Before diving into the MLB games today, it’s always important to examine the MLB standings and latest MLB power rankings to get a picture for how things are shaking out during the 2022 season.
As more games are played, our MLB power rankings will round into form reflecting talent and the MLB standings. We’re now more than halfway through the 2022 MLB season, providing us with a great look at the best teams in MLB and those with a lot of room to improve heading into the summer.
Let’s dive into our latest MLB power rankings today with the Aug. 2 trade deadline almost here.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (LW: 3)
The Los Angeles Dodgers snag the No. 1 spot in the MLB power rankings for the first time in months. Quite frankly, they don’t even need Juan Soto. An outstanding rotation combines with a lineup featuring multiple MVP candidates and an electrifying bullpen to create the best team in MLB. With that said, you can bet Andrew Friedman will find a way to greatly improve the roster.
2. Houston Astros (LW: 1)
When the Houston Astros are shopping Jose Urquidy, you know they’ve got some plans up their sleeve. If the ‘Stros cane emerge out of Tuesday with upgrades at first base and center field, they will further establish themselves as the best team in the American League.
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3. New York Yankees (LW: 2)
It’s another slight drop in the latest MLB power rankings for the New York Yankees. While this team is 33-18 since June 1, that record drops to 11-12 in July. Adding outfielder Andrew Benintendi is a brilliant first move, but the checkmate from Brian Cashman only comes if they acquire a No. 2 starter to put behind Gerrit Cole.
Related: MLB MVP watch
4. New York Mets (LW: 4)
Even if the New York Mets don’t take the big swing fans want to see, winning the Subway Series sent a message to the Yankees. This is a legitimate World Series contender and it could become even more dominant if Jacob deGrom avoids setbacks in his return.
5. Atlanta Braves (LW: 5)
Dating back to June 1, the Atlanta Braves have the best record in MLB. There is also plenty of room for this team to improve, even if you don’t also consider the eventual return of Ozzie Albies. The reigning World Series champs know what moves to make and that makes them one of the best MLB teams moving forward.
6. Seattle Mariners (LW: 10)
Combine the hottest team in MLB with the most aggressive general manager on the trade market, you’ve got a club rocketing up the MLB power rankings. The Seattle Mariners entered the final weekend in July with a 17-5 record this month. Just imagine what Seattle’s playoff odds will look like if they add Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas.
Related: MLB trade rumors – Latest MLB rumors entering July
7. Toronto Blue Jays (LW: 11)
The Toronto Blue Jays keep staying alive, even when they still aren’t playing up to their full potential. We know there is an interest in acquiring a left-handed bat and adding depth to the batting order, but adding a quality starter and a set-up man might do even more for the Blue Jays.
Related: Top MLB free agents of 2023 – Aaron Judge, Nolan Arenado surge as MVP candidates
8. Milwaukee Brewers (LW: 7)
One way or another, the Milwaukee Brewers will either come out of the trade deadline with a better lineup or feeling more confident in their defense. Ramon Laureano seems like the perfect fit, but David Stearns could always pull off a surprise. The great thing is, Freddy Peralta is only a few weeks away from rejoining the rotation.
9. San Diego Padres (LW: 8)
It’s remarkable that Fernando Tatís Jr. making significant progress towards a return might not even be the biggest San Diego Padres news. No one should be surprised if Juan Soto is in the Padres’ lineup next week and acquiring him might even open up other blockbuster moves.
10. Minnesota Twins (LW: 9)
If you look at the MLB standings this past month exclusively, the Minnesota Twins are one of the worst teams in the American League. As their grip atop the AL Central fades, even with their competition struggling, general manager Thad Levine must come out of Tuesday with more pitching or else Chicago will catch up.
11. Tampa Bay Rays (LW: 6)
Shane Baz is likely lost for a majority of the season and Wander Franco won’t return in mid-August with the same strength in his wrist. Barring some key additions via trade, it’s not hard to see Tampa Bay slipping further down the MLB power rankings.
12. Philadelphia Phillies (LW: 17)
The Philadelphia Phillies are putting their fans through a roller coaster in recent weeks. Now riding a hot streak into the deadline, it will be interesting to see which areas of need (No. 5 starter, bullpen, centerfield) the front office fixes.
13. St. Louis Cardinals (LW: 13)
We’re holding off on harsher criticism of the St. Louis Cardinals until Aug. 2. However, it can’t be ignored that this club entered the weekend with one of the worst records in July. We love the lineup, even without Juan Soto, but the starting rotation needs a lot of help.
14. Baltimore Orioles (LW: 15)
One of Trey Mancini’s final at-bats with the Baltimore Orioles was an inside-the-park home run. It’s symbolic of him overcoming long odds and the O’s being the feel-good story of the 2022 season. This will likely be Baltimore’s peak in the MLB power rankings, assuming they sell, but the long-term outlook is bright.
Related: Hungry for more MLB news? Tap here for the hottest headlines breaking right now.
15. Chicago White Sox (LW: 18)
The Chicago White Sox will likely make a few small additions at the deadline, but getting Luis Robert (light-headedness) back would be an even bigger boost. Surprisingly, Chicago boasts the seventh-best record in July. Maybe this team’s AL Central hopes aren’t finished.
16. Cleveland Guardians (LW: 16)
It’s hard to know which direction the Cleveland Guardians are going to take things, with various reports about selling starting pitchers or acquiring an outfielder. Needless to say, the front office’s decision will have an influence on where Cleveland lands in the MLB power rankings for August.
17. San Francisco Giants (LW: 13)
Entering the weekend, the San Francisco Giants have a 9-16 record in July and they struggled against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There just aren’t enough moves to make for San Francisco to be a realistic contender down the stretch.
18. Boston Red Sox (LW: 14)
19. Texas Rangers (LW: 20)
20. Miami Marlins (LW: 19)
Since the Miami Marlins will be sellers at the MLB trade deadline, taking the opposite approach to the Texas Rangers, they slide behind in our MLB power rankings. With that said, there would be more optimism for the future in Miami if it finds a way to improve its long-term lineup.
21. Arizona Diamondbacks (LW: 23)
22. Colorado Rockies (LW: 21)
23. Detroit Tigers (LW: 24)
24. Pittsburgh Pirates (LW: 22)
25. Los Angeles Angels (LW: 25)
26. Kansas City Royals (LW: 26)
27. Chicago Cubs (LW: 28)
28. Cincinnati Reds (LW: 27)
29. Oakland Athletics (LW: 29)
30. Washington Nationals (LW: 30)
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
