April and most of May have passed opening this fantastic MLB season. Many great moments have happened in these two months, but now is when you really see teams emerge into playoff contenders. Just past a quarter of a season in, here are my top 10 baseball power rankings.
10. Texas Rangers
In the Lone Star State, the Rangers have started off the season the same way they ended last year, great. As of May 25th the Rangers are 27-20 and only 1 game back of the Mariners. With the addition of Ian Desmond in the offseason, the Rangers have more depth then they’ve had in the past couple of seasons. The Rangers will contend for a AL West title as they continue to get stronger.
9. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are 26-17 and also one game behind in their division rival he Boston Red Sox, but with two games in hand. The reason why I put them at 9 is their starting pitching doesn't really have a top-tier pitcher. Their bullpen continues to keep them in this race but come July and August, can they stay strong? Baltimore does have a lineup that could be scary to pitch against come the end of the season. Players like Chris Davis and Manny Machado need to step up for the Orioles to have a chance to make the postseason.
8. Pittsburg Pirates
Sporting a 25-19 record, the pirates are five and a half games back of the Cubs in the NL Central. The Pirates have won won of their last nine games and one of the hottest teams in baseball. Led by Andrew McCutchen and pitcher Gerrit Cole, these Pirates have a shot to catch the Cubs in the Central.
7. New York Mets
In the Big Apple, the New York Mets are 27-19 and 1/2 back from their rival Washington Nationals. Matt Harvey is struggling mightily but the Mets have not jumped ship on Harvey just yet. With Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard still in the rotation, the Mets have to limited pitching problems to worry about. With an offense that has not had much success this season, the Mets could use some help at the deadline in July.
6. Seattle Mariners
They're coming into May 25th they are 27-18 and now lead the AL West. Many people did not expect Seattle to start fast but with a disappointing 2015, they knew it was time to take a shot at the AL West title. With a good bullpen and offense along with a pitching staff that could be considered one of the best in baseball, the Mariners could see themselves in the postseason. Felix Hernandez with a 4-3 record and a ERA of 2.21 as the ace has shown many people why he's still one of the best pitchers in baseball.
5. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are currently sitting at 27-21, the White Sox are leading in the AL Central. Kansas City Royals have not had a good start to the season and Chicago hasn’t taken advantage of it thus far. With one of the best start in baseball history, Chris Sale has been nothing but stellar through the first 2 months. The White Sox are a young team but could contend for a trip to the fall classic in October.
4. Washington Nationals
The Nationals are 28-19 and holding a close lead on Mets in the NL East. Last season was a disappointment, as many expected them to be playing into October. In 2016, they have come out with vengeance. Bryce Harper has been the face of the Nationals for the past few years. But the acquisition of Daniel Murphy in the offseason, who signed with the Nat’s from the Mets, has done nothing but impress the baseball community. The Nationals could make a long run in October but everyone needs to stay healthy to keep their dream alive.
3. San Francisco Giants
The Giants are 30-19 and currently leading the NL West. Behind Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, and Matt Cain the pitching staff of the Giants is not a team you’d want to face in October. This team has the total package with a good offense and great pitching. Many believe that they could get passed the Cubs and find themselves in the Fall Classic. The Nationals and the Cubs stand in their way to getting to the World Series.
2. Boston Red Sox
With a start that not only I, a Red sox fan, could have dreamed of, they are 28-17 and leading the AL East. With the best offense in baseball and mediocre pitching, Boston could make a Fall Classic run. David Price, has shown he's worth the 214-Million-dollar price tag the Red Sox are paying for. The offense led by David Ortiz, Jackie Bradley Jr., Dustin Pedroia, and Xander Bogaerts have made the Red Sox a top 5 team in baseball.
1. Chicago Cubs
It not much of a surprise that they have a 31-14 record. The Cubs are huge favors to win it all this season. For 107 years, the Cubs have waited to win a World Series and many believe that this might be their year. The Cubs shocked everyone last season by making it to the NLCS. If they don't win it this year, it will be a disappointment considering the vast number of changes that have occurred since Theo Epstein took over as general manager. Pitching, Hitting, fielding, they have it all. Expect them to win it all this year.
The 2016 baseball season is shaping up to be one to remember.