First Pitch Strike provides you with their first power rankings as MLB nears its second week of play in the 2021 season.
We are almost two full weeks into the 2021 MLB season. We’ve seen 2 no-hitters already with a close call for a third. From mammoth home runs to Gold Glove-worthy plays the season thus far has not disappointed. Now, here’s our first edition of our MLB Power Rankings.
TOP 5
Los Angeles Dodgers – The reigning world champs have not slowed down. A hiccup in the season opener didn’t have an impact on their morale. As a matter of fact, they seem more focused.
Boston Red Sox – What happens when you start your season at 0-3? You put together the longest win streak of the season by winning 8 in a row. They’re also the only team in the AL East above .500.
New York Mets – Despite leading the league in postponed games and rain delays, the Mets sit atop the NL East. Leadoff hitter Brandon Nimmo is leading the NL with a .464BA and Jacob DeGrom keeps striking people out; if only he could get some run support.
San Francisco Giants – Surprising to see the Giants starting off so hot. More surprising is the play of Donovan Solano and the reemergence of Evan Longoria. Still more surprising is the veteran’s Johnny Cueto and Wandy Peralta account for half of their wins (4).
Los Angeles Angels – Shohei Ohtani may not be leading the league in anything, but he hits the ball really far…and hard. Seeing him pitch more is hitting a bump on the finger in the form of a blister. Mike Trout is just out there doing Mike Trout things. Will this be the season we get to see it all come together for the Halos and return to the playoffs?
MIDDLE 5
San Diego Padres – Yes, they should be ranked higher than here. Yes, their roster is well-rounded. Yes, Joe Musgrove threw the first no-hitter in the history of this organization. No, they won’t be ranked this high if Fernando Tatis Jr.is out for an extended amount of time.
Kansas City Royal – Whit Merrifield and Salvador Perez just keep hitting the ball. Danny Duffy and Jakob Junis are throwing a lot of strikes. Playing 7 of 11 games at home has helped the hot start.
Milwaukee Brewers – Corbin Burnes has 30K’s in 18 innings over 3 games. He only has 1 win though – something that needs to improve if the Brewers are to move up on this list.
Chicago White Sox – Despite Carlos Rodon throwing a no-hitter and Lucas Giolito carving up opposing lineups, the White Sox can’t seem to get out of their own way. Errors in the field are holding them back.
Cincinnati Reds – Raise your hand if you had Wade Miley giving up no runs in his 2 starts that produced 2 wins and 11K. When Nick Castellanos isn’t flexing his muscle over the opposing catcher he is flexing his muscles at the plate.
FINAL 5
Cleveland Indians – Despite the appearance of their rebuilding, Cleveland finds itself winning. Baseball is alive and well in Ohio.
Toronto Blue Jays – They are taking the theory of letting kids play seriously. Vladimir Guerror Jr and Bo Bichette are the two kids leading the way as both are hitting over .300.
Detroit Tigers – Wilson Ramos and Akil Baddoo have a combined 10HR – half of their total hits. Matthew Boyd is providing solid veteran leadership on the mound.
Philadelphia Phillies – Connor Brogdon and Jose Alvarado have to lead the Phillies to 5 of 6 wins. J.T. Realmuto is leading the charge at the plate and Bryce Harper is flashing his glove in the field.
St. Louis Cardinals – Yadier Molina is a timeless machine and is leading the Cardinals at the plate; congrats on 2000 games behind the dish.
As we head into week 3 we expect some changes in this list. The long season will throw us plenty of curveballs. However, we’re certain that the first edition of our MLB Power Rankings will conjure hope for fans of teams on this list.
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