We are no longer guessing on teams without any evidence. We have one series under our belts in the 2023 MLB season with some surprises. The MLB power rankings for week one are based on what we have seen on the field so far, with expectations sprinkled on top.
1. New York Yankees –
The Yankees are dependent on offense and their Ace, Gerrit Cole. Cole did his job in game one and the offense put up 16 runs in their opening series against the Giants. Even with one loss the Yankees stick at the top of these power rankings.
2. New York Mets +2
The other New York team takes a jump in the rankings going 3-1 against the Marlins. Even without their newly acquired pitcher, the Mets have a +9 run differential scoring 17 runs.
3. Tampa Bay Rays +8
Some would argue the Rays should be higher at 3-0, but they did play the Tigers. The Rays’ pitching has been great so far allowing three runs through three games. The offense was also clicking, but again, they were playing the Tigers.
4.Texas Rangers +14
The Rangers were supposed to be improved but had a tough draw to open the season against the Phillies. The Rangers thrived to open the season 3-0. They scored 27 runs in the first two games and outlasted the Phillies 2-1 in game three. Jacob Degrom and the starters did not look great, but the bullpen was stellar.
5. Atlanta Braves +1
The Braves enter the year with a thin rotation. Atlanta dominated the Nationals in the first two games before dropping game three. Matt Olson already has two HRs and the offense looks ready to carry this team.
6. Minnesota Twins +8
The Twins got an easy draw facing the Royals in the opening series. They did what they were supposed to do going 3-0 including two shutouts. Even though it was against KC, the Twins deserve to rise up the power rankings.
7. Cleveland Guardians +3
The Guardians opened the season against the Mariners and won three of their four games. The reigning AL Central champs have an uphill battle this year but started on the right foot.
8. St. Louis Cardinals +1
After a rough game one, the Cardinals looked like the NL Centals champions beating the Blue Jays in games two and three. Health will be an issue for the Cards all season but should sit atop the division most of the season.
9. Los Angeles Angels +7
Question marks surround the Angels and their superstar athlete Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani pitched great in the opening loss. The angels will need more than Ohtani and Mike Trout to have success this season, and the opening series showed positive signs that they have some help.
10. Los Angeles Dodgers -2
The Dodgers split their series with the Diamondbacks, but have a +17 run differential. The Dodgers got 6+ innings out of each of their starters, and Freddie Freeman looks like we expected.
11. San Diego Padres -9
12. Milwaukee Brewers –
13. Boston Red Sox +6
14. Houston Astros -9
15. Chicago White Sox –
16. Philadelphia Phillies -13
17. Arizona Diamondbacks –
18. Cincinnati Reds +8
The Reds impressive starts has them rise in the MLB Power Rankings for Week One
19. Toronto Blue Jays -12
20. Seattle Mariners -7
21. Colorado Rockies +3
22. Baltimore Orioles -2
23. Miami Marlins -1
24. Chicago Cubs -1
25. San Francisco Giants -4
26. Washington Nationals +3
27. Pittsburgh Pirates –
28. Oakland Athletics +2
29. Kansas City Royals -4
30. Detroit Tigers -2
Vince hosts the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show every Sunday on YouTube and Podcast platforms. Follow him on Twitter for more opinions and news.
