Brewers Surprise: MLB Power Rankings After the All-Star Break

Diamond Dominance: Milwaukee Tops Alofoke Deportes Ranking

We start the second half of the season with a new leader in the power ranking! The Milwaukee Brewers climbed to the top spot, demonstrating their strength in week 17. But the competition is not far behind, with the Chicago Cubs hot on their heels. In the American League, the Astros and Blue Jays outperform the Tigers, while the Yankees, with their lowest ranking of the season, seek reinforcements to climb positions before the trade deadline. Below, a detailed analysis of the situation of each team, according to our experts. Our panel of experts evaluated each team, considering their current performance and expectations for the full season. We also consulted specialists to get their perspectives on the key priorities for each team in this second half.

Second Half Preview | Week 15 | Preseason Ranking

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Record: 61-41

Previous position: 9

The Brewers stand out for their self-awareness, focusing on their strengths: solid pitching, high-level defense, excellent base running, and intelligent offensive play. With 30 wins in 43 games since June, they seek to maintain their pace. A return to the expected offensive level of William Contreras would be ideal.

2. Chicago Cubs

Record: 60-42

Previous Position: 3

The Cubs need to reinforce their starting pitching to compete with Milwaukee in the National League Central Division and aim for a deep postseason. Their offense has been highlighted, and the bullpen has improved, but adding an impact arm is crucial. The return of Jameson Taillon in August could be key.

3. Detroit Tigers

Record: 60-43

Previous position: 1

Although the Tigers have had a slight slump, their lead in the American League Central Division is considerable. Kerry Carpenter’s return will strengthen their lineup. The priority is to reinforce the bullpen with one or two quality pitchers to aim for the World Series. They could be interested in Ryan Helsley if the Cardinals decide to trade him.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

Record: 60-43

Previous Position: 2

The Dodgers have suffered some recent defeats, and their bullpen has been the focus of attention. Despite this, the team seeks to improve its performance in all areas, especially in the bullpen, with the trade deadline approaching.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 60-42

Previous position: 6

The Blue Jays remain at the top of their division, demonstrating their ability to exceed expectations. Their strategy of avoiding strikeouts and putting the ball in play is key to their success.

6. Philadelphia Phillies

Record: 58-44

Previous position: 5

The Phillies have a solid starting pitching staff and a proven lineup. However, the priority is to strengthen the bullpen, especially with José Alvarado’s suspension about to end. They will look for options in the trade market to improve the relief corps.

7. Houston Astros

Record: 60-42

Previous position: 4

The Astros have shown their ability to stay competitive despite injuries to their stars. Their goal is to keep winning while they await the return of their key players.

8. New York Mets

Record: 59-44

Previous position: 7

The Mets have concerns about their pitching. The team’s priority is to reinforce the bullpen before the trade deadline. If they don’t succeed, they could consider calling up prospects to strengthen the relief corps.

9. New York Yankees

Record: 56-46

Previous position: 8

The Yankees are looking to improve their pitching staff before the trade deadline. Luis Gil’s return from the injured list could be a big boost to the rotation. His performance in the bullpen in October could also be key.

10. Seattle Mariners

Record: 54-48

Previous position: 12

The Mariners could be a dangerous team in September if their rotation stays healthy. Their offense has been productive recently, and they are expected to add infielders before the deadline.

11. San Diego Padres

Record: 55-47

Previous Position: 13

The Padres are looking to improve their offense in the second half. They need Yu Darvish to stay healthy and Michael King to rejoin the rotation. In addition, they need to add bats to improve their offensive production.

12. Boston Red Sox

Record: 55-49

Previous position: 14

Walker Buehler’s performance is crucial to the Red Sox’s postseason hopes. If Buehler manages to improve his performance, it could have a significant impact on the team.

13. Tampa Bay Rays

Record: 53-50

Previous position: 10

The Rays will have to play most of their remaining games away from home. This change in the schedule could be crucial to their chances of advancing.

14. San Francisco Giants

Record: 54-49

Previous position: 11

The transfer of Rafael Devers has not had the expected impact. The Giants need their hitters to raise their performance to be successful.

15. Texas Rangers

Record: 53-50

Previous position: 18

The Rangers are looking to improve their offense. They are expected to add a first baseman before the trade deadline.

16. Cincinnati Reds

Record: 53-50

Previous position: 16

The Reds could improve their performance with the addition of an outfielder. The arrival of an impact hitter could be key, especially with the return of Hunter Greene.

17. St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 52-51

Previous position: 15

The Cardinals are looking for help for their starting pitching as they prepare for the trade deadline.

18. Arizona Diamondbacks

Record: 50-53

Previous position: 17

The Diamondbacks must decide on their strategy for the trade deadline. The priority is to make long-term decisions without compromising the current team.

19. Cleveland Guardians

Record: 51-50

Previous Position: 22

The Guardians could seize the opportunity to get the most possible performance out of some of their veterans. Steven Kwan is the player who generates the most interest.

20. Kansas City Royals

Record: 50-53

Previous Position: 19

The Royals are focused on improving their production in the garden. Jac Caglianone could have more opportunities, also seeking to acquire hitters with long-term control.

21. Minnesota Twins

Record: 49-53

Previous Position: 20

The Twins are expected to make moves before the deadline. They need to obtain MLB-ready players or prospects who will help the team in the future. Resolving the ownership situation is crucial.

22. Los Angeles Angels

Record: 49-53

Previous position: 21

The Angels are at a crossroads. The development of their young players is crucial, especially for Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto. More is needed.

23. Atlanta Braves

Record: 44-57

Previous position: 24

The Braves have had a difficult season. Michael Harris II’s poor performance is concerning. A change in his offensive performance in the second half could alleviate concerns.

24. Miami Marlins

Record: 48-53

Previous Position: 23

The Marlins have improved their performance. The development of their players and the positive momentum are key for the rest of the season.

25. Baltimore Orioles

Record: 44-57

Previous position: 25

In addition to transferring to free agents, the Orioles could promote prospect Samuel Basallo. His bat is expected to be the priority.

26. Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 42-61

Previous position: 26

The Pirates need to add offense. The team will look to trade Mitch Keller, David Bednar, Dennis Santana, and Bryan Reynolds, among others.

27. Oakland Athletics

Record: 42-62

Previous position: 27

The Athletics need to build a pitching staff. The investment in Luis Severino hasn’t worked out. The field in Sacramento doesn’t favor pitching.

28. Nationals of Washington

Record: 41-61

Previous position: 28

The Nationals have a promising core of young players. Now they must determine which pitchers are part of the future.