Power Rankings (Feb. 28 Update)
Feb 28, 2024 18:24:11 GMT -5
Orioles GM (Michael), Royals GM (Bill), and 3 more like this
Post by Ken Rosenthal on Feb 28, 2024 18:24:11 GMT -5
Tier 1: The Favorite (8,000+ projected points)
Baltimore Orioles
Somehow the Orioles got better in the last three weeks. Pete Alonso and a reinforced rotation solidify them on top.
Tier 2: The Contenders (6,750+ projected points)
Washington Nationals
Seattle Mariners
Chicago White Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Biggest mover in this tier is the Chicago White Sox. They added Christian Walker to shore up the first base position... but they also sent out ace Aaron Nola to their cross-town rival. Washington is a clear step ahead of the other three... though still pretty far behind the Orioles in projections.
Tier 3: Probably Playoff Bound (6,000+ projected points)
Colorado Rockies
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis Cardinals
Detroit Tigers
Arizona Diamondbacks
Historically, 6,000+ has been enough to get you into the post-season. Don't fact check me, Will. These teams are in that tier. These seven teams + the five above would equal the twelve playoff spots open. We all know it won't pan out quite like this though. Houston was a big mover in this tier. The Astros added Mountcastle, Teoscar, Davis, and Darvish to boost their lineup and add another starter. Cincinnati also pushed chips in, adding Nolan Arenado, Taylor Ward, and Kyle Freeland to fill their lineup. The Cubs got busy by adding Aaron Nola to the rotation. St. Louis brought in elite closer Kyle Gibson. The D'backs grabbed Jose Abreu. The Rockies added a pair of relievers. If you're counting... this is six NL teams and six AL teams too. So it checks out.
Tier 4: On the Bubble (5,000+ projected points)
Milwaukee Brewers
San Francisco Giants
New York Mets
Miami Marlins
Los Angeles Angels
Cleveland Guardians
Los Angeles Dodgers
There's a gap in this tier between Milwaukee, both Los Angeles teams, and New York... and San Francisco, Cleveland, and Miami. I'd lean towards the first four having a shot at the playoffs. The problem? Three of them are in the National League, but none of those teams are in the position to sell. Do we get a surprise NL seller from the 6,000 point tier? The Angels will have a tough time making it a seven team race in the American League with still no second or third baseman. The Mets appear to be adding... and the Giants selling, as evidence by the Snell/Harrison swap and the subsequent Hoerner trade. The Marlins also appear to be selling with the Walker trade. Cleveland has been retooling for months now. This tier could thin out by May... which could make room for...
Tier 5: No Man's Land (3,900+ projected points)
Oakland Athletics
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
Texas Rangers
...A team from this tier. I would guess the Athletics based on talent. They're barely in this tier and could conceivably surpass the Angels. Los Angeles has certainly never finished in last place in their division. This COULD be the year... if Ahmed gets aggressive with the roster in Texas. Texas and Oakland aren't miles away. But Oakland is the team to pick from this tier for one to jump into the playoff race. Philly is interesting, but probably a year or two away from getting a second look as a playoff team. Atlanta is here, yet again. Not sure where they're headed.
Tier 6: See You In 2025 (2,700+ projected points)
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees
San Diego Padres
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Boston Red Sox
These are your clear sellers. San Diego, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh have been active early trying to acquire 2025 draft picks and prospects. Tampa, New York, Kansas City, and Boston haven't been as intentional about selling early. Whatever the timeline for selling win-now pieces, these teams are on that timeline. See you next year!
Baltimore Orioles
Somehow the Orioles got better in the last three weeks. Pete Alonso and a reinforced rotation solidify them on top.
Tier 2: The Contenders (6,750+ projected points)
Washington Nationals
Seattle Mariners
Chicago White Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Biggest mover in this tier is the Chicago White Sox. They added Christian Walker to shore up the first base position... but they also sent out ace Aaron Nola to their cross-town rival. Washington is a clear step ahead of the other three... though still pretty far behind the Orioles in projections.
Tier 3: Probably Playoff Bound (6,000+ projected points)
Colorado Rockies
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis Cardinals
Detroit Tigers
Arizona Diamondbacks
Historically, 6,000+ has been enough to get you into the post-season. Don't fact check me, Will. These teams are in that tier. These seven teams + the five above would equal the twelve playoff spots open. We all know it won't pan out quite like this though. Houston was a big mover in this tier. The Astros added Mountcastle, Teoscar, Davis, and Darvish to boost their lineup and add another starter. Cincinnati also pushed chips in, adding Nolan Arenado, Taylor Ward, and Kyle Freeland to fill their lineup. The Cubs got busy by adding Aaron Nola to the rotation. St. Louis brought in elite closer Kyle Gibson. The D'backs grabbed Jose Abreu. The Rockies added a pair of relievers. If you're counting... this is six NL teams and six AL teams too. So it checks out.
Tier 4: On the Bubble (5,000+ projected points)
Milwaukee Brewers
San Francisco Giants
New York Mets
Miami Marlins
Los Angeles Angels
Cleveland Guardians
Los Angeles Dodgers
There's a gap in this tier between Milwaukee, both Los Angeles teams, and New York... and San Francisco, Cleveland, and Miami. I'd lean towards the first four having a shot at the playoffs. The problem? Three of them are in the National League, but none of those teams are in the position to sell. Do we get a surprise NL seller from the 6,000 point tier? The Angels will have a tough time making it a seven team race in the American League with still no second or third baseman. The Mets appear to be adding... and the Giants selling, as evidence by the Snell/Harrison swap and the subsequent Hoerner trade. The Marlins also appear to be selling with the Walker trade. Cleveland has been retooling for months now. This tier could thin out by May... which could make room for...
Tier 5: No Man's Land (3,900+ projected points)
Oakland Athletics
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
Texas Rangers
...A team from this tier. I would guess the Athletics based on talent. They're barely in this tier and could conceivably surpass the Angels. Los Angeles has certainly never finished in last place in their division. This COULD be the year... if Ahmed gets aggressive with the roster in Texas. Texas and Oakland aren't miles away. But Oakland is the team to pick from this tier for one to jump into the playoff race. Philly is interesting, but probably a year or two away from getting a second look as a playoff team. Atlanta is here, yet again. Not sure where they're headed.
Tier 6: See You In 2025 (2,700+ projected points)
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees
San Diego Padres
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Boston Red Sox
These are your clear sellers. San Diego, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh have been active early trying to acquire 2025 draft picks and prospects. Tampa, New York, Kansas City, and Boston haven't been as intentional about selling early. Whatever the timeline for selling win-now pieces, these teams are on that timeline. See you next year!