There is a special feeling in the air as the MLB has turned its attention away from All-Star weekend and to the playoff races. Five of the six divisions are up in the air and the wildcard race will be just as exciting as the division races. Young teams looking to establish themselves, perennial contenders trying to catch up. The excitement is here as well as the MLB power rankings for week 17.
1. Atlanta Braves +/-0
The Braves have clearly been the best team in the league for a few weeks now. They are not perfect, but they sure are good.
2. Baltimore Orioles +1
Moving up in the rankings and in the AL East, the Orioles sit in first place in the AL. This young squad continues to impress and improve. Can they hold on to the East? Not only are the Rays still right on their heels, but the Blue Jays are starting to look dangerous.
3. Tampa Bay Rays -1
The Rays have hit a bump coming out of the All-Star break. They held the top spot in the league, the AL, and the AL East for almost the whole season. The Braves took over the top spot in the league, and now the Orioles have overtaken them in the AL and the East. They still have a great record, but they need to find themselves again, very soon.
4. Texas Rangers +3
The Rangers’ offense has been elite this year, and the pitching has done enough not to blow it. Every time it looks like the Rangers might slip, they pull out a really good week. They sit three games up on the Astros and retain their lead in the division for now.
5. LA Dodgers -1
The Dodgers had a great week this week to extend their division lead over Arizona and San Francisco. Their offense has been very good, and we anticipate some high-end additions in the coming weeks.
6. Houston Astros +3
Even though Houston has not been able to catch the Rangers, they have continued to win. The former champs will not go away.
7. Toronto Blue Jays +1
Toronto has been a weird team this year. Their off-season acquisitions have yet to contribute consistently, but they have found their footing. I have stated on my Fantasy Baseball show, I have my money on Toronto to win the AL East
8. Milwaukee Brewers +5
The Brewers have some holes to fill, but with Corbin Burnes finally looking like an ace, the Crew is only a piece or two away from a championship run. Here is their shopping list for the trade deadline.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks -3
The young Diamondbacks have fallen behind the Dodgers and are kneck and kneck with the Giants. They are a very entertaining team, that needs help in the rotation. If they buy at the trade deadline they will stay in the NL West race, if not, they will have to settle for a wildcard spot.
10. San Francisco Giants +1
The Giants have not had a great week, but they stay in the race still.
11. Cincinnati Reds +1
12. Philadelphia Phillies +2
13. New York Yankees -3
14. Miami Marlins -9
15. Boston Red Sox +/- 0
16. Minnesota Twins +4
17. LA Angels +1
18. Seattle Mariners -2
19. Cleveland Guardians -2
20. San Diego Padres -1
21. Chicago Cubs +/-0
22. New York Mets +/-0
23. Detroit Tigers +/-0
24. St. Louis Cardinals +1
25. Pittsburgh Pirates -1
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.
