MLB · 1 year ago

SportsGrid’s MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers Dominate to No. 1

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Week’s Rankings: 2 (+1)

Next Two Series: 3 @ CHC, 3 @ MIN

The Los Angeles Dodgers are an absolute machine. There is nothing else to say. Since returning from Seoul, the Dodgers have won six of their last seven, with their only loss coming in extra innings. Offensively, Shohei Ohtani is finding his groove, Freddie Freeman is dominating as usual, and Mookie Betts is currently playing at an MVP level. Their pitching has also looked strong and deep, so this is nothing short of the best team in baseball.

League Championship Odds: +165

World Series Odds: +330
10. Milwaukee Brewers
Last Week’s Rankings: NR

Next Two Series: 3 vs. SEA, 4 @ CIN

After the Milwaukee Brewers had a rather ugly offseason, could their first week of 2024 have gone any better? There hasn’t been the pitching drop-off that many expected, Rhys Hoskins has given the offense a spark, and there seems to be a continuity throughout the roster that many didn’t anticipate. The NL Central has been impressive to start the season, and the Brewers certainly are well-positioned to win the division. Who would’ve thought?

League Championship Odds: +3000

World Series Odds: +8000
9. Tampa Bay Rays
Last Week’s Rankings: 8 (-1)

Next Two Series: 3 @ COL, 3 @ LAA

The Tampa Bay Rays didn’t have the best week imaginable, but going 3-4 against the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers isn’t the worst thing in the world. Still, in a tough AL East, it will be interesting to see how the Rays ultimately stack up against their divisional foes. Still, first, we must see their dominant showings on a relatively upcoming road trip against the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels.

League Championship Odds: +1400

World Series Odds: +3000
8. Houston Astros
Last Week’s Rankings: 4 (-4)

Next Two Series: 4 @ TEX, 3 @ KCR

The last thing the Houston Astros wanted to start their season was to be swept at home against the New York Yankees. We know the Astros still aren’t a finished product, especially on the mound, but come on, you couldn’t do any better than a sweep? Regardless, the Astros did respond nicely against the Toronto Blue Jays, which was headlined by a no-hitter from Ronel Blanco. However, we can’t see them show up flat against the Texas Rangers in their upcoming series.

League Championship Odds: +370

World Series Odds: +750
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
Last Week’s Rankings: 7

Next Two Series: 3 @ ATL, 3 @ COL

The Arizona Diamondbacks burst out of the gate, firing on all cylinders. They combined for 23 runs across their first two games but ultimately dropped the series against the New York Yankees. There is no shame in losing to the Yankees right now, but the D-backs competed and showed they have the talent to solidify one of the NL Wild Card spots already.

League Championship Odds: +1700

World Series Odds: +3300
6. Philadelphia Phillies
Last Week’s Rankings: 3 (-3)

Next Two Series: 3 @ WAS, 3 @ STL

The Philadelphia Phillies didn't have the ideal start they were hoping for, as they went just 2-4, but it's too early to panic in South Philly. Philly's starting rotation looks decent. The bullpen has improved the last few days after a rough go against the Atlanta Braves sluggers, and the offense is too talented not to come around. Hopefully, their upcoming series in Washington and St. Louis will be enough to spark this team out of its slump.

League Championship Odds: +750

World Series Odds: +1500
5. Texas Rangers
Last Week’s Rankings: 5

Next Two Series: 4 vs. HOU, 3 vs, OAK

The reigning World Series champions had a strong 4-2 start, but losing Josh Jung for at least the next two months following wrist surgery was crushing. We know the Texas Rangers are a work in progress, especially on the mound, with most of their starting pitching injured, so losing Jung certainly isn’t what they wanted to see in the first week. Regardless, we’ve seen this team's ceiling and should be very excited for the ALCS rematch with the Houston Astros this week.

League Championship Odds: +700

World Series Odds: +1500
4. Baltimore Orioles
Last Week’s Rankings: 6 (+2)

Next Two Series: 3 @ PIT, 3 @ BOS

Looking atop the American League, it’s clear that the Baltimore Orioles have arrived. They also have a couple more gems sitting on the Norfolk Tides juggernaut triple-A affiliate waiting for a roster spot. Like, come on, did you see that triple-A box score? Wow.

Anyway, Corbin Burnes has transformed the starting rotation, the bullpen is deep once again, and the offense is just loaded with talent from top to bottom. Our calendars are already circled for when they’ll welcome the New York Yankees to Camden Yards later this month.

League Championship Odds: +650

World Series Odds: +1300
3. New York Yankees
Last Week’s Rankings: 10 (+7)

Next Two Series: vs. TOR, vs. MIA

You already know the MLB League Office is jumping for joy as the New York Yankees look like an absolute force. Sitting at 6-1, the Yankees are back. Offensively, they have been hitting the cover off the ball even with Aaron Judge’s slow start, and the pitching has held firm even as Gerrit Cole is not in the fold just yet. Between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles, the AL East will be a fun division to follow closely again.

League Championship Odds: +360

World Series Odds: +800
2. Atlanta Braves
Last Week’s Rankings: 1 (-1)

Next Two Series: 3 vs. ARI, 4 vs. NYM

The Atlanta Braves sit at just 3-2, but it’s clear that this Braves’ team is ready to pummel opponents at any time now. Their lineup could put up historic numbers once again, and the starting rotation appears much deeper than last season, even considering Max Fried’s struggles thus far. They’ll want to add an elite bullpen arm at some point down the stretch to compete with the Dodgers.

League Championship Odds: +240

World Series Odds: +430
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Week’s Rankings: 2 (+1)

Next Two Series: 3 @ CHC, 3 @ MIN

The Los Angeles Dodgers are an absolute machine. There is nothing else to say. Since returning from Seoul, the Dodgers have won six of their last seven, with their only loss coming in extra innings. Offensively, Shohei Ohtani is finding his groove, Freddie Freeman is dominating as usual, and Mookie Betts is currently playing at an MVP level. Their pitching has also looked strong and deep, so this is nothing short of the best team in baseball.

League Championship Odds: +165

World Series Odds: +330
10. Milwaukee Brewers
Last Week’s Rankings: NR

Next Two Series: 3 vs. SEA, 4 @ CIN

After the Milwaukee Brewers had a rather ugly offseason, could their first week of 2024 have gone any better? There hasn’t been the pitching drop-off that many expected, Rhys Hoskins has given the offense a spark, and there seems to be a continuity throughout the roster that many didn’t anticipate. The NL Central has been impressive to start the season, and the Brewers certainly are well-positioned to win the division. Who would’ve thought?

League Championship Odds: +3000

World Series Odds: +8000

SportsGrid’s MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers Dominate to No. 1

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