MLB Power Rankings: Yankees and Royals Rise as Rays, Rangers, Mets Continue to Slide (2024)

From 106 losses in 2023 to a top-five spot in our weekly MLB power rankings just two months into the 2024 season, the Kansas City Royals are playing like a top-tier contender thanks to a revamped pitching staff and young superstar Bobby Witt Jr.

The Cleveland Guardians still sit atop the AL Central standings, and both of those teams occupy a top-five spot in this week's power rankings, though they are still chasing the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.

Further down the rankings, the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers are both headed in the wrong direction, while the New York Mets have bottomed out as they are now just a few spots away from the No. 30 spot.

For now, here's how all 30 teams stack up across baseball.

30. Chicago White Sox (15-39)

Previous Rank: 30

Last Week: 1-2 @ TOR, 0-4 vs. BAL

Not much has gone right for the White Sox this year, but the one-two punch of Garrett Crochet (12 GS, 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 85 K, 63.2 IP) and Erick Fedde (11 GS, 2.80 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 58 K, 64.1 IP) has been a pleasant surprise atop the starting rotation. They are now 1-9 in their last 10 games and have an atrocious minus-116 on the year.

29. Colorado Rockies (18-34)

Previous Rank: 29

Last Week: 1-2 @ OAK, 2-1 vs. PHI

The Rockies have shown over the years that they can beat almost anyone at Coors Field, even when things are not going well, and they proved it again last week with a series win over the Phillies. They are now 11-13 on the year at home, compared to 7-21 on the road, and they will host the Guardians starting Monday.

28. Los Angeles Angels (20-33)

Previous Rank: 25

Last Week: 2-1 @ HOU, 0-3 vs. CLE

The Angels suffered their third series sweep of the season with three straight losses at home against the Guardians, and it's looking more and more like they will be sellers at the trade deadline. Starter Tyler Anderson and infielder Luis Rengifo could both be in-demand players this summer if they do decide to shop some of their veterans.

27. New York Mets (22-30)

Previous Rank: 24

Last Week: 0-3 @ CLE, 1-2 vs. SF

How aggressively will the Mets sell if they continue on their current trajectory? They have five fewer wins than they did at this point a year ago, and with a 7-16 record since the beginning of May, they are providing little in the way of optimism that things are going to improve. Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Adam Ottavino and Jorge López could all wind up on the trade block.

26. Oakland Athletics (22-33)

Previous Rank: 27

Last Week: 2-1 vs. COL, 1-2 vs. HOU

The Athletics had a 17-17 record on May 4, but have gone just 5-16 in their last 21 games to slowly slide back toward the bottom of the rankings. Slugger Brent Rooker is proving his 2023 All-Star performance was the real deal, hitting .286/.368/.565 with 11 home runs, 34 RBI and a .933 OPS that ranks fifth among qualified AL hitters.

25. Miami Marlins (19-35)

Previous Rank: 28

Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIL, 2-1 @ ARI

Since their 1-11 start to the year, the Marlins have quietly started to right the ship, and after last week's success they have now recorded four straight series wins. Starting pitchers Braxton Garrett (1 GS, 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 6 K), Jesus Luzardo (1 GS, 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K) and Ryan Weathers (2 GS, 13.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 15 K) all threw the ball extremely well last week.

24. Toronto Blue Jays (23-29)

Previous Rank: 22

Last Week: 2-1 vs. CWS, 1-3 @ DET

The Blue Jays have yet to post a winning streak longer than four games this season, and that lack of momentum has them trending toward being potential landscape-altering sellers at the deadline. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Jordan Romano all one year away from free agency, they could potentially join rentals Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner, Kevin Kiermaier and Danny Jansen in a full-scale fire sale.

23. Washington Nationals (23-28)

Previous Rank: 23

Last Week: 1-2 vs. MIN, 2-1 vs. SEA

The Nationals might not be ready to contend yet this year, but they are on their way to improving on last year's 71-91 finish, and some potential rising stars in the farm system should give fans reason for excitement. Top prospect James Wood is hitting .355/.465/.596 with 13 doubles, nine home runs and 31 RBI in 45 games at Triple-A, and he could make his MLB debut any day now.

22. Cincinnati Reds (23-30)

Previous Rank: 26

Last Week: 1-2 vs. SD, 3-0 vs. LAD

"It shows what we're capable of doing when we play well," manager David Bell told reporters after the Reds wrapped up a sweep of the Dodgers on Sunday.

Hunter Greene tossed six innings of one-run ball on Saturday, and he now has a 2.45 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 44 innings over his last seven outings with five quality starts during that span.

21. Arizona Diamondbacks (25-28)

Previous Rank: 20

Last Week: 2-1 @ LAD, 1-2 vs. MIA

The D-backs won a series at Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2018 last week, but then stumbled to lose two of three to the Marlins at home over the weekend. Outfielder Jake McCarthy has an .832 OPS in 47 plate appearances in May as he has carved out a role platooning in right field with Randal Grichuk while Alek Thomas continues to deal with a hamstring strain.

20. Pittsburgh Pirates (25-29)

Previous Rank: 19

Last Week: 1-2 vs. SF, 2-1 vs. ATL

Another week, another strong start from rookie phenom Paul Skenes who allowed six hits and one earned run in six innings against the Giants on Thursday. His immediate success alongside fellow rookie standout Jared Jones has completely transformed the Pittsburgh rotation from an afterthought to a legitimate strength.

19. Texas Rangers (25-29)

Previous Rank: 14

Last Week: 0-3 @ PHI, 1-2 @ MIN

With a 3-12 record and minus-35 run differential in their last 15 games, the Rangers are rapidly sliding down the rankings. The offense is averaging just 2.7 runs per game during that stretch, though star shortstop Corey Seager has finally come to life with five home runs last week. The starting rotation was dealt another blow last week when a groin strain landed Jon Gray on the injured list, joining Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi and Tyler Mahle.

18. Houston Astros (24-29)

Previous Rank: 18

Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA, 2-1 @ OAK

The Astros finally showed some signs of life with three straight series wins and an 8-2 record in their last 10 games heading into last week, but a series loss to the Angels halted their momentum. Outfielder Kyle Tucker has a 1.033 OPS with 18 home runs, 39 RBI and nine steals as one of the early AL MVP front-runners, despite the team's slow start.

17. Tampa Bay Rays (26-28)

Previous Rank: 8

Last Week: 0-3 vs. BOS, 1-2 vs. KC

The Rays vaulted into the Top 10 last Monday thanks to series wins on the road against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, but they slid back down to the middle of the pack following a tough week at Tropicana Field. The bullpen has simply not been the same weapon this year with a 4.52 ERA that ranks 24th in the majors and 10 blown saves in 27 chances.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (25-26)

Previous Rank: 21

Last Week: 3-0 vs. BAL, 2-0 vs. CHC

A sweep of the Orioles behind strong starts from Sonny Gray and Lance Lynn was no doubt what the Cardinals had in mind during the offseason when they inked both veteran starters to bolster the rotation. Offensively, rookie shortstop Masyn Winn went 7-for-15 with four doubles and one home run last week, and he is now hitting .301/.352/.441 with 14 extra-base hits on the year.

15. Detroit Tigers (26-27)

Previous Rank: 15

Last Week: 0-3 @ KC, 3-1 vs. TOR

The Tigers quietly won 78 games last season, and they are once again hovering around the .500 mark this year thanks to one of baseball's best starting rotations. With healthy returns from Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, a breakout performance from Reese Olson and newcomers Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda, the starting rotation has logged a 3.63 ERA, and those arms will help them be a tough matchup all season.

14. Boston Red Sox (27-26)

Previous Rank: 17

Last Week: 3-0 @ TB, 1-2 vs. MIL

The Red Sox swept a hot Rays team on the road to kick off last week before suffering a series loss to the Brewers, and they are still looking for answers offensively with Triston Casas, Trevor Story and Masataka Yoshida all on the injured list. The starting rotation has leveled off a bit after a brilliant start, though Tanner Houck continues to pitch like a bona fide Cy Young candidate.

13. Chicago Cubs (27-26)

Previous Rank: 11

Last Week: 1-2 vs. ATL, 0-2 @ STL

The Cubs have not won consecutive games since May 5, and even with Nico ho*rner and Dansby Swanson both back healthy, the lineup has been extremely inconsistent in recent weeks. Former top prospect Brennen Davis is hitting .429/.575/1.086 with seven home runs and 16 RBI over his last 12 games at Triple-A, and he could be a call-up option to provide a spark.

12. San Diego Padres (28-28)

Previous Rank: 12

Last Week: 1-1 @ ATL, 2-1 @ CIN, 1-2 vs. NYY

With Joe Musgrove activated from the injured list last week, the Padres rotation is finally at full strength with Yu Darvish, Dylan Cease, Michael King and Matt Waldron joining him on the starting staff. That said, the biggest storyline on the pitching side might be the emergence of Jeremiah Estrada (11 G, 0.59 ERA, 0.59 WHIP, 14.7 K/9) as an elite setup option. A fractured shoulder will keep Xander Bogaerts sidelined for the foreseeable future.

11. Seattle Mariners (28-26)

Previous Rank: 10

Last Week: 2-2 @ NYY, 1-2 @ WAS

The Mariners snapped a four-game losing streak on Sunday to wrap up a 10-game road trip at 4-6, and now they return to T-Mobile Park where they have played much better so far this year. Despite some inconsistency of late, they still have a starting rotation that stacks up to any staff in baseball, with the potential to go on a run once the pieces fall into place offensively.

10. San Francisco Giants (27-27)

Previous Rank: 16

Last Week: 2-1 @ PIT, 2-1 @ NYM

The No. 10 spot is a season-high in the rankings for the Giants after posting an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. Third baseman Matt Chapman (6-for-24, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI) led the way for an offense that piled up 40 runs in six games, and that helped prop up a pitching staff that struggled aside from the contributions of Logan Webb and Jordan Hicks.

9. Minnesota Twins (28-24)

Previous Rank: 13

Last Week: 2-1 @ WAS, 2-1 vs. TEX

The Twins snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 10-0 victory over the Nationals on Tuesday, and now enter the new week riding the momentum of a pair of series wins. Right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson has been a stabilizing force in the starting rotation, posting a 2.57 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 35 innings over seven starts to fill the fifth spot on the staff.

8. Atlanta Braves (30-20)

Previous Rank: 6

Last Week: 1-1 vs. SD, 2-1 @ CHC, 1-2 @ PIT

The Braves were dealt an enormous blow on Sunday when Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a complete tear of his left ACL, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. That likely means an expanded role for veteran Adam Duvall in the short-term, while adding another bat now moves to the top of the deadline to-do list. Can they navigate being without Acuña as well as they did in 2021?

7. Milwaukee Brewers (30-22)

Last Week: 11

Previous Rank: 1-2 @ MIA, 2-1 @ BOS

The Brewers are the only NL Central team with a positive run differential, and they enter the new week with a three-game lead over the Cubs in the division standings. A big four-game series against that second-place Cubs team kicks off on Monday from American Family Field, and that is followed by a potential record-padding series against the White Sox.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (33-22)

Previous Rank: 2

Last Week: 1-2 vs. ARI, 0-3 @ CIN

Even after a rough week, the Dodgers still rank second in the NL and fifth in the majors with a plus-69 run differential, and the upcoming week provides them with a golden opportunity to get back on track with series against the Mets and Rockies. Superstar Shohei Ohtani has reportedly been playing through a hamstring injury, but that hasn't stopped him from hitting .338/.411/.625 with six home runs in May.

5. Baltimore Orioles (33-18)

Previous Rank: 4

Last Week: 0-3 @ STL, 4-0 @ CWS

Outfielder Cedric Mullins is the only regular in the Orioles lineup who doesn't have an OPS+ of 100 or better, and the offense ranks among the MLB leaders in home runs (77, second), OPS (.738, sixth) and runs scored (252, seventh). Their offensive production has helped the team navigate a variety of injuries to the pitching staff, and that will need to continue after John Means (forearm strain) and Dean Kremer (triceps strain) both hit the injured list last week.

4. Kansas City Royals (34-20)

Previous Rank: 7

Last Week: 3-0 vs. DET, 2-1 @ TB

The Royals ranked 27th in the majors with a 5.12 ERA from the starting rotation last year, and that group improving to a 2.97 ERA this year has been the single biggest reason for the team's dramatic reversal of fortune. Veteran Seth Lugo is tied for the MLB lead with nine quality starts, and he has gone 8-1 with a 1.74 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 72.1 innings as the early AL Cy Young front-runner.

3. Cleveland Guardians (36-17)

Previous Rank: 5

Last Week: 3-0 vs. NYM, 3-0 @ LAA

The Guardians improved to 17-7 with a plus-28 run differential in May while running their winning streak to nine in a row with a pair of series sweeps last week. The offense still has some holes and the starting rotation is navigating some key injuries, but baseball's best bullpen (2.55 ERA) has helped them go 10-6 in one-run games and 6-2 in extra innings. Outfielder Steven Kwan is on the mend from a hamstring injury and has started a rehab assignment.

2. New York Yankees (37-18)

Previous Rank: 3

Last Week: 2-2 vs. SEA, 2-1 @ SD

With Aaron Judge hitting .383/.505/.938 with 12 doubles, 11 home runs and 21 RBI in May, the Yankees lineup is anchored by baseball's hottest hitter. Meanwhile, the starting rotation has been a bona fide strength, despite ace Gerrit Cole watching from the sidelines. Veteran DJ LeMahieu is expected to be activated from the injured list this week, which will allow Oswaldo Cabrera to return to a super-utility role.

1. Philadelphia Phillies (38-16)

Previous Rank: 1

Last Week: 3-0 vs TEX, 1-2 @ COL

A series loss to the Rockies is a head-scratcher, but Coors Field is never an easy place to play, and the Phillies still have baseball's best record, best run differential (+93) and largest division lead with a six-game cushion over the Braves in the NL East. Shortstop Trea Turner has been sidelined since early May with a hamstring injury, and in his place Edmundo Sosa is hitting .321/.406/.607 with nine extra-base hits in 58 plate appearances this month.

Complete Rankings

1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. New York Yankees
3. Cleveland Guardians
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. Los Angeles Dodgers
7. Milwaukee Brewers
8. Atlanta Braves
9. Minnesota Twins
10. San Francisco Giants
11. Seattle Mariners
12. San Diego Padres
13. Chicago Cubs
14. Boston Red Sox
15. Detroit Tigers
16. St. Louis Cardinals
17. Tampa Bay Rays
18. Houston Astros
19. Texas Rangers
20. Pittsburgh Pirates
21. Arizona Diamondbacks
22. Cincinnati Reds
23. Washington Nationals
24. Toronto Blue Jays
25. Miami Marlins
26. Oakland Athletics
27. New York Mets
28. Los Angeles Angels
29. Colorado Rockies
30. Chicago White Sox

Hitter of the Week: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

Stats: 5 G, 7-for-20, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R

Off to a slow start this season, Seager hit just six home runs through his first 195 plate appearances heading into last week. After going deep on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, he had his first multi-homer game of the year on Sunday in a 6-2 victory over the Twins, and he is now swinging one of the hottest bats in the game.

Pitcher of the Week: Braxton Garrett, Miami Marlins

Stats: 1 GS, W, 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

After dealing with injuries and inconsistency early in his pro career after going No. 7 overall in the 2016 draft, Garrett took a major step forward last year with a 3.66 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 156 strikeouts in 159.2 innings. The 26-year-old began the year on the injured list before finally making his season debut on May 12, and in his third start of the year on Friday, he needed just 95 pitches to toss a four-hit shutout against the D-backs.

Rookie of the Week: Colt Keith, Detroit Tigers

Stats: 7 G, 10-for-22, 3 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R

The Tigers signed Keith to a six-year, $28.6 million extension during the offseason and he made his MLB debut on Opening Day. Ranked among the AL Rookie of the Year front-runners when the season began, he was hitting just .197/.259/.221 over 139 plate appearances heading into last week. With three multi-hit performances last week and his long-awaited first MLB home run, he raised his OPS more than 100 points.

AL MVP

1. Aaron Judge, NYY
2. Kyle Tucker, HOU
3. Juan Soto, NYY
4. Gunnar Henderson, BAL
5. Bobby Witt Jr., KC
6. José Ramírez, CLE
7. Isaac Paredes, TB
8. Salvador Pérez, KC.
9. Adley Rutschman, BAL
10. Rafael Devers, BOS

AL Cy Young

1. Seth Lugo, KC
2. Tarik Skubal, DET
3. Tanner Houck, BOS
4. Luis Gil, NYY
5. Reese Olson, DET

AL Rookie of the Year

1. Luis Gil, NYY
2. Wilyer Abreu, BOS
3. Colton Cowser, BAL

*Note: Until decisive information is released to the contrary, I'm working under the assumption that Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller exceeded rookie eligibility limits in 2023 since his status is listed as such on his Baseball Reference page.

NL MVP

1. Shohei Ohtani, LAD
2. Mookie Betts, LAD
3. Marcell Ozuna, ATL
4. William Contreras, MIL
5. Jurickson Profar, SD
6. Bryce Harper, PHI
7. Elly De La Cruz, CIN
8. Alec Bohm, PHI
9. Ketel Marte, ARI
10. Freddie Freeman, LAD

NL Cy Young

1. Shōta Imanaga, CHC
2. Ranger Suárez, PHI
3. Chris Sale, ATL
4. Zack Wheeler, PHI
5. Tyler Glasnow, LAD

NL Rookie of the Year

1. Shōta Imanaga, CHC
2. Jared Jones, PIT
3. Joey Ortiz, MIL