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Another week is in the books in MLB and teams are shuffling like crazy. We’re already getting an idea of who the contenders and pretenders are. Based on play this week and overall play during the entire season to this point, this is how each of the league’s 30 teams stack up against one another.
30. Atlanta Braves (3-9)
Getty ImagesAtlanta may have swept the Marlins this past weekend, but they're still the worst team in the league. Based on how their roster is built, they're simply not going to be able to string together meaningful winning streaks. The best they can hope for is to find some gems in the rotation by year's end.
Previous ranking: 30
Atlanta may have swept the Marlins this past weekend, but they're still the worst team in the league. Based on how their roster is built, they're simply not going to be able to string together meaningful winning streaks. The best they can hope for is to find some gems in the rotation by year's end.
29. Minnesota Twins (3-9)
Brad Mills-USA Today SportsMinnesota has some talented young stars, but without a proper pitching staff, they're never going to compete in a tough AL Central. After overachieving last year, it looks like Minnesota might be pushing back their timetable for contention.
Previous ranking: 27
Minnesota has some talented young stars, but without a proper pitching staff, they're never going to compete in a tough AL Central. After overachieving last year, it looks like Minnesota might be pushing back their timetable for contention.
28. San Diego Padres (4-9)
Getty ImagesIt's already not looking good in San Diego, and it's going to get worse as the season goes on. That's because they're likely going to start shedding talent as the trade deadline approaches. It's safe to say the Padres' bold offseason strategy in the winter of 2014-15 set the franchise back several years.
Previous ranking: 28
It's already not looking good in San Diego, and it's going to get worse as the season goes on. That's because they're likely going to start shedding talent as the trade deadline approaches. It's safe to say the Padres' bold offseason strategy in the winter of 2014-15 set the franchise back several years.
27. Miami Marlins (3-7)
Getty ImagesThe team was hovering around .500, but then got swept by the winless Braves. It's not looking good in Miami despite the team's two biggest stars being healthy. That doesn't bode well in South Beach, especially if one of those stars misses time during the season.
Previous ranking: 25
The team was hovering around .500, but then got swept by the winless Braves. It's not looking good in Miami despite the team's two biggest stars being healthy. That doesn't bode well in South Beach, especially if one of those stars misses time during the season.
26. Philadelphia Phillies (6-7)
Jonathan Dyer-USA Today SportsPhiladelphia is in the middle of a rebuild, but they're further along in the process than many other rebuilding teams. Guys like Maikel Franco and Aaron Nola anchor this team, which has a relatively promising future. For now, they're not contenders, but they could be a 75-win team this year, which would be a big improvement.
Previous ranking: 29
Philadelphia is in the middle of a rebuild, but they're further along in the process than many other rebuilding teams. Guys like Maikel Franco and Aaron Nola anchor this team, which has a relatively promising future. For now, they're not contenders, but they could be a 75-win team this year, which would be a big improvement.
25. Oakland Athletics (5-7)
Getty ImagesAfter a relatively hot start to the season, the Athletics have fallen back down to earth. Without a deep lineup, this team isn't going to put up enough runs to compete with the others in the AL West. It's time for Billy Beane to play some Moneyball and get this team back in contention within a few years.
Previous ranking: 24
After a relatively hot start to the season, the Athletics have fallen back down to earth. Without a deep lineup, this team isn't going to put up enough runs to compete with the others in the AL West. It's time for Billy Beane to play some Moneyball and get this team back in contention within a few years.
24. Milwaukee Brewers (5-7)
Getty ImagesBased on a promising young rotation, this Brewers team could be a lot better than people expect this year, but they still play in the league's toughest division. Plus, one of those young promising pitchers is Taylor Jungmann, who has struggled this year.
Previous ranking: 23
Based on a promising young rotation, this Brewers team could be a lot better than people expect this year, but they still play in the league's toughest division. Plus, one of those young promising pitchers is Taylor Jungmann, who has struggled this year.
23. Arizona Diamondbacks (5-8)
Getty ImagesIt appears A.J. Pollock's fractured elbow could derail the D'Backs' once promising season. Of course, Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller aren't pitching like top-of-the-rotation pitchers either. Essentially, those two will have to be flawless to give the team a chance at a playoff berth.
Previous ranking: 26
It appears A.J. Pollock's fractured elbow could derail the D'Backs' once promising season. Of course, Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller aren't pitching like top-of-the-rotation pitchers either. Essentially, those two will have to be flawless to give the team a chance at a playoff berth.
22. Cincinnati Reds (6-6)
Getty ImagesAfter being the surprise team of the season's first week, the Reds have shown their true colors. Their lack of pitching depth will ultimately be their downfall, although a lack of high OBP guys (outside of Joey Votto) will also keep them from winning many games in 2016.
Previous ranking: 19
After being the surprise team of the season's first week, the Reds have shown their true colors. Their lack of pitching depth will ultimately be their downfall, although a lack of high OBP guys (outside of Joey Votto) will also keep them from winning many games in 2016.
21. Los Angeles Angels (5-7)
Getty ImagesThe Angels are hovering around .500, but a suspect rotation might force them under before it's all said and done. Mike Trout will continue to be electrifying, but even he can't save this team in a really tough division.
Previous ranking: 20
The Angels are hovering around .500, but a suspect rotation might force them under before it's all said and done. Mike Trout will continue to be electrifying, but even he can't save this team in a really tough division.
20. Cleveland Indians (5-5)
Getty ImagesWith a very good rotation, the Indians should be competitive this year, but they haven't put the pieces together yet. The lineup will get a boost with the return of Michael Brantley, but they will have to tread water until then.
Previous ranking: 18
With a very good rotation, the Indians should be competitive this year, but they haven't put the pieces together yet. The lineup will get a boost with the return of Michael Brantley, but they will have to tread water until then.
19. Colorado Rockies (7-5)
Getty ImagesIt seems like the Rockies overachieve at the beginning of every season, only to disappoint down the stretch. We shouldn't hold their past against them, but history does tend to repeat itself in baseball. Colorado should be encouraged by the play of Tyler Chatwood, though, because he could potentially be their ace in the future.
Previous ranking: 22
It seems like the Rockies overachieve at the beginning of every season, only to disappoint down the stretch. We shouldn't hold their past against them, but history does tend to repeat itself in baseball. Colorado should be encouraged by the play of Tyler Chatwood, though, because he could potentially be their ace in the future.
18. Tampa Bay Rays (5-7)
Kim Klement-USA Today SportsTampa Bay is a hard team to figure out. The rotation is solid, yet unproven and the lineup is void of most power. If this team can play small ball and execute well, they could be surprisingly good. However, the lack of power could be their downfall eventually.
Previous ranking: 21
Tampa Bay is a hard team to figure out. The rotation is solid, yet unproven and the lineup is void of most power. If this team can play small ball and execute well, they could be surprisingly good. However, the lack of power could be their downfall eventually.
17. New York Yankees (5-6)
Getty ImagesThrough the first two weeks of the season, the Yankees have more questions than answers. Which pitcher will step up in the rotation? Will the aging hitters on the squad be able to stay healthy? Until there are answers to those questions, we won't know just how good the Yankees are.
Previous ranking: 17
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Yankees have more questions than answers. Which pitcher will step up in the rotation? Will the aging hitters on the squad be able to stay healthy? Until there are answers to those questions, we won't know just how good the Yankees are.
16. Seattle Mariners (5-7)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today SportsSeattle hasn't quite put everything together so far this year, but they should still be considered contenders in a tough AL West. The rotation is stronger than a year ago, and Robinson Cano is primed for a monster year. We were optimistic about the Mariners all season last year and it never panned out. Don't plan on that being the case in 2016, though.
Previous ranking: 14
Seattle hasn't quite put everything together so far this year, but they should still be considered contenders in a tough AL West. The rotation is stronger than a year ago, and Robinson Cano is primed for a monster year. We were optimistic about the Mariners all season last year and it never panned out. Don't plan on that being the case in 2016, though.
15. Detroit Tigers (7-4)
Getty ImagesDetroit's lineup has been as good as advertised thus far and the rotation hasn't been all that bad either. The AL Central may be tough, but the Tigers have proven so far that they're ready for the challenge. With a middle of the lineup consisting of J.D. Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton and Victor Martinez, they should be.
Previous ranking: 15
Detroit's lineup has been as good as advertised thus far and the rotation hasn't been all that bad either. The AL Central may be tough, but the Tigers have proven so far that they're ready for the challenge. With a middle of the lineup consisting of J.D. Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton and Victor Martinez, they should be.
14. Toronto Blue Jays (6-7)
Getty ImagesToronto may just have the best lineup in baseball, but their rotation hasn't been up to the task so far. Marcus Stroman looks like the team's ace of the future, but this team desperately needs more depth. Without it, they might not be playing again this October.
Previous ranking: 7
Toronto may just have the best lineup in baseball, but their rotation hasn't been up to the task so far. Marcus Stroman looks like the team's ace of the future, but this team desperately needs more depth. Without it, they might not be playing again this October.
13. Chicago White Sox (8-4)
Getty ImagesUnlike last year, the White Sox seem ready to contend for a playoff spot. Adam Eaton has really improved his play and the addition of Todd Frazier has proven huge for the lineup. With one more starting pitcher, this White Sox team starts to look a little dangerous.
Previous ranking: 16
Unlike last year, the White Sox seem ready to contend for a playoff spot. Adam Eaton has really improved his play and the addition of Todd Frazier has proven huge for the lineup. With one more starting pitcher, this White Sox team starts to look a little dangerous.
12. Boston Red Sox (6-5)
Getty ImagesOn paper, the Red Sox are the most complete team in the American League. The lineup is among the best in baseball, the rotation is much improved with David Price, and the bullpen is solid with Craig Kimbrel on the back end. If starting pitchers behind Price step up, this team will be very good when it matters most.
Previous ranking: 12
On paper, the Red Sox are the most complete team in the American League. The lineup is among the best in baseball, the rotation is much improved with David Price, and the bullpen is solid with Craig Kimbrel on the back end. If starting pitchers behind Price step up, this team will be very good when it matters most.
11. Baltimore Orioles (8-3)
Getty ImagesTwo weeks in and the Orioles still look like one of the best teams in the American League. Whether or not that continues remains to be seen, but for now the starting rotation hasn't been a problem. Give some credit to Yovani Gallardo, who is the team's de facto ace. The lineup sure has been great too, though.
Previous ranking: 11
Two weeks in and the Orioles still look like one of the best teams in the American League. Whether or not that continues remains to be seen, but for now the starting rotation hasn't been a problem. Give some credit to Yovani Gallardo, who is the team's de facto ace. The lineup sure has been great too, though.
10. New York Mets (5-6)
Getty ImagesIt isn't known how long Jacob deGrom will be away from the team to help take care of his newborn son, who is facing complications, but it could really hurt the Mets if he's gone too long. With the Nationals looking great, New York should be scared at this point in the season.
Previous ranking: 9
It isn't known how long Jacob deGrom will be away from the team to help take care of his newborn son, who is facing complications, but it could really hurt the Mets if he's gone too long. With the Nationals looking great, New York should be scared at this point in the season.
9. Pittsburgh Pirates (7-6)
Getty ImagesPittsburgh has essentially been a .500 team this year, but they're much better than that. As the deep offense continues to gel, and once they get Jung Ho Kang back, they're going to push the Cardinals and Cubs in the division.
Previous ranking: 6
Pittsburgh has essentially been a .500 team this year, but they're much better than that. As the deep offense continues to gel, and once they get Jung Ho Kang back, they're going to push the Cardinals and Cubs in the division.
8. Houston Astros (5-8)
Getty ImagesHouston entered the season as the favorites in the American League, but they sure haven't looked like it thus far. There's no need to panic, though. This team is built to win now and the lineup and rotation will bounce back from a tough two weeks. A rough start has put them behind the eight ball with the Rangers, though.
Previous ranking: 4
Houston entered the season as the favorites in the American League, but they sure haven't looked like it thus far. There's no need to panic, though. This team is built to win now and the lineup and rotation will bounce back from a tough two weeks. A rough start has put them behind the eight ball with the Rangers, though.
7. Texas Rangers (7-6)
Getty ImagesTexas has looked good out of the gate, and young stars like Nomar Mazara are contributing already. The fact is that Yu Darvish is expected back within a few weeks and the Rangers already look like strong contenders in the AL West. They need to build a big division lead while the Astros are still struggling.
Previous ranking: 13
Texas has looked good out of the gate, and young stars like Nomar Mazara are contributing already. The fact is that Yu Darvish is expected back within a few weeks and the Rangers already look like strong contenders in the AL West. They need to build a big division lead while the Astros are still struggling.
6. St. Louis Cardinals (7-5)
Getty ImagesSt. Louis has to be encouraged by the play of Jaime Garcia, who has been phenomenal so far. However, he's extremely injury prone, so they need to hope he stays on the field for all of 2016. This team doesn't have the same depth it usually does, but guys like Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk have a ton of potential and could help lead the Cards back to the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 10
St. Louis has to be encouraged by the play of Jaime Garcia, who has been phenomenal so far. However, he's extremely injury prone, so they need to hope he stays on the field for all of 2016. This team doesn't have the same depth it usually does, but guys like Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk have a ton of potential and could help lead the Cards back to the playoffs.
5. Washington Nationals (9-2)
Tommy Gilligan-USA Today SportsBryce Harper has looked like a man among boys this season even though, relatively speaking, he is a boy among men in this league. The slugger is leading his team to the best record in baseball to this point and has them looking like a real contender. If he's this good all year long, he will be playing in October.
Previous ranking: 8
Bryce Harper has looked like a man among boys this season even though, relatively speaking, he is a boy among men in this league. The slugger is leading his team to the best record in baseball to this point and has them looking like a real contender. If he's this good all year long, he will be playing in October.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (8-5)
Getty ImagesThe Dodgers have gone toe to toe with the Giants this season, even though San Francisco is frankly the deeper team. That's impressive in itself, but even more impressive has been the play of Kenta Maeda. He could really be an x-factor for the Dodgers season, because he gives the team a great option after Clayton Kershaw.
Previous ranking: 5
The Dodgers have gone toe to toe with the Giants this season, even though San Francisco is frankly the deeper team. That's impressive in itself, but even more impressive has been the play of Kenta Maeda. He could really be an x-factor for the Dodgers season, because he gives the team a great option after Clayton Kershaw.
3. Kansas City Royals (8-3)
Getty ImagesKansas City is making it clear they're still the favorites in the American League for now. Between the rotation and lineup, they're among the deeper teams in the league. Not having an ace could hurt them by playoff time, but they've shown they can survive without great top-of-the-rotation pitching in the past.
Previous ranking: 3
Kansas City is making it clear they're still the favorites in the American League for now. Between the rotation and lineup, they're among the deeper teams in the league. Not having an ace could hurt them by playoff time, but they've shown they can survive without great top-of-the-rotation pitching in the past.
2. San Francisco Giants (7-6)
Getty ImagesDespite the fact the Giants are behind the Dodgers now, they're still the better team. The rotation is deeper, the lineup is deeper and the bullpen is comparable. San Francisco didn't look great this week, but they're still among the best teams in the National League.
Previous ranking: 2
Despite the fact the Giants are behind the Dodgers now, they're still the better team. The rotation is deeper, the lineup is deeper and the bullpen is comparable. San Francisco didn't look great this week, but they're still among the best teams in the National League.
1. Chicago Cubs (9-3)
Getty ImagesAnother week down, another solid week for the World Series favorites. Jake Arrieta has picked up where he left last season, going 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his first three starts of the year. If he keeps that up, with Chicago's lineup, they won't be stopped. Not even in October.
Previous ranking: 1
Another week down, another solid week for the World Series favorites. Jake Arrieta has picked up where he left last season, going 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his first three starts of the year. If he keeps that up, with Chicago's lineup, they won't be stopped. Not even in October.
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