For the second straight month, we have a new No. 1 in our rankings. The National League Wild Card race is wide open, with a number of teams getting hot at the right time. As you’ll notice reading along with the analysis, two-thirds of MLB teams still fancy themselves as contenders for now. That’s fun for the sport.
Editor’s Note: Odds and statistics used are from the morning of Saturday, August 3.
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AUGUST MLB TEAM POWER RANKINGS
Last month: No. 2
Odds to win the World Series: +1100
Say hello to our new No.1 team. You can certainly poke holes in the depth of the Guardians’ offense, so president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti got to work and picked up outfielder Lane Thomas from the Nationals for a trio of prospects. Thomas has been more selective at the plate this year — which certainly plays into the Guardians’ model — and also brings value with his baserunning and his throwing arm. One bonus is that Thomas is also under team control for next year. The Guardians also took a flier on veteran right-hander Alex Cobb as part of a trade with the Giants. Cobb has been out all season rehabbing from hip surgery and a shoulder issue, but the Guardians apparently feel confident he can be a factor for the stretch run.
Last month: No. 1
Odds to win the World Series: +490
The Phillies drop out of the top spot after dropping seven out of their last eight games, including a sweep at the hands of the Yankees in Philadelphia this week. Dave Dombrowski was proactive at the trade deadline, adding Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks to the bullpen and Austin Hays to their outfield mix. Estévez was the closer for the Angels, and should continue to see plenty of work in the ninth inning in his new digs. While Hays has struggled this season, the plan calls for him to be the primary left fielder for now. Hays, a right-handed hitter, is in a much better position to succeed in Philadelphia.
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Last month: No. 3
Odds to…