2018 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Major League Baseball’s spring training in less than two weeks, yet the vast majority of free agents still remain unsigned. Clubs have spent tremendously less during the 2017-18 MLB offseason, and only three of the widely-considered top 10 free agents have signed with a club. With superstars like Jake Arrieta, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Moustakas currently jobless, these power rankings can shift accordingly when these superstars find a team.

During this year’s historically slow free agency, clubs have spent a total of $880 million on free agents, much less in comparison to the $1.5 billion spent at this time last year. Many franchises are beginning to realizing the importance and value of farm systems as they stray away from expensive and lengthy commitments to aging players. The Dodgers and the Yankees, notorious for their lavish spending each year, have spent a total of $12 million on this year’s free agents.

Baseball experts and professionals continue to examine the peculiar course of this offseason, which has had major names change teams through blockbuster trades rather than free agency. This blend of significant trades and the historically slow free agency of the 2017-18 offseason has led to a intriguing outlook for many teams, completely altering baseball’s hierarchy.

American League

1. Houston Astros

The reigning World Series champions are undoubtedly the favorites to win it all this year. They kept their rotation intact while adding former Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. The top of their rotation now includes Justin Verlander (two-time Cy Young award winner), Dallas Keuchel (2015 Cy Young award winner), and Cole. Paired with the most potent offense in baseball led by 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve, the Astros look to make it back to the World Series.

2. New York Yankees

The Yankees now boast the best outfield in baseball, made up of 2017 National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton and American League Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge. The two behemoth sluggers hit a combined 111 home runs last season. With top prospects Gleyber Torres and Justus Sheffield slated to make their debuts at some point during the season, the Yankees look to earn back their “Evil Empire” nickname.

3. Los Angeles Angels

The acquisition of Japan’s “Babe Ruth,” Shohei Ohtani and the critical additions of Ian Kinsler, Zack Cozart, and Justin Upton give the Angels a whole new look that will hopefully help superstar Mike Trout make it to the postseason. Their pitching is key, as the team needs to get healthy seasons from Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker, and the rest of their starting rotation to have a legitimate case to become the best team in the league. Adding a relief pitcher or two during the deadline could further shore up any weaknesses the Angels have, since they lack a proven closer.

4. Cleveland Indians

The Indians finished on top in the American League Central division in a season that included a 22-game winning streak, the longest in the last century. Having super relievers like Andrew Miller and Cody Allen relieve pressure from the starting rotation, which already includes elite pitchers Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and up-and-comer Mike Clevinger, gives the Indians a strong pitching staff. Good pitching is valuable in the modern era of baseball, and Cleveland has all the pitching any team could ask for. Kluber, Carrasco, and Clevinger had earned run averages (ERAs) of 2.25, 3.29, and 3.11 respectively, creating a dynamic trio.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

Nothing worked for the Jays last season, from slugger Jose Bautista never finding his stroke to the significant number of sidelinings of Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson because of injuries. Getting healthy seasons from Tulowitzki and Donaldson is the key to Toronto’s success. If Tulowitzki stays healthy, his projection to hit 25 home runs complements Donaldson’s projection of upwards of 35 home runs nicely. Their rotation is loaded with sleepers, including Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman. My prediction is that the Blue Jays will go all out during this year’s trade deadline due to Donaldson’s contract expiring this season and the continued decline of Tulowitzki. This is possibly Toronto’s last chance to make a legitimate run at the Championship, and they’re going to capitalize.

National League

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are young, sensational, and have enormous upside. Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger continued to impress with their explosive bats as they combined to hit 61 home runs last season in the heart of the Dodgers lineup. Not only have the Dodgers successfully made the transition to get younger, they have been able to retain valuable veterans like Justin Turner and Matt Kemp to round out their team and provide veteran leadership. Kershaw is expected to opt out of his contract this year, creating a sense of urgency for the Dodgers to win. After making it last year, it would be no surprise to see this team win the World Series this year.

2. Washington Nationals

The Nationals arguably have the best rotation in baseball with Cleveland being their only competition. The trio of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez is almost unfair for hitters. Adam Eaton will also look to bring his speed to complement that of Trea Turner and Bryce Harper after missing most of last season due to injury. This potent Nationals roster is bound to wreak havoc. As Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy enter their last seasons of their contracts with the Nationals, the club is expected to do whatever it takes to win it all this year, especially since Bryce Harper is a major flight risk and due for a massive contract.

3. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs don’t have the financial power to retain all their young studs. With the short amount of time remaining before major, young players such as Kris Bryant and Wilson Contreras demand lucrative contracts that the Cubs may or may not be able to pay. They must continue to develop and go far in the postseason. Luckily, they still boast the same core that finally erased the club’s 71-year old championship drought. With their newest addition, starting pitcher Yu Darvish, the Cubs look to form a dynamic pitching duo alongside Jon Lester to guide them to their second World Series in three years. Furthermore, nobody should forget about the ability their potent offense possesses, with Bryant, Contreras, and Anthony Rizzo looking to annihilate baseballs.

4. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have long had one of the most productive offenses in baseball. Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon have consistently been RBI-producing machines, but the Rockies have never been able to take advantage and make it to the playoffs. Their pitching has always been an issue, but the Rockies have reinforced the back end of their bullpen with Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw this year.

5. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have been more active than usual this offseason with a trade obtaining Christian Yelich and the signing of Lorenzo Cain. These two bats will play well with sluggers Travis Shaw and Eric Thames, and the team has the potential to become a home run hitting lineup. They are still young and missing a few pieces if they wish to be true championship contenders.