The Final Stretch: MLB Power Rankings and What’s at Stake
As the Major League Baseball season winds down, the excitement reaches a fever pitch. With just a week left in the regular season, teams are jockeying for playoff positions, while others are simply trying to salvage pride. In this week’s power rankings, we take a closer look at the standings and what each team has left to play for as they head into the postseason.
1. Philadelphia Phillies (Record: 93-64)
Last Power Ranking: 1
One Thing to Play For: A Month of Home Games at Citizens Bank Park
The Phillies are looking to secure home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs. Despite a disappointing end to last season, they have a strong chance to host crucial games at home. Currently one game behind the Dodgers but holding the tiebreaker, the Phillies are focused on ensuring that any decisive games are played in front of their passionate fans.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (Record: 93-63)
Last Power Ranking: 2
One Thing to Play For: A Bye
The Dodgers are in a familiar position, aiming for a championship after 12 consecutive postseason appearances. However, their pitching rotation has been shaky, and they need to secure a bye to minimize the strain on their staff. With a three-game lead over the Padres, every game counts as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.
3. New York Yankees (Record: 92-64)
Last Power Ranking: 3
One Thing to Play For: Figure Out This Pitching Staff
The Yankees have nearly locked up a division series bye, but their focus is on solidifying their pitching rotation. With key decisions looming about who will start in the playoffs, manager Aaron Boone is using this final week to gather data and make crucial decisions that could impact their postseason run.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (Record: 90-66)
Last Power Ranking: 6
One Thing to Play For: A Late-Season Steal of the Division
The Brewers have clinched a playoff spot but are still in the hunt for a top-two seed. With a tough schedule ahead, they need to regain momentum after a recent slump. Securing a top seed would allow them to skip the wild-card series, a significant advantage as they head into October.
5. Cleveland Guardians (Record: 90-67)
Last Power Ranking: 5
One Thing to Play For: Secure a Bye, Then Get Healthy
Having clinched the AL Central, the Guardians are now focused on locking up a first-round bye. This is crucial not only for avoiding the wild-card series but also for giving injured players time to recover before the playoffs.
6. Arizona Diamondbacks (Record: 87-70)
Last Power Ranking: 8
One Thing to Play For: Remain Healthy
In a tight race for the final wild-card spots, the Diamondbacks are looking to secure their playoff berth while managing player health. With key injuries affecting their roster, staying fit is paramount as they aim for a deep postseason run.
7. New York Mets (Record: 87-69)
Last Power Ranking: 12
One Thing to Play For: A Playoff Berth and Generational Payback
The Mets have turned their season around and are now in a position to clinch a wild-card spot. They have a chance to celebrate in Atlanta, a city that has been a house of horrors for them in past postseasons.
8. Baltimore Orioles (Record: 86-70)
Last Power Ranking: 11
One Thing to Play For: Build Positive Momentum Heading into October
While the Orioles won’t repeat as division champions, they are still playoff-bound. They need to regain their form after a lackluster second half of the season, and a strong finish against the Yankees could set the tone for the postseason.
9. Minnesota Twins (Record: 81-76)
Last Power Ranking: 14
One Thing to Play For: Holding Onto a Wild-Card Spot
The Twins have seen their playoff odds dwindle, and they are now fighting to hold onto a wild-card position. With a recent slump, they need to turn things around quickly to avoid a long offseason filled with regret.
10. Kansas City Royals (Record: 81-76)
Last Power Ranking: 15
One Thing to Play For: Spoil the AL Central Party
The Royals have had a disappointing season but still have a chance to play spoiler as they aim for a wild-card berth. Winning on the road will be crucial as they close out the season against tough opponents.
11. Chicago Cubs (Record: 79-77)
Last Power Ranking: 18
One Thing to Play For: A Winning Record
The Cubs are not in playoff contention, but they can finish the season with a winning record. This would be a small consolation after a season filled with ups and downs.
12. Toronto Blue Jays (Record: 73-83)
Last Power Ranking: 24
One Thing to Play For: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Recording 200 Hits
Despite a disappointing season, Guerrero is on the verge of a significant personal milestone. Achieving 200 hits would solidify his status as one of the league’s top players and provide a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.
13. Pittsburgh Pirates (Record: 73-84)
Last Power Ranking: 22
One Thing to Play For: Strengthening Paul Skenes’ Rookie of the Year Resume
Skenes has had a remarkable rookie season, and his performance in the final week could cement his status as the favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year award.
14. Washington Nationals (Record: 69-87)
Last Power Ranking: 25
One Thing to Play For: Experience for the Outfield of the Future
The Nationals are looking to evaluate their young talent as they prepare for the future. With promising players emerging, this final week is crucial for building a competitive roster moving forward.
15. Oakland Athletics (Record: 60-96)
Last Power Ranking: 28
One Thing to Play For: Second-Half Winning Record
The A’s have shown improvement in the second half of the season, and finishing strong could provide a sense of progress despite a challenging year.
16. Chicago White Sox (Record: 36-120)
Last Power Ranking: 30
One Thing to Play For: All-Time Infamy as the Worst MLB Team Ever
The White Sox have tied the modern record for losses in a season. With a chance to break the record, they could etch their name in history for all the wrong reasons.
As the final week of the MLB season unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Teams are not only fighting for playoff positions but also for pride, health, and individual milestones. The drama of baseball is alive and well, and fans are in for an exhilarating conclusion to the regular season.