Do you recall when everyone was in a frenzy about the Phillies? A single hot week was all it took to flip the narrative. With four consecutive wins prior to their series finale loss against the Nationals on Sunday, the Phillies have clawed their way back to a seven-game lead in the division, boasting the best record in the National League and, most significantly, the top position in our Power Rankings. Truthfully, there probably wasn’t much cause for concern about the Phillies after all.
As always, these rankings are gathered from contributors at MLB.com, whose names you can find at the end of this (and every) article, but the commentary is my own. If you take issue with the rankings, feel free to direct your frustration towards all of us. However, if it’s the content you dislike, I welcome your feedback directly.
1. Phillies (previously: 2).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 8
Every remarkable season like the one the Phillies are experiencing requires its share of folk-hero moments, and they certainly had one on Thursday night when rookie Weston Wilson, at 29 years old, achieved the 10th cycle in Phillies history. With 2,865 at-bats in the Minors, Wilson referred to it as “a testament to perseverance.” We see it as one of those exceptional baseball narratives.
2. Yankees (previously: 3).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 7
Aaron Judge boasts a staggering 277 OPS+ in the second half of the season, a number so remarkable that it would represent the highest in the American League since World War II if it were sustained for an entire season. How do I know? Judge’s current full-season OPS+ stands at 222, making it the second highest in the AL since World War II. The record, 233, was set by Ted Williams in 1957, a player who certainly understood the timing of World War II.
3. Orioles (previously: 1).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 5
Gunnar Henderson hit another home run on Sunday, bringing his total to four home runs in his last five games; however, the real highlight of Sunday’s game was Albert Suárez, who pitched six more shutout innings, extending his scoreless streak to 17 2/3 innings. Who indicated that the Orioles had a problem with starting pitching?
4. Dodgers (previously: 4).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 6
Following an insider’s comments to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale expressing “private concerns” about Clayton Kershaw, he has allowed just two runs across 11 2/3 innings in two starts, both of which resulted in Dodgers victories. It’s truly heartening to witness Kershaw returning to form. The Dodgers are likely no longer worried, whether privately or publicly.
5. Guardians (previously: 6).
Season high: 2 | Season low: 21
The Guardians are giving everyone a whiplash effect. Since July 10, they’ve:
6. Brewers (previously: 6).
Season high: 5 | Season low: 19
The Brewers have reached 20 games over .500 for the first time this season. This team, just to remind you, has lost its manager, Craig Counsell, as well as its ace, Corbin Burnes, and it has suffered numerous injuries, most notably to Christian Yelich, who is now
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out for the year. And don’t forget about last year’s NL Central-winning team with 92 wins that had numerous standout players. This year’s team is clearly an upgrade.
