We enter Week 18 of MLB season with two-team races.
It seemed impossible for any American League team to catch the Yankees a month ago. New York, however, has lost its lead in AL after going only 13-20 since July 3. It is now tied with Houston
In the National League, the Dodgers are still rolling with just five losses since July 1, while the Mets showed that they’re the real deal, winning four of five against the division-rival Braves.
Which team will win?
Our experts have combined their knowledge to rank all teams in baseball. This is a combination from what we’ve seen thus far and what we knew going into the 162-game marathon that makes up a full season of baseball. We also reached out to ESPN MLB experts David Schoenfield and Bradford Doolittle as well as Joon Lee, Jesse Rogers, Joon Lee, and Alden Gonzalez for their opinions on the matter.
Week 17 | Second-half preview | Preseason rankings
Record: 77-33
Previous ranking: 1
L.A. is in a new gear that’s difficult to comprehend. It is riding a 10-game winning streak, which included a sweep of a Padres team that had just traded. Juan Soto, Josh Hader Others. Since the beginning of July, the Dodgers won 30 of 35 games. They have continued to dominate their pitching despite losing two of their top starters (Clayton Kershaw & ). Walker Buehler) and two of their best relievers (Blake Treinen Brusdar Graterol Mookie Betts, Trea Turner And Freddie Freeman Keep setting the tone at the top, but the most encouraging thing is that Max Muncy And Cody Bellinger It has been scorching heat this month. — Alden Gonzalez
Record: 73-39
Previous ranking: 4
Over the weekend, the Mets won four of five games against the Braves, including a sweep on Saturday. According to FanGraphs, they entered the series with 3.5 games advantage over Atlanta and ended up with 6.5. This increased their chances of winning the division by 73.6% to 91.9%. Jacob deGrom On Sunday, he made his second start for the season and retired 17 of the batters he faced. He also gave up a walk as well as a home run. The Braves missed 18 sliders along the way. This was the first pitch tracking era since 2008, when a team has missed so many pitches at once. — David Schoenfield
Record: 71-41
Previous ranking: 2
New York has been playing sub 500 baseball since July’s beginning. Its lead in the division is gradually shrinking, to just single-digit games since June 15. It is also starting to get more serious with the injuries. Matt Carpenter In the midst of a revival with the Yankees in 2022, his left foot fractured and he was put on the injured roster. The team is currently in a downward trend despite New York snapping a five game losing streak against the Mariners Monday. — Joon Lee
Record: 71-41
Previous ranking: 3
After a long chase, this week’s AL record was finally matched by the Astros. Houston has a more favorable schedule due to the quality of its opponents and the fact that it has more home games. The home advantage could prove crucial in an ALCS showdown between these two titans. This is not because either team is struggling on the road. Both have played well away. The Yankees went 41-15 in Bronx and support their record with the run differential at 117 runs, prorated for a 162-game year. This is the best home performance in major league baseball. It might not matter. It might not matter. The Astros erased this advantage in just two months. — Bradford Doolittle
Record: 66-46
Previous ranking: 6
The series against the Mets was clearly disappointing and revealed a few current problems with the club. Ian Anderson was called up to Triple-A after giving up 11 baserunners over 4 1/3 innings against the Mets. He’ll still be the 27th man to take the field in Saturday’s doubleheader with the Marlins. Anderson’s 14 previous starts have seen him post a 5.81 ERA. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna Continues to struggle. He went 0-for-5 Tuesday and hit.213/.264/.388 for the year. He has been moved to seventh or sixth in the lineup and is now hitting.214 with a.274 batting average over the past two seasons. This is unacceptable for a DH. Schoenfield
Record: 61-49
Previous ranking: 9
St. Louis jumped into first place this weekend and made a statement by beating the Yankees. But, it was quickly followed by a loss in Colorado on Tuesday. They aren’t the first to allow a crooked score at Coors Field. It shouldn’t have any impact on their ability to continue playing well. The Cardinals have been the best team within the NL Central for the entire season. They just didn’t display it until now. It’s their division that they must lose. — Jesse Rogers
Record: 60-50
Previous ranking: 7
The Blue Jays offense was hit hard. George Springer Elbow inflammation caused him to go on the IL. However, the team is now seeing a rise in first baseman. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is currently hitting.371/.429/.600 in 17 games after the All Star break. He also has 10 extra-base hits. Toronto still has issues in its rotation. Yusei Kikuchi And Jose Berrios So far, this season has been difficult. The team hopes Mitch White They can trade for someone else at the deadline to help them solve their problems with the pitching staff. — Lee
Record: 63-51
Previous ranking: 5
Trading for Soto and Hader gave the Padres a huge boost last week. Josh Bell And Brandon Drury They were then humbled. They defeated the Dodgers in a weekend series that took place in L.A., in which the Padres scored only four runs. San Diego has lost 17 games to the Dodgers in its last 19 matches against them, going 2-8 this season. It will see L.A. nine times more in September and there are good chances that the Padres will be an entirely different team. They should have their new stars settled in by now. Fernando Tatis JrThe Padres, who are navigating through a rehab assignment should be back. While the Padres will not catch the Dodgers, they are determined to challenge for the top wild-card spot. They would be able host the entire three-game first round. — Gonzalez
Record: 62-48
Previous ranking: 11
Wait… it’s the Phillies who are 41-19 from June 1st. Yes, it’s the Phillies. This is the third-best record over that time, behind the Braves (43-19) and Dodgers (417-17). Here are some more statistics: They rank among the top 10 in ERA and lowest allowed run, as well as slugging. They have out-homered their opponent by 92 runs to 58, and outscored them with 76 runs. Kyle Schwarber Has 23 home runs and 46 RBIs. Rhys Hoskins Has 16 and 34 J.T. Realmuto Contains 10 and 39 Alec Bohm It has surpassed.300 Zack Wheeler Has led the pitching team, going 8-2 and posting a 2.27 ERA. Aaron Nola is 6-4 with a 2.89 ERA. A good test is coming: Seven games against New York Mets in the next two weekends. — Schoenfield
Record: 58-52
Previous ranking: 12
Shane McClanahan He started the season in All Star fashion, but has allowed nine earned runs over the 10 2/3 innings that he has pitched. New arrivals David Peralta And Jose Siri They have also had slow starts. The Rays remain in the AL East second wild-card spot. However, the team will need continue to manage injuries. Wander Franco Still recovering from wrist surgery. — Lee
Record: 60-50
Previous ranking: 8
Was the Hader trade a success in Milwaukee? Although conventional thinking would indicate yes, there is no way to quantify it. However, the Brewers acknowledged that there may still be an adjustment period. While it’s unfair to be swept by Pittsburgh and lose a series in Cincinnati, there is no reason to feel sorry for the Brewers. However, a win against Tampa Bay Tuesday night helped put things right. Rowdy Tellez A solid, low-profile pick-up, as he hit his 22nd run on Friday, exceeding his Toronto career high of 2019. Rogers
Record: 61-52
Previous ranking: 10
Tuesday’s win against the Yankees will be remembered by the league as one the best games of the year. After 12 innings, scoreless Luis Castillo And Gerrit Cole They were locked up in a classic duel (Castillo lasted eight innings), which was the longest unearned game since 2019 (preghost runner rule). It also tied for the longest season game at 13 innings. The Yankees only had two plate appearances in the 11th or 12th innings due to baserunning mistakes by the Yankees. Luis Torrens The Mariners finally achieved the walk-off single. This makes them 7-2 in walk off games (best percentage of major leagues) and 7-4 extra-inning. Matt Brash As the Seattle bullpen couldn’t allow any hits over five innings, the Seattle pitchers pitched the final two innings. Schoenfield
Record: 57-53
Previous ranking: 13
Minnesota found out that their left fielder was not available soon after the Twins lost and/or decided to concentrate all of their deadline additions on the pitching staff. Alex Kirilloff He sustained a wrist injury and was forced to miss the entire season. Manager Rocco Baldelli is currently juggling Nick Gordon And Jake Cave In left field Kyle Garlick Should be able to return soon after sustaining a rib injury. Trevor Larnach After having surgery to correct a core injury, she is expected to return in September. Gilberto Celestino should also be considered. The Twins may not have the ability to give. Byron Buxton They can get as much rest as necessary, however. They have options. However, with their AL Central lead being loosened, it will be up to Baldelli and his team to pull the right strings. — Doolittle
Record: 58-52
Previous ranking: 17
Even after trading Trey Mancini Get closer Jorge LopezBaltimore is now in the wild-card race. It is 1.5 games behind the Mariners and five games ahead the Red Sox, who are currently in the final place in the division. The Baltimore Sun was informed recently by Mike Elias, GM of the team that they are ready to enter a decade-long winning streak. This marks a significant shift in the way the team is being discussed. — Lee
Record: 58-52
Previous ranking: 14
It’s hard to believe that the demotion of Franmil Reyes The minors would be a good place to start a turnaround for Reyes, in time to help the Guardians’ during their stretch run. Reyes was instead sent adrift by Cleveland via the DFA process and is now a Cubs player. Reyes’s back-slide at home plate this season makes it understandable that Reyes should be cut ties. Cleveland, on the other hand is in the race for a divisional title or wild card slot. They must put up runs to win one.
Cleveland seems to be going with in house options for now. This is what it does often with rookies. Oscar Gonzalez Since undergoing an abdominal injury, Reyes has been making regular plate appearances. Reyes’ departure is a clear example of how the Guardians have transformed from a team that valued contact and athleticism to one that values contact. — Doolittle
Record: 54-57
Previous ranking: 15
From an improbable 107 win season that defeated the Dodgers to a shaky 2022, the Giants are now heading towards a losing record. Their bullpen is one of the main reasons they have fallen. The relief corps in San Francisco was very deep and flexible last year. This year, however, it has been noticeably lacking reliable high-leverage arms. This is evident by Tuesday’s loss to the Padres. Giants relievers have the fifth highest ERA in major leagues this season, and the second most since July 1, behind only the Red Sox. Their young closer is not included. Camilo DovalIt’s difficult to decide who to trust with their pen right now. — Gonzalez
Record: 56-55
Previous ranking: 16
The White Sox are playing well for over a month and, while they haven’t quite caught fire yet, they have managed close to the top of the AL Central. Last week’s activation Luis Robert From the IL, Chicago’s scheduled everyday lineup was finally on the field. The South Side was looking brighter with a soft schedule. The news broke earlier this week that All-Star shortstop was in fact announced Tim Anderson He would be out of action for four to six weeks due to the injury. Chicago now must deal with another major injury in order to catch and pass the Twins, Guardians, and other players. Initial plans are to mix and match the infield. Josh Harrison At second base, paired up with some mix Leury Garcia For the rookie Lenyn Sosa. Sometimes, you may need some additional creativity. — Doolittle
Record: 54-58
Previous ranking: 18
Boston got out of the trade deadline quickly by winning two of the three games against the Astros. After that, the Royals won three of four. Chris Sale, who broke his wrist while riding a bicycle, is now out for the season. This knocks out a player the team was counting on going into the postseason. As all this happens, questions are being raised by the front office about the direction of the team and the vision for the future. Christian Vazquez To the Astros while acquiring Tommy Pham And Reese McGuire. — Lee
Record: 49-61
Previous ranking: 19
Texas has been a disappointment in baseball for more than four months, especially with its spending spree during winter. Rangers are a product of the AL’s evolution. Should To be in the wild card hunt, or at least close to.500. They can’t keep up with the best teams in the league. Their record is 23-41 against plus-.500 teams going into Wednesday’s games. Despite having had solid campaigns Martin Perez Jon Gray. For pitchers like Jon Gray, it has been a learning year. Dane Dunning And Glenn Otto. The former hurler did a good job against the White Sox, but Texas is missing a lot of these moments on the mound this season. Rogers
Record: 50-60
Previous ranking: 21
While the D-backs will not make it to the playoffs, they won’t lose 100 games. The D-backs’ biggest sign of encouragement has come from their rotation. Zac Gallen And Merrill Kelly They both have a 2.98 ERA combined in 250 2/3 innings. Kelly has allowed only nine runs, eight earned, in 48 1/3 innings since July’s start. Gallen has seven great innings against the Pirates. — Gonzalez
Record: 49-61
Previous ranking: 20
Do you remember the Opening Day outfield game? Jorge Soler, Jesus Sanchez and Avisail Garcia? It’s difficult to choose which one was the most disappointing. (answer: All three). This is a chance for Sanchez and Soler to be back on the Triple-A injured list. JJ Bleday And Peyton Burdick Regular playing time is important. Bleday, who was fourth overall in 2019, was a Triple-A slugger with three true outcomes (.229/.365/.470 and 99 K’s over 85 games). He’ll hopefully draw enough walks to be able to post an average OBP. Burdick, who was a third-round selection in 2019, shares a similar profile. He hit.224 in Double A in 2021 and also.229 Triple-A for 2022. Schoenfield
Record: 49-63
Previous ranking: 22
Mike Trout Is still trying to recover from a back injury. Shohei Ohtani Angels games can only be viewed by those who are truly interested. It’s an excellent reason. It was an excellent example of this in his Tuesday performance against A’s. To earn his 10th win, he pitched six scoreless innings and joined Babe Ruth as the only player to have 10 wins and 10 home runs during the same season. He also belted his 25th home run. Ohtani is also the only player to have hit at least 25 homers and struck out at minimum 150 batters in the same year. This feat has been achieved twice in succession. — Gonzalez
Record: 49-64
Previous ranking: 23
Flawed, as many might think the approach is — and many do — the Rockies clearly see contention next year. Evidenced by their remarkable inactivity prior to the trade deadline, the Rockies appear to be looking for a way to get there. If that is the case, they must find a way to get there. German Marquez right. Marquez will be earning $15 million next season and has a $16 million club option in 2024. He was supposed to the ace on their staff. However, he has a 5.18 ERA. His strikeout rate has fallen by almost five percent, making him one of the top-ranked qualified starting pitchers. He’s been performing better lately. — Gonzalez
Record: 45-65
Previous ranking: 24
Chicago is competing with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to be the No.1 draft pick. Manager David Ross will use the remainder of the season to evaluate players in various situations, sometimes at the cost of making the right moves in a game. Reyes will also be tested at the plate. The Cubs acquired him from Cleveland on waivers and will allow him to get back in the box. In his first game, Reyes contributed with a late-inning rally and drove in a run. Reyes has the potential to bring power back to the Cubs. Rogers
Record: 44-66
Previous ranking: 25
The Reds had a series win over the Brewers after the trade deadline, before losing one to the Mets. Youngster Graham Ashcraft They continue to impress with a one run performance in their win against Milwaukee. Cincinnati will provide plenty of playing opportunities for younger players throughout the season and is in the hunt to draft the No.1 pick next summer. When the Reds traded, the course for this season was established before they even took the field. Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez Several others immediately following the lockout. The trade deadline was over. These trades have allowed prospects to begin to make their way to majors next spring. Rogers
Record: 46-66
Previous ranking: 28
Recently, the Royals have had seven rookies in their lineups. This is more than you would expect from a team that is completing a string of non-contending seasons. It is a positive sign that the Royals are rebuilding their team with all of those young hitters who have proven themselves worthy to try out the majors. Perhaps the greatest developmental success of this season isn’t even a hitter, or even a rookie hitter, but a third-year righty Brady Singer. Singer was removed from the Royals’ spring training rotation, moved to the bullpen and then sent to minors to allow him to continue his rotation work. Singer has pitched like K.C. since Singer’s return to the Royals in May. Singer hoped to be. Singer was a starter in 2022 and is currently 5-4 with 3.31 points over 15 games. He also has a team record of 56.8. — Doolittle
Record: 45-66
Previous ranking: 26
The Pirates have been a bit scrappy this season. They continue to play spoiler and are making strides with their young players. It was a huge win for Milwaukee, especially considering that it happened right after the trade deadline. Although they did trade a few pieces, they didn’t destroy the team’s spirit and heart like they might have done one year earlier when they moved. Tyler AndersonRichard Rodriguez and all-star Adam Frazier, among other things. Pittsburgh is building around Ke’Bryan Hayes. Oneil Cruz. Could 2023 possibly be a year of.500 or more? It’s possible. Rogers
Record: 43-69
Previous ranking: 27
Miguel Cabrera Although his July 9th score was just above.300, it has been difficult to monitor him since then. His chronic knee problems and other issues have worsened. Recently, he suggested to reporters that he may not be returning for the final year of his contract in 2023. He quickly dismissed the comments and said he would honor his contract.
The Tigers are now faced with the dilemma of what to do for Miggy as he finishes his Hall of Fame career. Cabrera, who ranks third on the Tigers for plate appearances, has struggled to stay healthy. More load management seems to be a must. Cabrera could be used against lefties, where he’s hit more than.300 and slugged more that.400 since the beginning of 2019. A plan like this could help keep his percentages high and spread out his playing time so that his knee can be as strong as possible. — Doolittle
Record: 41-71
Previous ranking: 29
With Frankie Montas The Oakland roster is missing significant star power. Catcher Sean Murphy Leads the A’s in bWAR with a 3.3 and is slashing.245/.320/.430 while starting Cole Irvin With a 3.1 bWAR, 2.92 ERA, and 1.03 WHIP, he is at the top of the pitching staff. Seth Brown He has been hitting well ever since the All-Star Break and has hit seven homers. — Lee
Record: 37-76
Previous ranking: 30
Keibert RuizMixed reviews surround’s debut season in major leagues. The contact ability was excellent with a strikeout ratio that ranks among the top 10 among qualified batters. Because he has a low average of balls in play, his batting average is just.247. But that’s partly because he is in the bottom 10% for hard-hit rates. He hit a pair of homers on Tuesday and the Nationals would like to see more such hard contact in the future. It is still a work in process, with sub-standard pop times to second base and below-average framing metrics. Schoenfield