the most dangerous lineups. There is still time, but if the Phillies don’t end up making the playoffs then their main focus should be resigning J.T. Realmuto, it’s long overdue.
23. Arizona Diamondbacks
2020 Record: 13-16
Prev. Week (15 ↓8)
Before making a big jump last week, the Diamondbacks sat at 23rd in our rankings, now they are right back after having a rough week. While some players have been hot, the offense as a whole is not clicking. Averaging less than three runs per game will not win you many games and it is part of the reason they have lost five straight, and take out their 10-1 blowout victory then it is six runs scored over the last five, no amount of pitching can overcome this. The NL West is looking strong, so there will be a good chance that three teams make it out of the West, and the Diamondbacks could be right there as long as the offense steps up.
24. Detroit Tigers
2020 Record: 11-15
Prev. Week (22 ↓2)
The Tigers have fallen back down to earth and now sit in a position where they will most likely be sellers come deadline time. This is a team now with its record that is playing toward the future, while they should not intentionally tank for no reason, they would be better off trading some pieces for young guys to be used in the future. We have already seen a glimpse of the Tigers farm system this season and we could see even more depending on what they do at the deadline. The Tigers are not going anywhere this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy watching the young guys.
25. Kansas City Royals
2020 Record: 11-17
Prev. Week (23 ↓2)
If it weren’t for the Tigers taking two out of three against the Indians, then the Royals would be ahead, and they should be soon but not quite yet. Much like the Tigers, the Royals should be all in on selling at the deadline because you will not be doing anything this season. This is a year where you bring the young players up to get them major league experience and look towards the future. Adalberto Mondesi had been a concern though, he could easily be a part of their future, but he has proven far too inconsistent. If they can get consistency out of him then the future will be looking bright.
26. Texas Rangers
2020 Record: 10-17
Prev. Week (17 ↓9)
The Rangers were sitting at .500 just a week ago, now they look like they did at the start of the season. Just a week ago this team was looking at the possibility of a wild card position and now it is discussing the possibility of selling their top pitchers. If Corey Kluber had not gotten injured then we could be in a completely different situation, but he did so we go based off that. The offense has been abysmal this past week and the pitching hasn’t been much better (if better at all). Right now, they should be in full sell mode, Lance Lynn has been fantastic this season and the Rangers would bring in a good return, then you have Mike Minor who teams could be looking at even though he hasn’t been great.
27. Seattle Mariners
2020 Record: 11-19
Prev. Week (28 ↓2)
Do the Mariners have anything going right for them? It seems like whatever they do it just isn’t the right move. Okay, Kyle Lewis has been incredible and will be an excellent trade piece for any team that wants him but that’s about it. It’s also possible that Kyle Seager could be traded, if that does happen then this team will go from terrible to dreadful. However, that may be what the team needs, it seems like they are always rebuilding (kind of true), but they need to do whatever they can to play for the future and Seager is sadly not in that plan. The pitching has actually been okay recently, but it is not enough to overcome this offense.
28. Los Angeles Angels
2020 Record: 9-20
Prev. Week (25 ↓3)
This is still one of the most underwhelming teams of the year and it just keeps looking worse. Obviously, there is still hope for this season, but it is quickly getting out of grasp so how much longer will you hope to not waste the prime of Mike Trout. Then you have Anthony Rendon who has been playing great and your team should be deadly, well, the pitching has counteracted almost anything that the offense has done. They are averaging around four runs over the past week, nothing special, but not bad, the pitching though has allowed a little over six runs, trades need to happen. Pitching needs to be better, but you should get something while you can by trading the likes of Dylan Bundy.
29. Boston Red Sox
2020 Record: 9-20
Prev. Week (27 ↓2)
The Red Sox were so close to sweeping the Orioles, but they ended up losing two out of four making them one of one three teams (technically four with St. Louis) to have single digit victories. Before the season it looked like they could sneak into the playoffs, boy how things have changed. Currently, they should be looking to sell anyone they can for profit because otherwise they will never hope to get better. Having Chris Sale back healthy will help, but this team needs pitching so trade a bat or two and make it happen.
30: Pittsburgh Pirates
2020 Record: 7-17
Prev. Week (29 ↓1)
Okay, the Pirates swept the Brewers and are officially one win away from not being the worst team in MLB history, but there is still not much to like about this team. It is good news though that Bryan Reynolds and Kevin Newman are looking like themselves again, but that may not save them from being on this team any longer. While they may not have any great pieces to sell, they do have a few and don’t be shocked if they are gone soon. While they made themselves look better, the Pirates are not going anywhere, and they may not move from the 30 spot all year long.