The All-Star break has come and gone, and now all eyes turn to the trade deadline and the playoff races. A few teams have solidified themselves toward the top, while others meddle in the middle. There is still much to sort out before the end of the season, but here are the MLB Power Rankings for week 16, to see where things sit right now.
1. Atlanta Braves +/-0
The Braves have a firm grip on the NL East and really the NL as a whole. They are healthy and hitting their stride. As long as they can remain healthy, they will be the clear favorite to win the NL and the World Series.
2. Tampa Bay Rays +/-0
Tampa has been at the top of the AL all season, but they have looked vulnerable leading up to the All-Star break. Currently two games above Baltimore, the Rays need to get their groove back.
3. Baltimore Orioles +2
The young Orioles squad has impressed all season, but now is the time to see what they are made of. They are sniffing the division lead, but their pitching is still suspect. If Baltimore adds to their rotation soon we will know the organization supports the players and is ready to win now.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers +3
We know the Dodgers will be adding to the roster soon. They have already been steady, with the right additions they could be lethal. Look for the Dodgers to add at least one bat, and one starting pitcher.
5. Miami Marlins +1
I still do not believe in this team, but if they hold their own over the next two weeks, I will be forced to believe in the Marlins. They have been second in the NL East for most of the season, and are currently second in the NL.
6. Arizona Diamondbacks -2
Arizona has been impressive but still has a lot of question marks. The offense has been good, the pitching staff has had their moments. Can they keep up with the Dodgers? We will find out soon enough.
7. Texas Rangers -4
The Rangers were one of the hottest teams in the league up until last week. They hit a pretty rough bump, but remain in first in the AL West. The offense will remain steady, but pitching is the issue in Texas. Will they swing for the fence and add a big arm, or will they play out the year with what they have?
8. Toronto Blue Jays +4
Toronto is starting to look like the team we thought they could be. Their off-season additions have not played out fully yet, but a run to the top of the division could be right around the corner.
9. Houston Astros +/-0
The defending champs have looked less than so far this season. They are now as close to the Rangers as they have been, and they seek to overtake them soon. The Astros are built to contend and contend they will.
10. New York Yankees
The expectation is always for the Yankees to contend, but it has been a while since they did what most expect them to do. Their pitching rotation is their weakness. They will make the playoffs, but will they be taken seriously?
11. San Francisco +/-0
12. Cincinnati Reds +1
13. Milwaukee Brewers +2
14. Philadelphia Phillies -4
15. Boston Red Sox +1
16. Seattle Mariners +5
17. Cleveland Guardians +1Minnesota Twins -2
18. Los Angeles Angels -4
19. San Diego Padres +/-0
20. Minnesota Twins -3
21. Chicago Cubs +1
22. New York Mets +2
23. Detroit Tigers +/-0
24. Pittsburgh Pirates -4
25. St. Louis Cardinals +/-0
26. Chicago White Sox +/-0
27. Washington Nationals +/-0
28. Colorado Rockies +/-0
29. Kansas City Royals +/-0
30. Oakland Athletics +/-0
Catch Vince live every Sunday on the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show, or listen to all his content on The Sports Stove Podcast. Follow Vince on Twitter for more MLB opinions.