SportsGrid’s MLB Power Rankings: Judge Powering Yankees

1. New York Yankees

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Upcoming Games: 3 @ BOS, 3 vs. BAL

The New York Yankees rode an eight-game winning streak into their much-anticipated weekend series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They dropped the first two games of that series before taking the series finale, nearly making us tank their place in these rankings. Since then, they have won three of four against a respectable Kansas City Royals squad in a rather convincing fashion. Aaron Judge has dominated en route to becoming the overwhelming AL MVP favorite while the starting rotation continues to excel, with Gerrit Cole’s return now imminent. It’s a good time to be in the Bronx.

Pennant Odds: +180

World Series Odds: +450

9. Atlanta Braves

Last Week’s Ranking: 6 (-3)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. TB, 3 vs. DET

The Atlanta Braves continue to fall apart, and it’s pretty pathetic to witness. This week, they dropped three of four to the Washington Nationals before losing two of three to the Baltimore Orioles. They don’t have the spark or the horses to compete with baseball’s best this year. Sitting on a 36-30 record, it only feels that it’s a matter of time before the Braves venture below the .500 mark unless something drastically changes.

Pennant Odds: +480

World Series Odds: +850

8. Kansas City Royals

Last Week’s Ranking: 8 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ LAD, 3 @ OAK

The schedule gauntlet that the Kansas City Royals have had to endure is finally coming to a close this weekend, but it will not be easy as they have to go on the road to battle the Los Angeles Dodgers. Still, the Royals didn’t completely embarrass themselves over this recent stretch, but they nearly did before mounting a walk-off win against the New York Yankees on Thursday to avoid the four-game streak. This stretch revealed that the Royals aren’t the championship contender we once hoped they turned out to be just yet, but they are certainly on their way to being.

Pennant Odds: +1500

World Series Odds: +4000

7. Milwaukee Brewers

Last Week’s Ranking: 8 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. CIN, 3 @ LAA

After being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies last week, the Milwaukee Brewers responded decently well, winning four of their last six. As many of the NL Central teams have collapsed, the Brewers have held steady, setting them up to run away with the division if things continue to hold to form. Ideally, they’ll look to add to their offense in the coming weeks to improve their chances of finally making noise come playoff time.

Pennant Odds: +120

World Series Odds: +3000

6. Seattle Mariners

Last Week’s Ranking: 7 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. TEX, 3 @ CLE

The Seattle Mariners continue to quietly rack up wins and separate themselves from the rest of the AL West. Their pitching staff leads the charge, propelling them to a four-game win streak leading into Thursday before the Chicago White Sox's only good pitcher, Garrett Crochet, delivered a masterclass performance. Someone who should be at the top of the trade deadline wish list for every team needing pitching help in these power rankings! Regardless, the Mariners are a sleeping giant in the AL, as they’re just a few offensive improvements away from being a legitimate title contender.

Pennant Odds: +650

World Series Odds: +1600

5. Los Angeles Dodgers

Last Week’s Ranking: 5

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. KC, 4 @ COL

After taking two of three games from the New York Yankees last weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t continue the momentum as they dropped two of three to the Texas Rangers. The bottom of the order continues to be an issue for the Dodgers as they just acquired Cavan Biggio to hope to fill a void, but expect them to continue to be buyers to solidify their World Series hopes. They can’t win it all unless the bottom of the order improves.

Pennant Odds: +130

World Series Odds: +250

4. Cleveland Guardians

Last Week’s Ranking: 3 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ TOR, 3 vs. SEA

The Cleveland Guardians’ offense continues to show no signs of slowing down, especially since Steven Kwan returned from the IL. Kwan has been hitting .500 in the eight games since his return. Jose Ramirez, too, continues to lead this squad on both offense and as a defensive anchor, making him the overlooked AL MVP candidate by a mile.

Pennant Odds: +900

World Series Odds: +2500

3. Baltimore Orioles

Last Week’s Ranking: 4 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. PHI, 3 @ NYY

The Baltimore Orioles were winners of six straight before failing to sweep the Atlanta Braves yesterday. Gunnar Henderson is not only continuing to build his AL MVP candidacy, but other young stars like Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg continue to make it tough to be left the All-Star roster next month. Their weekend series with the Philadelphia Phillies should be great, giving us a chance to measure the Orioles’ offense against Cy Young caliber pitchers Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler. Early next week, though, a trip to the Bronx to face the New York Yankees will have all eyes on that clash of the AL’s two best squads.

Pennant Odds: +500

World Series Odds: +1200

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

Upcoming Games: 3 @ BAL, 3 vs. SD

The Philadelphia Phillies saw limited action this week due to their trip to London, where they split with the New York Mets. Losing JT Realmuto for the next month is a brutal loss, making the expected return of Trea Turner within the next week a necessity rather than a luxury for the top of the lineup. The starting rotation continues to showcase their greatness from top to bottom, with Taijuan Walker putting together his best start of the season on Sunday to top it off. A fun week is ahead for them, with a trip to Camden Yards to face the Baltimore Orioles, which generates a ton of excitement before the San Diego Padres come to South Philly.

Pennant Odds: +270

World Series Odds: +600

1. New York Yankees

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Upcoming Games: 3 @ BOS, 3 vs. BAL

The New York Yankees rode an eight-game winning streak into their much-anticipated weekend series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They dropped the first two games of that series before taking the series finale, nearly making us tank their place in these rankings. Since then, they have won three of four against a respectable Kansas City Royals squad in a rather convincing fashion. Aaron Judge has dominated en route to becoming the overwhelming AL MVP favorite while the starting rotation continues to excel, with Gerrit Cole’s return now imminent. It’s a good time to be in the Bronx.

Pennant Odds: +180

World Series Odds: +450