What's up with the new season of the MLB??

Dude...

A full season of spring training and the world baseball classic. Before the Opening day of the MLB? One thing is clear, the year 2023 has started off as the year baseball fans dream of. With new rules to this season of the MLB and the epic show performed by the Japan national team, we should all be prepared for what is bound to happen this year in the MLB. Below I’ll go over the power rankings we believe are respectable for this year’s teams.

30. Oakland Athletics

Well, this team has absolutely nothing to play for with no players to really give them a shot at being close to competitive. Their o/u wins are 59.5, which is tied to dead last for all MLB teams, but their best player is Trevor May who is being paid a whopping $7 million this year, which is also their highest-paid player as well. Besides trading away one of the best up-and-coming catches in the league, Sean Murphey, there is not much of a chance for this team to make any impact. For A’s fans, it may be time to start wondering where this team is heading in the next few seasons.

29. Washington Nationals

This team went from being a solid competitor in 2019, winning the WS with a stacked lineup, to a team that has entered rebuild mode. With their best player heading to San Diego last season, the Nationals have many different young players ready to be developed into well-rounded ball players. The pitching (which had the highest team ERA of 5.00) is what needs help and will be the sole reason they win maybe 61 to 62 games this year. National fans, be prepared for 3 to four seasons of this rebuild, it will go by faster than you think.

28. Cincinnati Reds

Though the farm system and additions like Wil Myers and Luke Weaver, the other parts of this team show really no plan on what they intend to do in the future. Their team ERA was the second highest at 4.86 in 2022. But hopefully, they can turn the tables with their pitching and a little bit of their hitting. The ownership needs a step in the right direction and a way to get the reds fans back on the path of being competitive in the NL central.

27. Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies for a while have been the team to show great hitting abilities but lack pitching. Although geographic location impacts both of these factors. The Rockies have to be able to show some sign of life when trying to compete for a pennant. Pitching will always be tough in Denver but maybe with the NL West playing more teams from the NL Central, this could give the Rockies a boost. Freeland and Marquez are the aces in their starting rotation, but can the bullpen have a positive impact to help with the offensive threat?

26. Pittsburg Pirates

The Pirates made some awesome moves this offseason, they definitely are figuring out their role and where they are heading. Rebuild mode has been the case and they are definitely heading in the right direction. Signing old friends Andrew McCutchen, Carlos Santana, and Ji-Man Choi. And with the growing development of O’Neil Cruz and Endy Rodriguez will potentially give the Pirates a fighting chance in the NL Central.

25. Detroit Tigers

After having a big year in free agency, the tigers are here to take a step forward after a year of figuring out who they are. With younger guys like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkleson and prime players such as Baez and Rodriguez. Their offense and defensive power will be able to win them at least 65 games this year. But the pitching arsenal will have to step it up, which is unlikely to happen this season.

24. Kansas City Royals

After a miserable year of hope for Royals fans, the team finally cleaned ship. Not only the players that needed to go but the administration. The royals have some big-time young stars ready for their major league show-out season. With Matt Quatraro and Brian Sweeney leading the way, studs like Bobby Witt Jr, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Brady Singer are prepared to take the steps ahead in leading the Royals to be playoff contenders over the next few years. But for right now they need to focus on finding their culture after being tainted by Mike Matheney.

23. Arizona Diamondbacks

Well, this team is for sure interesting, to say the least. They are talented and they have some young studs. If the royals want to be any team it’s the D-backs. The problem is, if the d backs were in the AL Central they’d probably be in contention for winning the pennant. But they aren’t, but with their tag team of Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. Their young talent could be a liability for their offense but if they click they could absolutely be a wild-card contender.

22. Miami Marlins

Marlins, you have the pitching just figure out the offense and you may find your way into the playoffs. The problem they face is the three-headed east giant. Like the D-backs, they have talent, they just aren’t as good as the 3 teams in their division. They have the last season’s CY Young winner and AL batting champion on their squad so don’t be surprised if this team has a shot to make some moves this season.

21. San Francisco Giants

Don’t be surprised when the Giants go on a weird streak this season. But the giants are kind of on that level of “hey, let’s hang on to the old guys for a little bit longer” the problem is those old guys aren’t going to do much. But they are prepared to make some way for the young guys coming down the road. The fans don’t want to talk about the offseason so let’s talk about what to expect next year in free agency, hopefully, you don’t end up dead last in the NL West.

20. Chicago Cubs

Don’t get me started on the toss-up this team could be. I mean Dansby Swanson is a massive pick-up for defense. They also did their job in the free agency. They have defense and they have pitching, I think. It’s tough to determine this team and where they will end up. But if there was a way to legitimately bet on the cubs winning 76.5 games I would do it because they ARE the team that will find a way to do it.

19. Baltimore Orioles

Listen to me right now. Adley Ruchtmen is only considered good because he’s on a bad baseball squad. And Gunner Henderson is not going to win the ROTY. Yes, I am salty because as a royals fan, this team is doing stuff the royals should’ve been doing, and the only thing I can do is be salty. But they have a shot to make a splash this year and be a playoff contender. They have their pitchers, their defense, and their young studs. You can dislike them all you want, but you darn well should respect them.

18. Boston Red Sox

Sorry Baltimore, but the Red Sox are on a revenge tour. They played so badly last July that it wasn’t even funny. But now they have some new studs and the pitching staff looks ready to go. Their defense needs help but maybe it could be their awful stadium. I won’t get into that story though, they’re good and they can definitely get to 85 wins.

17. Chicago White Sox

Don’t be fooled by the talent they have, yes this team is in the top 20. But I’d keep a weather eye on this squad absolutely tanking this year. They have the bench coach of a bad team in their arms and their pitching staff is going to be way overrated this year. Thankfully their offense and defense got some help and this is the only way they can be 3 rd in the AL central like they were every other year. Godspeed White sox but don’t get your hopes up on this season.

16. Texas Rangers

Jacob DeGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. Pitchers that are good coming to a team that has good hitting ball club. This team is for sure a dark horse. Oh don’t forget to mention Danny Duffy and Jake Odorizzi showed up to Arlington as well. Texas fans know they have a stud infield and are ready to show that they could make a splash in the loaded AL West. Hopefully, their new park can give them some more support. But their pitching is definitely underrated and can shut down your favorite team this year.

15. Milwaukee Brewers

Yes, I know. They have a three-headed monster of a starting lineup. But don’t come at me saying Jesse Winkler is going to save the Brewer’s career. And do not tell me that Christian Yelich is one of the best power hitters in the league. He. Is. Washed. The only reason you’re up here is that your pitching staff is giving no one grace. If you guys find a way to hit well you may have a shot to sniff the Cardinals in the NL Central.

14. Minnesota Twins

Ok, I’m sorry, I am being a mean head for sure but these are teams I have to put in this area because of the players they got. But man the twins knew they were getting Correa Back and a stud pitcher but I know for a fact they’ll still lose to the Guardians or Royals way too much this year to be considered a World Series contender. Oh I know they have good players but why mention them when I know they won’t make the playoffs this year? Yeah, they’ll be in second place in the AL Central but 82 games for a win isn’t impressive for the roster you have.

13. L.A. Angels

The fact that the Angels aren’t a top 10 team is almost blasphemous. But you know what, that’s how baseball works. Tyler Anderson and Gio Urshela are AMAZING pickups. But the Angels have no excuse this year for not making the playoffs. NONE AT ALL. YOU HAVE THE TWO BEST BASEBALL PLAYERS ON THE PLANET ON YOUR TEAM. But man if the Royals or White Sox take your place in the Playoffs. You may need the Walt Disney Company to buy you back again and make a part two of Angels in the Outfield. Hopefully, the Royals don’t steal the theme song and make it their home run song, again.

12. Seattle Mariners

Stop Seattle fans. Do not get mad. You don’t need to be the best team ever to make a World Series run. But you lost some guys and kept some guys and kept some guys. Your only problem is the division you’re in. The math shows you should make the playoffs as a Wild card team. But man, the angels are hungry. If you are coasting on your ROTY to carry the team, be prepared to sink to the 3 rd or 4 th best team in your division.

11. Cleveland Guardians.

I understand this team had a good run in 2022. But they lost their pitching coach. You’re the same team as last year without a big-time leader. Yes, you will probably win the AL Central but Rodriguez and Shane Bieber will not carry your team to the World Series. And Steven Kwan is not better than Bobby Witt Jr.

10. Tampa Bay Rays

To be honest, I don’t know what the Rays actually did this year in free agency. Their field looks the same and their pitching looks the same. They basically look like the same team as last year. Now maybe with this chemistry, they can make a run in the AL East. They have talent but they need other teams to shut down big time for them to make any type of Wild Card run.

9. St. Louis Cardinals

If I was a Cardinals fan I’d have some worrying to do. Yes, you have two studs in the lineup and some big-time prospects. But you need a manager. You have the tools and the talent. If you want to continue your dominance of a big-time team, you are going to have to make some adjustments midseason to keep up with the stacked National League.

8. Toronto Blue Jays

Shut up Blue Jay fans. And no I won’t talk about every player you added to your roster. To be completely honest I think you should win the AL East. I know the Yankees are good but Vladdy and Bo Bichette are a legendary duo. Your pitching lineup isn’t the best but it will 100% work for the East and all the awful Central teams you play. Congrats on making the playoffs this year. Don’t fumble against the Orioles at the end of the year to ruin your 1 overall seed drive.

7. New York Yankees

I get it, Aaron Judge is good, but don’t let every single injury you have take away the mountain you have to climb to beat out the Blue Jays in the AL East. The only reason you’re above the Jays is your experience and big-time talent. I mean I hope a team that has a rule about how much hair a man can have on his body should be a World Series contender every year. But you keep having a great regular season. That will for sure be the reason every look at you as the big dawgs in the AL this year.

6. New York Mets.

Do not hate me Mets fans. But your team will absolutely have to have an offensive show this season to be a top 3 team this season. I sadly just don’t see that happening. Alonso may slump a bit when it comes to the trends this year. You have the pitching for sure, but with Nimmo hurt you need some bench guys to step up. Don’t get me wrong your World Series hopes are there, you just need to step up and show every other top dawg team you mean business and are not afraid to take them down.

5. San Diego

Am I putting a team in a high position because of players? Yes of course, why wouldn’t I? If I was an above-average Luke-warm Baseball fan, the Padres should win it all. But good teams like this will always fall to teams like the Mets and Braves. Of course, your team may win more games than both teams but don’t be surprised if you get swept to an NL East team again with your mediocre defense and overrated pitching.

4. L.A. Dodgers

To be honest, losing Trea Turner is the only downside to this Dodgers team. Yes, you lost the best shortstop in the game but your team is still STACKED. Cody Bellinger is way overrated and only had a big name because he was on the Dodgers. Your pitching staff is still there, your defense and offense are still

there and your management is still there. You’ve lost players before and will probably pick up Shohei Ohtani next season. Yeah, a World Series is in contention but your team is still in good shape.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

This team was not a favorite to make a World Series run, let alone a playoff run. But now they have a better team and a better chance to win not only the division but the World Series, hopefully. They have good teams that are ready to stomp them down. Yes, players get hurt but having the best shortstop in baseball and Bryce harper coming back from his UCL surgery. Its It’s time to make a run this year and take advantage while you can.

2. Atlanta Braves

If any team is like the MLB version of the Chiefs it’s the freaking Braves. They have a lot of really good players and some players that are arguably the number 1 spot in their position. Yes, they picked up a good catcher but they locked down great players for a long time. Hopefully, if this team doesn’t have major slumps, this team could easily win the Series again in the next 4 years. They’re doing what every other team wants to do so badly. Build your players up through the farm system and pick up good players on bad teams.

1. Houston Astros

Honestly, these guys are going to most likely win again. They either do that or have a ton of injuries occur and fumble like the 2022-23 LA Rams. They have the best lineup in baseball when they get Altuve back and their lineup and bull pin are still World Series contenders. I don’t have much to say except the under their young studs and peaking vets. This team is way too good and I won’t be surprised if they win it all again.