As we move towards the middle of June, the MLB power rankings and world series futures have shifted quite a bit. The Chicago Cubs are no longer the favorite while the New York Yankees and Houston Astros have ascended up the ladder. They’re the only two teams with a run differential of 102 runs or more. Let’s take a look at the updated MLB power rankings. All stats and standings are prior to the games on Friday, June 16th.
1. Houston Astros
Last Week: 1
World Series Championship Odds: +400
The Astros still have an 11-game lead in the American League West despite losing two of three at home to both the Los Angeles Angels and Texas, with Boston coming to town and then they head to Oakland. As an offense, the Astros hit .277 with 10 home runs (by nine different players) and 37 RBIs. However, the pitching staff put up an ERA of 5.20 and gave up eight home runs. Houston needs Dallas Kuechel back from the disabled list.
2. Chicago Cubs
Last Week: 2
World Series Championship Odds: +600
The Cubs trail Milwaukee in the National League East by two games after losing three of four to Colorado at home, and then two of three in New York to the Mets before heading to Pittsburgh and then back home to host San Diego. The Cubs hit .233 over the week and failed to hit a single home run, driving in just 16 runs. The staff had an ERA of 5.91, although Jon Lester tried to do his part, splitting his two starts with an ERA of 3.75.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Week: 4
World Series Championship Odds: +650
The Dodgers pulled even with Colorado in the National League West after sweeping Cincinnati at home, then they won the first two of three in Cleveland going into Thursday, and then they head to Cincinnati before going back home to host the Mets. Coldy Bellinger had a huge week, hitting .316 with five homers and eight RBIs, while closer Kenley Jensen was lights out with a win and three saves in four appearances.
4. Washington Nationals
Last Week: 3
World Series Championship Odds: +800
The Nationals lead the National League East by 8.5 games even though they got swept by Texas at home, and then lost two of three at home to Atlanta before going to New York to face the Mets, and then to Miami. Ryan Zimmerman returned from injury to hit .455 with two homers and three RBIs in three games, but the pitching staff struggled with an ERA of 5.18, particularly the bullpen.
5. New York Yankees
Last Week: 7
World Series Championship Odds: +800
The Yankees lead the American League East by two games after sweeping Baltimore at home, although they then lost two of three away to the Angels, then they head to Oakland and return home to host the Angels. Led by Aaron Judge (.448, four homers, eight RBIs) and Gary Sanchez (.440, five homers, 15 RBIs), the Yankees hit .339 with 20 homers and 67 RBIs. The pitching staff was also fantastic with an ERA of 2.23 over the week, but C.C. Sabathia might miss 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury.
6. Colorado Rockies
Last Week: 8
World Series Championship Odds: +1000
The Rockies are tied with the Dodgers at the top of the NL West after winning three of four on the road against the Cubs, then they lost two of three in Pittsburgh. The Rockies hit .266 over the week and drove in 38 runs despite hitting just six home runs, but the pitching staff was very solid with an ERA of 3.13. Tyler Chatwood had his fourth great start in five games, although he took a no-decision in a 5-2 loss in Pittsburgh. He just needs to be more consistent as Chatwood has four starts with five earned runs or more.
7. Boston Red Sox
Last Week: 5
World Series Championship Odds: +1000
The Red Sox trail the Yankees by two games in the AL East after wining two of three at home over Detroit, and then they won two at home against Philadelphia, where they then won the first of a two-game away set. Boston will head to Houston and Kansas City this week, and they’ll hope that their big hitters continue to heat up as Mitch Moreland and Mookie Betts both hit over .400 and combined for four homers and 10 RBIs. The staff had an ERA of 4.68, but Matt Barnes was great in four appearances with two wins and two holds, no earned runs, 11 strikeouts and a walk in 5.0 innings of work.
8. Cleveland Indians
Last Week: 6
World Series Championship Odds: +1000
The Indians trail Minnesota by two games in the AL Central after winning two of three at home over the White Sox, but then they lost the first two of their home set with the Dodgers before they travel to Minnesota and then Baltimore. Edwin Encarnacion hit .412 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs over the week, while the staff had an ERA of 4.75 and Andrew Miller had his worst week in a long time. The middle-relief beast had two losses in four appearances, allowing five runs in 6.0 innings after not allowing a run for 11 outings.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
Last Week: 9
World Series Championship Odds: +2000
The Diamondbacks are a half-game behind the Dodgers and Rockies in the wild NL West after winning two of three at home against Milwaukee, and then they swept a two-game set in Detroit before going to Philadelphia and Colorado. Paul Goldschmidt led a big week for Arizona’s offense by hitting .500 with two homers and eight RBIs, but it was the staff that powered the Diamondbacks with an ERA of 2.57. Robbie Ray and Zack Greinke both allowed no runs in their starts, although Greinke took a no-decision in a 7-6 win in Detroit.
10. Toronto Blue Jays
Last Week: —
World Series Championship Odds: +3000
The Blue Jays are last in the AL East, but only out of first by seven games after winning two of three in Seattle and splitting two home games with Tampa Bay before hosting the White Sox and heading to Texas. Kendry Morales hit .263 with two homers and seven RBIs over the week, and closer Roberto Osuna had another great week, going 3-for-3 in save opportunities.
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