As odd as it sounds to say, the MLB season if officially a quarter of the way over for almost every team. In a 60-game season the end will creep up on you extremely quickly and that is exactly what is happening right now. There is a reason that the season is as long as it is and that is because of the unpredictable nature of the game. When we talk about unpredictability there may be no better example then first month (or first quarter of the season) baseball.
Usually around this part of the season it would be way too soon to make any thorough judgements on any team, (few exceptions), but this is exactly what we need to do since we are a quarter of the way through this season. Just like many people expected this season, the Marlins currently lead the NL East, the Rockies lead the NL West, and the Tigers sit three games above .500 in second place in the AL Central. Okay, if you expected this you are either a genius, a huge optimist, or just love seeing chaos in a chaos induced season.
However, when looking at power rankings we can no longer look at what is supposed to be happening but what is currently happening. What is currently happening looks a little odd, but it usually does within the first 25 games, it is just that usually within these games it is not more than a quarter of the season.
Even in a shortened season I expect that most teams will eventually fall around where they were expected to be coming into the season with a few surprises, but as of now that is not what is happening. The Tigers have been very hot as of this last week and they have had the biggest jump of any team jumping up 12 spots. On the flip side the Astros have struggles recently and they see the biggest dip, down 10 spots.
1. Oakland Athletics
2020 Record: 12-4
Prev. Week (7 ↑6)
The Athletics got off to a slow start, but they have come back in full force right now. Not only are the Athletics undefeated in this past week but they are undefeated this whole month. The crazy part is they are doing this when they rank in the middle of the pack offensively. This month has been different though and they are in the top five offensively. Then on the pitching side they rank 3rd in ERA at 2.66 and right now everything is looking right of the A’s. Frankie Montas and Jesus Luzardo both looked great this week and showed that they are the future aces of this team, a team that should contend for years to come.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
2020 Record: 11-5
Prev. Week (2 —)
Coming into this season the Dodgers looked like the complete package, they had everything that you wanted in a team and so far, this season this is what we have seen. After opening 2-2 on the season they have gone 9-3 and have been one of the best teams on the offensive side and on the pitching side. None of this should really surprise anybody. What may come as a shock to people is that they can do this while Cody Bellinger is struggling like he is. He may be struggling but that is the importance of depth and that is what the Dodgers have, Corey Seager has come back to his all-star day and looks great. Even if some players struggle others will step up and that is why they went 4-2 this past week.
3. New York Yankees
2020 Record: 10-6
Prev. Week (1 ↓2)
Aaron Judge looked like an easy MVP candidate after the first week and a half, but there is a reason why awards are not given out that early. While Judge is still playing great, he has cooled down, however, there should be nothing to worry about whatsoever. If there is something to worry about it would be the pitching staff recently. In the nine games not started by Gerrit Cole or Masahiro Tanaka, the team’s starters have a 7.76 ERA. This should be somewhat concerning, while they have the offense to overcome this, they should not have to worry about this. Although they went 3-5 this past week it should not be a concern in the long run.
4. Atlanta Braves
2020 Record: 11-6
Prev. Week (4 —)
Losing Mike Soroka is not an easy thing to overcome, but the Braves have the roster to be able to do so. Max Fried has been great with a 1.59 ERA in 22.2 innings so far but now without the other head on the monster a pitcher will need to step up. Right now, though they are not in a bad position ranking seventh at a 3.58 ERA, but another top starter is always appreciated. Then on the offensive side they are one of the best teams in the league, which was expected. They went 4-3 this past week but with the way the offense has been playing then watch out.
5. Chicago Cubs
2020 Record: 10-3
Prev. Week (6 ↑1)
The Cubs are looking like the team that they should have been last year, a dominant team that will not relinquish the Central. In the first part of the week they went 3-1 before not playing the most recent series against St. Louis. Overall, the Cubs are doing exactly what they need to do on the offensive end, ranking as one of the top teams respectively. Pitching may need a little work but as of now they have been able to overcome it with run support. That will not last though so pitching will need to get better, mainly out of their bullpen where they have a 7.3 ERA. If it is not worked on then closing out games will prove tough soon.
6. Minnesota Twins
2020 Record: 10-6
Prev. Week (3 ↓3)
The Twins started off the week great winning their first three games, but now they are on a four-game losing streak. Part of the reason was because of their offense who did not get the production they normally do. Even after going 3-4 in the week they still sit atop their division and it should not be a concern. While it should not be a concern if they get one dominant win soon it could prove a bounce back that is needed. They currently rank 5th in ERA at 3.49 which is great, however, on the offensive they rank in the middle of the pack at 16th. They have the team to step up now they just need to do it.
7. Cleveland Indians
2020 Record: 10-7
Prev. Week (8 ↑1)
The Indians have one of the best all-around rosters in the game, so it was only a matter of time before we saw them get going. This past week they ended up going 5-2 and outscored their opponents 33-12. That sounds like a team who is starting to put everything together and get hot, exactly what you do not want to see if you are facing them. The problem with the team up to this week was the offense, they have the best ERA (2.04) in the MLB but are one of the worst offenses in the league, those two things don’t always mix well. If the Indians can continue to get hot on the offensive end, then watch out.
8. Colorado Rockies
2020 Record: 11-4
Prev. Week (10 ↑2)
The Rockies have great offensive talent and good talent on the pitching side, the problem has been putting the pitching together as a consistent threat. So far this season that is exactly what they have done, they have a 2.84 ERA good for fourth in the MLB. This past week they went 5-2 and continue to look strong. Nolan Arenado is still struggling offensively, but the offense is so strong that they can overcome it especially with the way that Charlie Blackmon has been playing. The pitching staff has the talent to continue this type of play and if they can remain consistent then watch out for them, especially if Arenado can get back into the groove.
9. Miami Marlins
2020 Record: 7-3
Prev. Week (21 ↑12)
The Marlins are easily the surprise team of the year so far, they started off the week with a four-game sweep of the Orioles but may have come back down after losing two out of three to the Mets for a 5-2 week. It’s honestly tough to say who in the offense has been the player to watch since it honestly is not the reason, they are winning games. The pitching though has been phenomenal for the most part. Overall, they rank eighth with a 3.58 ERA, led by Pablo Lopez, then in the bullpen they have gotten the most out of every player. Is it likely to last, probably not, but it seems like we need this kind of story in 2020.
10. San Diego Padres
2020 Record: 9-7
Prev. Week (11 ↑1)
After a stellar rookie season, Fernando Tatis Jr. is back with a vengeance in his second season and he is fighting for MVP. While it may not be likely that he will win MVP, however, it is clear that he is leading the Padres offensively along with Jake Cronenworth who has filled in for Eric Hosmer and making a name for himself to win NL Rookie of the Year. The Padres finished the week at 3-3 but still sit in third place in potentially the toughest division, the NL West. The one issue that has hurt the Padres is their pitching which overall ranks 19th with a 4.31, and the bullpen that does not help this with a 5.67 ERA good for 26th. Drew Pomeranz and Matt Strahm have been good out the pen, but in this division they will need some help.
11. Tampa Bay Rays
2020 Record: 8-8
Prev. Week (12 ↑1)
After getting swept by the Orioles the week before the Rays were coming into this past week underperforming. They changed that tune this past week as they went 4-2 including 3 out of 4 against the Yankees. Offensively they were never meant to be a true threat and that is part of the reason they struggled; they don’t have the fire power to overcome shaky pitching. Pitching is what the Rays make their living off of and if that struggles so will they. With the offensive struggles they will need Charlie Morton, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow to all pick up the pace a little bit if they want to contend.
12. Detroit Tigers
2020 Record: 8-5
Prev. Week (20 ↑8)
While the Marlins are easily a surprise team with how good they have been we cannot forget about the Tigers and what they have been able to do. There were a couple teams who it seemed were destined to finish at the bottom of the league and the Tigers were in that category. However, this past week they have gotten big play from Jeimer Candelario, CJ Cron, and Miguel Cabrera. While they got good play from them, they have only played three games in which they swept the Pirates to go 3-0. The Tigers rank in the upper third offensively but if they want to continue to be taken seriously then the pitching staff who ranks 26th at 5.21 will need to be fixed.
13. Chicago White Sox
2020 Record: 8-8
Prev. Week (9 ↓4)
Like the Reds, the best part of the 2020 White Sox was thought to be the offense. That has been mostly true so far this season even though this past week we have seen Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, and Dallas Keuchel pitch like we all knew they could. Even with the pitching they only went 3-4 this past week and part of that is lack of run support. While most of the lineup has been doing great, they don’t seem to be getting anything out of the big bats in Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez. One player that everyone has been impressed with is Luis Robert, is it too early to call the AL Rookie of the Year?
14. Baltimore Orioles
2020 Record: 7-7
Prev. Week (19 ↑5)
After getting swept by the red-hot Marlins to start the week the Orioles came back and got what should have been a four game sweep against the Nationals but die to a tarp situation they will finish the rest of the game at a later date, therefore they finished the week at 3-4. The Pitching has been the biggest shock for the Orioles this season as that was easily the worst part last season. Overall, they rank 16th at 3.99 and have usually done a good job at providing run support. This was not the case in the Marlins series, but now that Jose Iglesias and Rio Ruiz are back and leading a team that ranks in the top ten offensively. The next step for the Orioles to work on is consistency.
15. Houston Astros
2020 Record: 6-9
Prev. Week (5 ↓10)
While this may not be true it seems as though the Astros players have let the hate consume them this season and it has affected their performance due to it. While that seems like a stretch, there seems something amiss with the Astros. They are 1-5 in the past week with five straight losses, whatever it is it is not a good look for the whole “we don’t need to cheat to be good” argument. While it seems as though it would be the pitching staff who would struggle it has been the offense recently. Carlos Correa is still having a good season, but the other big names are not and they need something to change and quick. This upcoming week will be a big one for the offense as the face the Giants and the Mariners in seven games.
16. Milwaukee Brewers
2020 Record: 6-7
Prev. Week (15 ↓1)
After an ugly start to the season, Christian Yelich finally looks like he is turning things around, going 6-20 in the past six games after starting the season 1-27. Getting Yelich back hitting is obviously a big key for Brewers success this season and in the past week they have gone 3-4. While Yelich looks like he is coming around no one on the offensive end is really doing that well. On the pitching side Adrian Houser and Brandon Woodruff have both had good outings, but the biggest question may come in Josh Hader. Do the Brewers have a plan with Hader, in 13 games for the Brewers Hader has only appeared in three. That is tied for 7th out of their bullpen arms. Hader seems important for success, but they must have a plan…hopefully.
17. Cincinnati Reds
2020 Record: 7-9
Prev. Week (13 ↓4)
While Nicholas Castellanos has been a man on a mission this season it seems as though his teammates missed the memo. This was thought to be the best part of the team but as of right now it has been the pitching staff that has carried them. They did lose a couple of blowout games during the week and that led them to a 3-4 record. With how good their starters have been, especially Trevor Bauer and Sonny Gray, once the offense turns around then this will not be a team people want to face. While the starters have been great the bullpen has not. With the way the offense has been they will need more out of the bullpen that ranks 29th in the league at 7.77.
18. New York Mets
2020 Record: 7-9
Prev. Week (23 ↑5)
Even without Yoenis Cespedes it seems as though the Mets have turned a corner after getting off to a slow start. Maybe the scariest part of the weekend for the Mets was running into the red-hot Marlins. They ended taking two out of three games from them and maybe brought them back to reality. While they did go 4-2 this past week it did come at a cost, Robinson Cano who has been their best hitter is now on the 10-day IL, now they need someone else to step up on the offensive end (excluding J.D. Davis). The pitching staff as a whole is not doing exceptional though they did just get the best performance out of Rick Porcello yet, as well as Edwin Diaz looking like his all-star form once again. More good performances could go a long way.
19. St. Louis Cardinals
2020 Record: 2-3
Prev. Week (17 ↓2)
The Cardinals are a tough team to rank just like the Phillies and Marlins were last week and that is because they have not played this past week due to positive test results. Add on to that the upcoming series against the Pirates has already been postponed and the biggest question that surrounds the Cardinals is…when are they going to play?
20. Texas Rangers
2020 Record: 6-8
Prev. Week (28 ↑8)
The AL west has shockingly turned out to be one of the worst divisions in baseball up to this point and it shows when four of the five teams sit under .500. The Rangers started off the week getting swept by the Athletics and ended it sweeping the Angels to go 3-3 over the week. They haven’t been anything special on the offensive end, but on the pitching side they have one sneaky Cy Young Candidate in Lance Lynn. In 23.1 innings Lynn had a 1.16 ERA and 30 strikeouts easily being one of the top pitchers in the league. Overall they rank 16th in team ERA at 4.15 and they will need some more run support to make the playoffs in a seemingly open division for the number two spot.
21. San Francisco Giants
2020 Record: 7-10
Prev. Week (16 ↓5)
While Mike Yastrzemski may have cooled down a little bit (compared to what he was doing) Donovan Solano has definitely not as he is still batting well over .400. Although Solano has been great it will always be tough when you are going up against the two top teams in your division and that is exactly what happened as the Giants went 2-5 over the past week. The Giants currently sit at 10th in RBIs this season, but the pitching has been an issue where overall they rank 25th at 5.14 ERA. The schedule doesn’t look to be getting any easier so if they continue to slip we could see some interesting pieces being placed on the trading block including Yastrzemski and Solano.
22. Washington Nationals
2020 Record: 4-7
Prev. Week (14 ↓8)
It has been a rough start for the defending champions after going 1-3—should be 1-4— this past week and getting “swept” by the Orioles. The problem has been that when they get runners on base, they cannot find a way to drive the run in. In the past five games the team has only scored 11 runs which is an average of just over two per game, that will not cut it. Juan Soto being back is great but if no one is going to drive in runs then it won’t do any good. This was Anthony Rendon’s spot last season and so far it looks like they are missing him. Add to that a patch of rough luck with injuries it has not looked good for the defending champions, but now with Strasburg back and Scherzer getting closer and closer things can only get better… right?
23. Arizona Diamondbacks
2020 Record: 6-10
Prev. Week (24 ↑1)
With a revamped lineup and rotation, the Diamondbacks were supposed to be a force this season, instead they got off to an extremely cold start which looks like it is finally starting to turn around. While they may have lost 2 out of three to the Padres, they did take two out of three from the Astros and finished the week at 3-3. Starling Marte is doing exactly what he was brought in to do and David Peralta is looking like he got his bat back after batting .389 this past week with one HR, five RBIs and four walks. Overall though they still have issues both offensively and on the pitching side where they rank 29th with a 5.48 ERA and 27th in runs scored per game at 3.5.
24. Philadelphia Phillies
2020 Record: 4-6
Prev. Week (22 ↓2)
After having some time off due to the series with Miami, the Phillies finally returned to action on August 3 against the New York Yankees. After the Yankees series they went on to face the defending division champs Atlanta Braves. For facing two of the best teams in the league it was actually not a bad week going 3-4. Despite the layoff and facing two top teams, J.T. Realmuto, Jay Bruce, and Bryce Harper all had very good weeks and seem to be heating up. Then on the pitching side Zach Eflin, Aaron Nola, and Jake Arrieta all put together good performances and they will need those since their bullpen is among the worst right now with a league worst 8.1 ERA.
25. Boston Red Sox
2020 Record: 6-9
Prev. Week (25 —)
The pitching staff was always going to struggle but the offense should make up for it right? That is what was thought entering the season, so far though it has been a different story as the Red Sox rank 15th in OPS at .716 and 16th in runs scored per game at 4.2. The Sox actually went 3-2 this past week and showed some good signs including Mitch Morland and Alex Verdugo, but with the positives come the negatives and Rafael Defers, J.D. Martinez, and Andrew Benintendi are hitting a combined .154 in their last 149 at-bats. If the offense cannot score, they will not be going anywhere.
26. Toronto Blue Jays
2020 Record: 5-8
Prev. Week (18 ↓8)
The Jays have had some tough luck this past week going 2-4 and five of those games have been decided by two runs or less. However, not all of it can be blamed on the pitching staff, the offense has only given a maximum of three runs of run support in these games, that will not stand in today’s league. In fact, the pitching staff has done really well, especially the bullpen who ranks 10th at 3.38 and an overall ranking of 11th at 3.79. The offense has been the issue and that is what will happen with a young team, in 13 games the Jays have scored 39 runs good for 3 runs a game which ranks 29th in the league. Out if their 39 runs, 22 have come with runners in scoring position and they have a league worst average at .193 with RISP.
27. Kansas City Royals
2020 Record: 7-10
Prev. Week (29 ↑2)
Coming into this season it looked as though it could finally be the year that Whit Merrifield could be traded, it could still happen, but they have been turning the ship around this past week. Not only are they 4-3 in the past week but they just swept defending division champs Minnesota Twins in a three-game series. Offensively no one really jumps off the page at you, players are playing their roles and the team is getting the best out of almost every player in their lineup. They are in the top ten offensively with the eighth best OPS as well as the eighth most RBIs. Pitching has been good as well especially in the bullpen that has posted a 3,16 ERA, good for 6th in the MLB.
28. Los Angeles Angels
2020 Record: 5-11
Prev. Week (26 ↓2)
The Angels were supposed to be serious contenders after adding Anthony Rendon to the lineup to help Trout, so far that has not been the case. Rendon has struggled a little bit but that should not last, otherwise the Angels sit near the bottom third overall on the offensive end. Top prospect Jo Adell has also struggled since being called up including a defensive blunder reminiscent to Jose Canseco, it has only been four games though so no cause for concern. On the pitching side Dylan Bundy has been a pleasant surprise posting a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 innings, then Griffin Canning and Patrick Sandoval have been well but as a team they have yet to put everything together yet after getting swept by the Rangers and going 2-4 in the past week.
29. Seattle Mariners
2020 Record: 6-11
Prev. Week (27↓2)
The Mariners have the worst ERA in the MLB at 5.88 and rank 25th in OPS on the offensive end yet they still sit five games under .500. They have had some surprises on the offensive end including J.P. Crawford, but the biggest surprise may be 24-year old Kyle Lewis. Lewis in his first “full” season is batting .355/.420/.516/.936 in 16 games and has been one of the top hitters in the AL up to this point. The problem we see with the Mariners is the pitching, when they win games, they are close games, but when they lose it can range from close to blowouts. In the past week they are 2-5 and seem to be trending in a negative direction with an MLB-worst minus-38 run differential.
30. Pittsburgh Pirates
2020 Record: 3-13
Prev. Week (30 —)
Even in a shortened season where anything can happen, one thing seems to be the same, the Pirates will not be contenders. Since 2000 the Pirates have only had four winning seasons, and this looks like yet another season in which they will fall under .500. The Pirates are 1-10 in their last 11 games, 1-6 this past week and things will not get any easier for them. They rank 30th offensively with a .601 OPS, and the pitching staff ranks 28th in total ERA at 5.32. On top of that their best performer so far this season Phillip Evans is now out for the season after a nasty collision in which he was taken out the stadium in a stretcher. The Pirates may not be moving from the 30 spot for much of this season.