Power Rankings: New Contender Emerges in the Top 5 as Playoff Races Intensify
1. Braves, 93-49
The Atlanta Braves secured their playoff berth with a 5-2 victory over the Pirates on Sunday. With a commanding 15-game lead in the NL East, they are well on their way to clinching the division title. Currently boasting 93 wins with 20 games remaining, they are on pace to potentially reach 106 wins, which would tie the franchise record set by the 1998 Braves. Their impressive 20-game home run streak came to an end on Sunday after producing 41 home runs during that span.
2. Orioles, 90-52
Despite ending a seven-game winning streak with a loss to the Red Sox on Sunday, the Orioles continue to impress. They have been on a remarkable run, averaging 8.5 runs per game during their winning streak, including three consecutive games with double-digit runs. The entire team is contributing, with players like Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays, and James McCann delivering outstanding performances.
3. Dodgers, 87-55
After winning 24 out of 28 games, the Dodgers have faced some challenges recently, losing six of their last nine. However, with a magic number of 7 to clinch the division, they can afford a minor slump at this stage. One area of concern is their starting pitching, as several rotation regulars are sidelined, leading to uncertainties heading into October. The Dodgers’ starting pitchers posted a 6.52 ERA over the nine games prior to Sunday’s matchup.
4. Rays, 88-56
The Tampa Bay Rays made a significant statement during their weekend series against the Mariners, taking three out of four games. If the season concluded now, they would face the Mariners in a best-of-three Wild Card series at Tropicana Field. The Rays have demonstrated their resilience with an MLB-best 12 comeback victories since August 10. Their nine walk-off wins in 2023 rank third in baseball, trailing only the Reds and Twins (10 each).
5. Astros, 82-62
Astros fans have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, from anxiety to pure joy. Their team faced a home sweep by the Yankees, followed by dominating performances against the Rangers on the road, a six-game home losing streak, and most recently, scoring 19 runs in two wins against the Padres at Minute Maid Park—all within a 10-day span. The Astros’ lineup is finally at full strength for the first time this season, resulting in 10 wins out of their last 14 games with an average of double-digit runs during that period. The biggest question mark remains their pitching staff, with fewer established arms compared to previous years, as they aim for another postseason run.