SportsGrid’s MLB Power Rankings: Yankees Cruising to the Top

1. New York Yankees

Last Week’s Ranking: 2 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. LAD, 4 @ KCR

What a week for the New York Yankees. They’re riding an eight-game win streak heading into their much-anticipated weekend matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Judge continues to build his MVP case, Juan Soto keeps adding dollars to his looming contract extension, and Gerrit Cole had a great rehab. The Yankees couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, setting up for what should be an epic weekend.

Pennant Odds: +190

World Series Odds: +440

9. Kansas City Royals

Last Week’s Ranking: 6 (-3)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. SEA, 4 vs. NYY

I’m not ready to drag the Kansas City Royals through the mud yet, but this week hasn’t been pretty. We pointed out that the Royals are amidst a schedule gauntlet, but it will only get harder in the coming week and a half as they’ll face the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Royals certainly look like an AL playoff team, but maybe not as elite as I initially thought and hoped to see this past week.

Pennant Odds: +1800

World Series Odds: +5000

8. Milwaukee Brewers

Last Week’s Ranking: 7 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ DET, 3 vs. TOR

The Milwaukee Brewers looked to surpass the Atlanta Braves as the third-best team in the National League, for at least a bit, until they got swept by the Philadelphia Phillies this league. There is no shame in losing to the Phillies, but it was glaringly obvious that their offense is in no shape to compete at the highest level against elite pitching come playoff time. Two runs across three games? Come on now. They clearly need to add an impact bat at the trade deadline, and it’s likely unfortunate that the front office won’t go all-in on this squad because their pitching is elite. 

Pennant Odds: +1300

World Series Odds: +3100

7. Seattle Mariners

Last Week’s Ranking: 9 (+2)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ KCR, 4 vs. CHW

The Seattle Mariners are on an incredible run right now, winning nine of their last 11 games en route to an impressive 36-28 record. To be frank, they haven’t played the greatest of competition, and while I won’t hold that against them since winning isn’t a given in this league, I’m excited to see how they look against the Kansas City Royals this week. The Mariners are legit, and I’m begging this front office to add an offensive piece at the deadline to put this team over the top. They deserve it, and if the Yankees stumble down the stretch as they’ve become accustomed to, the AL pennant is up for grabs.

Pennant Odds: +650

World Series Odds: +1600

6. Atlanta Braves

Last Week’s Ranking: 8 (+2)

Upcoming Games: 4 @ WAS, 3 @ BAL

Since Ronald Acuna Jr. went down, the Atlanta Braves have gone 5-5, predominantly relying on their offense. Outside of Chris Sale, they can’t get shutout innings on the mound from anyone, continuing to make starting pitching at the deadline a pressing need. Still, it’s hard not to anoint the Braves as the third-best team in the National League because, frankly, 75% of the NL stinks. 

Pennant Odds: +450

World Series Odds: +750

5. Los Angeles Dodgers

Last Week’s Ranking: 3 (-2)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ NYY, 3 vs. TEX

Come on, Dodgers, are we really dropping series to the Pittsburgh Pirates out here? What is this crap! I keep hearing that this club is supposedly the runaway favorite for the World Series, but as hard as I’m trying, I can’t see it. If at any point Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, or Freddie Freeman slump, they’re absolute trash! Regardless, we’ll forget all the negatives if they can walk into the Bronx this weekend and take at least two of three against the New York Yankees.

Pennant Odds: +135

World Series Odds: +270

4. Baltimore Orioles

Last Week’s Ranking: 5 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 4 @ TBR, 3 vs. ATL

The Baltimore Orioles are currently sitting on a 39-22 record, but their toughest and most revealing stretch of the season is approaching. Three of their next four series will be against the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees, giving us a prime opportunity over a 10-day stretch if this young roster can hang with some of baseball’s most proven veteran-led ball clubs.

Pennant Odds: +460

World Series Odds: +1100

3. Cleveland Guardians

Last Week’s Ranking: 4 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ MIA, 2 @ CIN

How many Cleveland Guardians’ AL Pennant tickets is too many? Come on now, I can’t get enough of this team. Their offense won’t slow down, the starting staff is doing its job and hopefully will receive additions at the trade deadline, and the bullpen might be the best unit in baseball. Their upcoming stretch in Miami and Cincinnati shouldn’t pose much of a challenge for this wagon of a ball club.

Pennant Odds: +900

World Series Odds: +2700

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Last Week’s Ranking: 1 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 2 vs. NYM (London), 3 @ BOS

The Philadelphia Phillies have consistently been No. 1 in our power rankings, and while they sit at No. 2 this week, it’s certainly no knock on what they’ve done. The New York Yankees have been just that good. Still, the Phillies managed to win six of their last seven games, including a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, where the Brewers’ offense was held to just two runs over three games. Four of the NL’s top six starters boast a sub-3.00 ERA and the offense is mashing as Bryce Harper is making a run at his third NL MVP. Ahead, a fun two-game set across the pond in London against the New York Mets should be a blast to tune in for.

Pennant Odds: +300

World Series Odds: +650

1. New York Yankees

Last Week’s Ranking: 2 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. LAD, 4 @ KCR

What a week for the New York Yankees. They’re riding an eight-game win streak heading into their much-anticipated weekend matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Judge continues to build his MVP case, Juan Soto keeps adding dollars to his looming contract extension, and Gerrit Cole had a great rehab. The Yankees couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, setting up for what should be an epic weekend.

Pennant Odds: +190

World Series Odds: +440