Two thirds of the shortened and most atypical MLB season ever are already in the history books. With the trade deadline also far behind us, we have a pretty good picture of how the postseason pool is going to look like and which teams are likely to contend for the World Series. Needless to say, it will most likely be one of the 5 teams from our latest MLB power ranking.
To say that this season has had plenty of surprises is an understatement. Most of the preseason analysis and predictions are already in the trash can after teams that weren’t supposed to compete are actually in the race to win their divisions.
There have obviously been some teams that have been as good as expected, if not more, but given the nature of the season, it feels like for the first time ever; anything can happen. So, without further introduction, we’ll show you our MLB Power Ranking featuring the best 5 teams in Major League Baseball.
5. Oakland Athletics
Mike Fiers. (Getty)
The Oakland Athletics currently sit at a 23-14 record. They were supposed to be near the bottom of the AL West and are now in a prime position to take the division away from the Houston Astros. Led by late-game heroics and comebacks, it seems like the A’s are going to be back in the playoffsin 2020 despite having a somewhat modest lineup.
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4. Chicago White Sox
Rookie of the Year candidate Luis Robert. (Getty)
Yes, this is not a typo. The Chicago White Sox are actually one of the best teams in the league right now. José Abreu is having MVP-caliber numbers and standout rookie Luis Robert has been as good as expected. Combine their power with a fine rotation and the Sox may be at the top of the AL Central by the end of the season, even with the Indians and Twins breathing on their necks.
3. Tampa Bay Rays
Rays’ star Tyler Glasnow. (Getty)
We all knew the Tampa BayRays were going to be good this season but even so, they’ve been a pleasant surprise. They completely schooled the New York Yankees and took all but one gamefrom them and it’s unlikely that any team can catch them at the top of the American League. They have the easiest schedule for the remainder of the season, whilethe Yankees and Blue Jays willgo toe-to-toe 10 more times this year.
2. San Diego Padres
Fernando Tatís Jr and Manny Machado celebrate after a home run. (Getty)
Who would’ve thought that the San Diego Padres would be the second-best team in the league two thirds into the season? Fernando Tatís Jr should be at the top of the NL MVP ballots and the team was all-in to surround him by elite talent ahead of the trade deadline. Newcomers Mike Clevinger, Gregg Allen, and Mitch Moreland will give an already impressive team a massive boost. When was the last time the Padres were a legit World Series contender?
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and Joc Pederson. (Getty)
Well, this one shouldn’t strike as a surprise given how overpowered theLos Angeles Dodgers were ahead of this season. They were – by far – the first team to top the 30-win plateau and have only dropped 12 games thus far. Their star-studded lineup is perfectly complemented by a strong, young rotation and a solid bullpen. It’s World Series or nothing for theMookie Betts-led Dodgers this time, although it’ll be interesting to see how their inexperienced rotation (plus Clayton Kershaw) will perform in the postseason.
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