SportsGrid’s MLB Power Rankings: Yankees Keep On Sliding

1. Philadelphia Phillies

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Upcoming Games: 3 @ ATL, 3 vs. LAD

The fact that the Philadelphia Phillies still hold a two-game lead for the best record in all of baseball is especially impressive as the Phils are currently dealing with a brutal case of the injury bug. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and JT Realmuto are currently sitting on the Injured List, but the hope is that both Schwarber and Harper can return before the All-Star break. Their toughest stretch awaits, though, as they’ll head south to face the Atlanta Braves this weekend before heading home to welcome in the Los Angeles Dodges. They’ll need their bench guys to continue to step up and rally around Trea Turner, who has been setting the tone for the rest of the guys at the plate this week. 

Pennant Odds: +250

World Series Odds: +500

9. Atlanta Braves

Last Week’s Ranking: 7 (-2)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. PHI, 4 @ ARI

It’s hard to completely buy into what the Atlanta Braves are selling as they show flashes for a few games both on the mound and at the plate, then they quickly show up flat to tame expectations. They’re still holding on to the NL’s top Wild Card spot, but their lead keeps dwindling as some other NL teams become more formidable. A fun weekend awaits against a very shorthanded Philadelphia Phillies squad.

Pennant Odds:  +440

World Series Odds: +850

8. Boston Red Sox

Last Week’s Ranking: 10 (+2)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ NYY, 3 vs. OAK

I’m viewing the Boston Red Sox almost as if they’re a sleeping giant in the AL playoff picture as they keep quietly dominating and climbing the standings. The offense is hot, as Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers have both been two of the AL’s most underrated stars. A critical weekend series is coming up in the Bronx, though, as the Red Sox will find themselves in the Bronx to take on the New York Yankees, who are spiraling out of control. Even though we’re just midway through the season, the Red Sox have the chance to deliver a gut punch against a Yankees team currently down for the count.

Pennant Odds: +2700

World Series Odds: +6000

7. Minnesota Twins

Last Week’s Ranking: 8 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. HOU, 3 @ CHW

Everything was going right for the Minnesota Twins until it wasn’t, as Royce Lewis once again found himself on the Injured List. They’re still within striking distance of the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, but it’s hard to imagine them gaining any ground in the short-term during Lewis’s absence, with a tough weekend set with the surging Houston Astros making things difficult.

Pennant Odds: +700

World Series Odds: +2000

6. New York Yankees

Last Week’s Ranking: 5 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. BOS

The New York Yankees have been struggling for the better part of three weeks now, but things came to a boiling point this week as they were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the Bronx. Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong, as the starting pitching staff is regressing, and everyone except Aaron Judge is struggling at the plate. Their weekend series at home against the Boston Red Sox will reveal how resilient this group of Yankees truly is.

Pennant Odds: +220

World Series Odds: +500

5. Milwaukee Brewers

Last Week’s Ranking: 6 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ LAD, 3 vs. PIT

The Milwaukee Brewers quietly are 5.5 games back from the best record in all of baseball and have won or split seven of their last eight series. The NL Central leaders added Aaron Civale to bolster their starting rotation, but ideally, we’ll see the front office go all-in on this squad at the trade deadline.

Pennant Odds: +1000

World Series Odds: +2400

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. MIL, 3 @ PHI

We aren’t worried about the Los Angeles Dodgers, but we must acknowledge that they have dropped four of their last six games. This team shows too many times that they are just coasting until we get closer to playoff time, but it’s certainly been concerning to see their starting pitching staff get hit around more of late. Still, we can trust this front office to make the appropriate deadline moves if needed. A tough week awaits, though, as they’ll welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Southern California before heading east to face the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pennant Odds: +155

World Series Odds: +300

3. Cleveland Guardians

Last Week’s Ranking: 2 (-1)

Upcoming Games: 3 vs. SF, 4 @ DET

The Cleveland Guardians have gone just 3-5 across their last eight games, and it looks like they’re feeling the effects of Steven Kwan’s bat cooling off slightly. Jose Ramirez is still crushing at the plate, and it’s safe to assume this squad will bounce back as they have a favorable schedule heading into the All-Star break.

Pennant Odds: +700

World Series Odds: +2000

2. Baltimore Orioles

Last Week’s Ranking: 3 (+1)

Upcoming Games: 3 @ OAK, 3 vs. CHI

The Baltimore Orioles have finally earned themselves a little separation in the AL East, thanks to the New York Yankees’ collapse. It was especially good that their pitching staff outlasted the Seattle Mariners’ strong rotation, but the O’s are reportedly still in the market for more starting pitching help, so landing someone like Garrett Crochet, who they’ve been linked to, could seal their fate as the AL Pennant frontrunner.

Pennant Odds: +320

World Series Odds: +750

1. Philadelphia Phillies

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Upcoming Games: 3 @ ATL, 3 vs. LAD

The fact that the Philadelphia Phillies still hold a two-game lead for the best record in all of baseball is especially impressive as the Phils are currently dealing with a brutal case of the injury bug. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and JT Realmuto are currently sitting on the Injured List, but the hope is that both Schwarber and Harper can return before the All-Star break. Their toughest stretch awaits, though, as they’ll head south to face the Atlanta Braves this weekend before heading home to welcome in the Los Angeles Dodges. They’ll need their bench guys to continue to step up and rally around Trea Turner, who has been setting the tone for the rest of the guys at the plate this week. 

Pennant Odds: +250

World Series Odds: +500