{"id":666837,"date":"2026-05-12T21:48:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T21:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/666837\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T21:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T21:48:19","slug":"mlb-power-rankings-braves-leap-ahead-of-dodgers-as-phillies-surge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/666837\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB power rankings: Braves leap ahead of Dodgers as Phillies surge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As we approach the quarter-mark of the regular season, there remains a stark divide in quality between the American and National League, with the AL featuring only four teams above .500 and the NL accounting for eight of the 10 best records in the majors. For the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/article\/mlb-power-rankings-dodgers-reign-at-no-1-followed-by-braves-yankees-padres-and-cubs-195045806.html\" data-i13n=\"cpos:1;pos:1\" data-ylk=\"slk:previous edition of our power rankings;cpos:1;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;previous edition of our power rankings&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" target=\"_blank\">previous edition of our power rankings<\/a>, we took a look at the clearest strengths for each team, from the standout traits of the clubs at the top of the sport to the rare bright spots on the scuffling teams at the bottom. This week\u2019s power rankings explore the opposite, reviewing every team\u2019s weaknesses, whether they are outlier shortcomings on a stacked roster or the biggest blemish on a team full of them.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n<p>Jump to a team by clicking on the links below:<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Third base. Left field \u2014 handled mostly by free-agent signing <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10119\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Mike Yastrzemski;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Mike Yastrzemski&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Yastrzemski<\/a>, still looking for his first Braves home run after 125 plate appearances \u2014 has been a problem. But the lackluster performance of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10420\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Austin Riley;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Austin Riley&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Austin Riley<\/a> \u2014 owed $22 million annually through 2032 \u2014 has been far more troubling, and stands out as the most glaring disappointment amid a season when so much else is going right for Atlanta. Riley was the model of consistency for three years after his initial breakout in 2021 before spending the past few seasons declining across the board. Plate discipline and defense have never been Riley\u2019s strong suit, but he always slugged more than enough to make him a well-above average player anyway. That power production hasn\u2019t been there lately, and it has sunk to a new low (.355 SLG%) in 2026, sliding him down the lineup while the other Braves stars do the heavy lifting. Let\u2019s see if he can get back on track.<\/p>\n<p>2. Los Angeles Dodgers (24-17)<\/p>\n<p>Age in the lineup. Weighted by playing time, the Dodgers have the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/leagues\/majors\/2026.shtml\" data-i13n=\"cpos:32;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:oldest position player group;cpos:32;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;32&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;oldest position player group&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">oldest position player group<\/a> in baseball, an ominous reality that will continue to loom over the organization as its core group of superstars in the lineup try to maintain its championship window as long as possible. Some of these older players, like 35-year-old <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9606\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Max Muncy;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Max Muncy&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Max Muncy<\/a>, are thriving, but we\u2019ve yet to see the best from the likes of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/8658\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Freddie Freeman;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Freddie Freeman&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Freddie Freeman<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10642\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Will Smith;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Will Smith&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Smith<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9552\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Mookie Betts;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Mookie Betts&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mookie Betts<\/a>, nor <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10835\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Shohei Ohtani;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Shohei Ohtani&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shohei Ohtani<\/a> at the plate, while <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10366\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a> has been flat-out struggling. Fortunately, the few mid-20\u2019s contributors, like <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12148\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Andy Pages;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Andy Pages&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andy Pages<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/60232\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dalton Rushing;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Dalton Rushing&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dalton Rushing<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/64858\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Hyeseong Kim;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Hyeseong Kim&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hyeseong Kim<\/a>, have played well. The older veterans are going to have to start performing like the stars they are if the Dodgers want to get to where they want to go.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>3. Chicago Cubs (27-14)<\/p>\n<p>Pitching depth. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/article\/the-ws-keep-flying-how-cubs-have-suddenly-surged-to-the-top-of-the-baseball-world-233528987.html\" data-i13n=\"cpos:33;pos:1\" data-ylk=\"slk:Immaculate vibes at Wrigley Field;cpos:33;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Immaculate vibes at Wrigley Field&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" target=\"_blank\">Immaculate vibes at Wrigley Field<\/a> and a boatload of runs have covered up for a lot in recent weeks, but the Cubs\u2019 pitching staff is about to seriously be tested in the coming weeks with how many key arms remain on the injured list, either temporarily or for the long run. Credit to those who have filled in recently for <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/60118\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cade Horton;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Cade Horton&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cade Horton<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10011\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Matthew Boyd;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Matthew Boyd&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Boyd<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11202\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Justin Steele;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Justin Steele&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Steele<\/a>, and a slew of hurt relievers. But the Cubs don\u2019t have a ton of quality depth to turn to at this stage, putting immense pressure on the few key healthy arms to perform in order to keep pace in the ultra-competitive NL Central.<\/p>\n<p>4. New York Yankees (26-16)<\/p>\n<p>The bullpen. Yes, the Yankees have the second-lowest bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.28. But New York\u2019s relievers have been asked to cover only 140 innings \u2014 the fifth-lowest mark in MLB \u2014 because of how good the starting pitching has been. From a personnel standpoint, the Yankees\u2019 bullpen projects as far shakier than any other part of the roster, and we saw that over the weekend in <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/milwaukee\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Milwaukee;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Milwaukee&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Milwaukee<\/a> and again in Monday\u2019s series opener against <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/baltimore\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Baltimore;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Baltimore&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baltimore<\/a>. While the rotation\u2019s strength should continue to limit the required workload for the relievers, the bullpen is going to need to step up to support the starters more frequently moving forward, and that might require an addition or two at the trade deadline to solidify the unit.<\/p>\n<p>5. Milwaukee Brewers (22-16)<\/p>\n<p>Elevating the baseball. The Brewers are a good team, as evidenced by their sweep of the Yankees over the weekend and their suddenly stellar record after an underwhelming start. But hitting the ball over the fence has not been easy for this squad. The Brewers rank last in MLB with just 26 home runs in 38 games, and a quick glance at their batted ball profile helps explain why: Milwaukee bats have produced a 52% ground ball rate, far and away the highest mark in the majors (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/pittsburgh\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Pittsburgh;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Pittsburgh&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pittsburgh<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/boston\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Boston;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Boston&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Boston<\/a> are tied for second at 47%). It\u2019s hard to homer on the ground, folks (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Royals\/status\/2053254420339491131?s=20\" data-i13n=\"cpos:34;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:unless you\u2019re Bobby Witt Jr.;cpos:34;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;34&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;unless you\u2019re Bobby Witt Jr.&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">unless you\u2019re Bobby Witt Jr.<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Hitting the ball hard. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/60419\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Junior Caminero;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Junior Caminero&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Junior Caminero<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10465\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Yandy D\u00edaz;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Yandy D\u00edaz&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Yandy D\u00edaz<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12309\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jonathan Aranda;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jonathan Aranda&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Aranda<\/a> can do only so much: the rest of this lineup packs such little punch that the Rays rank last in MLB in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, average exit velocity and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/baseballsavant.mlb.com\/league?season=2026#statcastHitting\" data-i13n=\"cpos:35;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:29th in xwOBA;cpos:35;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;29th in xwOBA&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">29th in xwOBA<\/a>, ahead of only the Giants. Their speed and contact skills have enabled a competent offense nevertheless (17th in OPS, 11th in runs per game), but these paltry power metrics could catch up to <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/tampa-bay\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tampa Bay;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Tampa Bay&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa Bay<\/a> eventually, especially if its stars at the top of the order start slumping.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"(Bruno Rouby\/Yahoo Sports)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"480\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ed-041426-mlb-power-rankings-30_7141.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Braves have overtaken the Dodgers for the No. 1 spot in this week&#8217;s MLB power rankings. (Bruno Rouby\/Yahoo Sports)<\/p>\n<p>Offense. Despite the bevy of famous names up and down the lineup, this squad is struggling badly at the plate. Fernando Tatis Jr.\u2019s <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/news\/fernando-tatis-jr-strange-start-2026\" data-i13n=\"cpos:36;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:bizarre home run drought;cpos:36;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;36&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;bizarre home run drought&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">bizarre home run drought<\/a> might be grabbing headlines, but he\u2019s far from the only accomplished <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/san-diego\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:San Diego;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;San Diego&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Diego<\/a> slugger doing minimal slugging, as <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9111\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Manny Machado;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Manny Machado&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Manny Machado<\/a> (.647 OPS), <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12522\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jackson Merrill;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jackson Merrill&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jackson Merrill<\/a> (.665 OPS) and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11692\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jake Cronenworth;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jake Cronenworth&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Cronenworth<\/a> (.468 OPS) have scuffled as well. The Padres have just two hitters (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9319\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Xander Bogaerts;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Xander Bogaerts&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xander Bogaerts<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10544\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Miguel Andujar;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Miguel Andujar&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miguel Andujar<\/a>) with at least 100 plate appearances and an OPS+ of 100 or better (above league-average), the second-fewest in MLB ahead of only the Mets (who have only <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10626\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Juan Soto;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Juan Soto&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Juan Soto<\/a> above that mark).<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>8. St. Louis Cardinals (23-17)<\/p>\n<p>Swing-and-miss stuff. The Cardinals\u2019 pitching staff is tied with the Nationals for the lowest strikeout rate in MLB at 18.8%. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/st-louis\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:St. Louis;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;St. Louis&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">St. Louis<\/a> does not have a single starting pitcher who strikes out at least a batter per inning, and only closer Riley O\u2019Brien and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10606\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ryne Stanek;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Ryne Stanek&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ryne Stanek<\/a> boast above-average strikeout rates in the bullpen. Having the third-highest ground ball rate (46.8%) in MLB and a stellar defense helps compensate for the lack of whiffs, but all those balls in play could catch up to the Cardinals eventually.<\/p>\n<p>Outfield defense. To the surprise of absolutely no one, a Pirates outfield consisting of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10485\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ryan O\u2019Hearn;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Ryan O\u2019Hearn&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ryan O\u2019Hearn<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11370\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Oneil Cruz;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Oneil Cruz&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oneil Cruz<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10577\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bryan Reynolds;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Bryan Reynolds&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bryan Reynolds<\/a> has graded out poorly so far, with -7 Outs Above Average that ranks 28th in MLB. Perhaps more surprising is that O\u2019Hearn has actually been a positive defender by OAA (+1) in right field, while speedy defensive specialist <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/60623\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jake Mangum;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jake Mangum&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Mangum<\/a> has registered a -2.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>10. Philadelphia Phillies (19-22)<\/p>\n<p>Catching \u2014 on offense, anyway. A lengthy staredown over the offseason ended with free-agent JT Realmuto returning to Philadelphia on a three-year deal, but Realmuto has not shown well offensively (80 wRC+) to begin his age-35 season, continuing a decline that already seemed to be in progress last year. Add in backup <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11813\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rafael Marchan;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Rafael Marchan&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rafael Marchan<\/a>\u2019s abysmal 4-for-54 start \u2014 and the fact that Marchan has even had to play that much at all due to Realmuto\u2019s nagging injuries \u2014 and the Phillies\u2019 backstops have combined for a 38 wRC+, the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;type=8&amp;month=35&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:37;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:worst mark in the majors;cpos:37;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;37&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;worst mark in the majors&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">worst mark in the majors<\/a>. On the bright side, Philadelphia\u2019s catchers <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/baseballsavant.mlb.com\/leaderboard\/fielding-run-value?gameType=Regular&amp;seasonStart=2026&amp;seasonEnd=2026&amp;type=fielding-team&amp;position=0&amp;minInnings=q&amp;minResults=1&amp;sortColumn=catching_runs&amp;sortDirection=desc\" data-i13n=\"cpos:38;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:rate as elite;cpos:38;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;38&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;rate as elite&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">rate as elite<\/a> behind the plate, which helps offset the offensive woes a bit.<\/p>\n<p>11. Seattle Mariners (20-22)<\/p>\n<p>Defense. Seattle\u2019s stellar group of pitchers have performed well to start the season, but it\u2019s worth noting they haven\u2019t gotten much help from the fielders surrounding them. Other than second-year second baseman <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/60580\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cole Young;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Cole Young&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cole Young<\/a>, who has been outstanding by multiple metrics, and catcher <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11531\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cal Raleigh;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Cal Raleigh&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cal Raleigh<\/a>, who has excelled defensively amid his <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/article\/cal-raleigh-slump-mariners-star-hitless-in-his-last-36-at-bats-as-miserable-start-continues-130410071.html\" data-i13n=\"cpos:39;pos:1\" data-ylk=\"slk:miserable offensive slump;cpos:39;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;39&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;miserable offensive slump&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" target=\"_blank\">miserable offensive slump<\/a>, the rest of the Mariners\u2019 defense <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=fld&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;type=1&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=0&amp;age=0&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;startdate=&amp;enddate=&amp;month=0\" data-i13n=\"cpos:40;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:has been downright bad;cpos:40;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;has been downright bad&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">has been downright bad<\/a>, ranking 30th in Statcast\u2019s all-encompassing Fielding Run Value. This most notably includes a poor early showing from center fielder <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11384\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Julio Rodr\u00edguez;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Julio Rodr\u00edguez&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Julio Rodr\u00edguez<\/a>, who ranks in the 4th percentile in Outs Above Average after ranking in the 90th percentile or better in each of his first four seasons.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>12. Cincinnati Reds (22-19)<\/p>\n<p>Strikeouts, on both sides of the ball. Strikeouts aren\u2019t everything, but the Reds are too often on the wrong side of the equation in that particular part of the game: their hitters\u2019 24.5% strikeout rate is tied with the White Sox for fourth-highest in MLB, while their pitchers have struck out only 19.4% of batters, the third-lowest mark in MLB. There\u2019s plenty else that goes into good offense and effective run prevention, but the lopsided distribution of punchouts can at least in part help explain why Cincinnati ranks 23rd in team ERA at 4.55 and 27th in OPS+ at 90.<\/p>\n<p>13. Athletics (21-19)<\/p>\n<p>Pitching. The A\u2019s have been in sole possession of first place in the AL West every day since April 18 despite never being more than three games above .500. That says more about the teams chasing them than their own quality of work, but credit to them for doing just enough to stay ahead of the pack and remain in the mix to challenge for a postseason spot nevertheless. However, even in a weak American League, their chances of staying relevant will require a more dependable performance on the mound than what they\u2019ve shown, as A\u2019s pitchers\u2019 4.42 ERA ranks 21st, 4.70 FIP ranks 26th and 1.44 WHIP ranks 27th. That is not a first-place pitching staff.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>The leadoff spot. All-Star <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12314\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Steven Kwan;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Steven Kwan&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Kwan<\/a>\u2019s <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WxShaw\/status\/2053818550142296340?s=20\" data-i13n=\"cpos:41;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:prolonged slump;cpos:41;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;41&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;prolonged slump&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">prolonged slump<\/a> stretching back to last May is concerning enough on its own, but the bigger issue is that Cleveland has kept him at the top of its lineup the whole time, meaning the Guardians have gotten very little out of that crucial spot in the batting order relative to the rest of the league: Cleveland\u2019s 73 wRC+ out of the leadoff spot (the vast majority of which has been Kwan)<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;type=8&amp;month=48&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:42;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:ranks 26th in MLB;cpos:42;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;42&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;ranks 26th in MLB&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\"> ranks 26th in MLB<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>15. Arizona Diamondbacks (20-20)<\/p>\n<p>The offense. The pitching staff may actually be a bigger issue over the long haul, but relative to expectations, it\u2019s hard not to look at the lineup as a more notable shortcoming through 40 games. A reliable run-production unit for several years running, the Snakes are tied for 19th in runs per game (4.25) and 24th in OPS (.687), a surprisingly meager output considering the personnel involved. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11722\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Corbin Carroll;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Corbin Carroll&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Corbin Carroll<\/a> (.861 OPS) has been doing his thing, but fellow recent MVP candidates <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11417\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Geraldo Perdomo;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Geraldo Perdomo&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Geraldo Perdomo<\/a> (.712 OPS) and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10036\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ketel Marte;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Ketel Marte&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ketel Marte<\/a> (.640 OPS) have yet to get going, resulting in a top of the order that has been stuck in neutral so far.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Hitting at home. After getting shut out by Arizona at Globe Life Field on Monday, Texas\u2019 slash line in home games this season fell to a shocking .211\/.290\/.314, amounting to a .605 OPS that is tied with the 2022 <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/athletics\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Oakland Athletics;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Oakland Athletics&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oakland Athletics<\/a> for the lowest mark <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/stathead\/tiny\/pgMTr\" data-i13n=\"cpos:43;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:in the past 50 years;cpos:43;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;43&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;in the past 50 years&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">in the past 50 years<\/a>. There is a positive side to this park effect, of course \u2014 the Rangers\u2019 2.42 home ERA is the lowest in the majors \u2014 but Texas will need to find more ways to score in Arlington if it wants to stay in the postseason race.<\/p>\n<p>Speed. Wheels weren\u2019t often on display last year for the Blue Jays and it didn\u2019t stop them from nearly winning the World Series, but they remain one of baseball\u2019s least impactful baserunning clubs. Toronto is the third-slowest team in MLB by <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/baseballsavant.mlb.com\/leaderboard\/sprint-speed-team?season=2026&amp;team=\" data-i13n=\"cpos:44;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:average sprint speed;cpos:44;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;44&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;average sprint speed&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">average sprint speed<\/a>, and that shows in their lack of ambition on the basepaths, where the Blue Jays have swiped just 14 bags in 41 games (second-fewest in MLB ahead of only <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/san-francisco\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:San Francisco;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;San Francisco&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Francisco<\/a> at 12) and their 35% Extra Bases Taken percentage is also <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/leagues\/majors\/2026-baserunning-batting.shtml\" data-i13n=\"cpos:45;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:one of the lowest marks;cpos:45;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;45&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;one of the lowest marks&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">one of the lowest marks<\/a> in the majors.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Designated hitter. In theory, the plan to rotate franchise icon <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9015\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Salvador Perez;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Salvador Perez&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Salvador Perez<\/a> and top prospect <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12451\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Carter Jensen;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Carter Jensen&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carter Jensen<\/a> between catcher and DH was a sound one. But Perez\u2019s ice-cold start and Jensen\u2019s strange splits \u2014 he has hit much better when playing catcher than when he is DHing \u2014 has resulted in the Royals ranking last in DH production by a stunning margin. Royals designated hitters have produced a combined line of .159\/.233\/.276, amounting to a 38 wRC+, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;type=8&amp;month=44&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:46;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:nowhere near the next two;cpos:46;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;46&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;nowhere near the next two&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">nowhere near the next two<\/a> worst clubs in that category (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/minnesota\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Minnesota;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Minnesota&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Minnesota<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/miami\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Miami;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Miami&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miami<\/a> at 52).<\/p>\n<p>Defense. The rash of injuries on the mound sure haven\u2019t helped Detroit\u2019s run prevention efforts, but neither has its defense, which has regressed from league average a year ago to one of the worst units in the majors. The Tigers rank 30th in MLB in Outs Above Average <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/baseballsavant.mlb.com\/leaderboard\/outs_above_average?type=Fielding_Team&amp;startYear=2026&amp;endYear=2026&amp;split=yes&amp;team=&amp;range=year&amp;min=q&amp;pos=&amp;roles=&amp;viz=hide\" data-i13n=\"cpos:47;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:at -21;cpos:47;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;47&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;at -21&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">at -21<\/a>, an ugly mark contributed most heavily to by rookie Kevin McGonigle (-5) bouncing between third base and shortstop, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12667\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kerry Carpenter;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Kerry Carpenter&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kerry Carpenter<\/a> in right field (-4) and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11914\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Spencer Torkelson;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Spencer Torkelson&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spencer Torkelson<\/a> at first base (-3). That said, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11928\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dillon Dingler;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Dillon Dingler&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dillon Dingler<\/a>\u2019s fantastic glovework behind the plate has been a saving grace, keeping Detroit <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/baseballsavant.mlb.com\/leaderboard\/fielding-run-value?gameType=Regular&amp;seasonStart=2026&amp;seasonEnd=2026&amp;type=fielding-team&amp;position=0&amp;minInnings=q&amp;minResults=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:48;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:out of the basement;cpos:48;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;48&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;out of the basement&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">out of the basement<\/a> in Fielding Run Value.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>20. Baltimore Orioles (19-23)<\/p>\n<p>The rotation. Baltimore was banking on <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10909\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Trevor Rogers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Trevor Rogers&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trevor Rogers<\/a>\u2019 breakout, the return of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12345\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kyle Bradish;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Kyle Bradish&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Bradish<\/a>, and a pair of additions in <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10934\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Shane Baz;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Shane Baz&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shane Baz<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9799\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chris Bassitt;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Chris Bassitt&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Bassitt<\/a> to power an improved starting staff, but that has not been the case whatsoever so far. The Orioles\u2019 rotation ranks 28th in ERA (5.03), 29th in WHIP (1.53) and 29th in OPS allowed (.816), ahead of only the Rockies. That\u2019s not going to get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>21. Boston Red Sox (17-23)<\/p>\n<p>ABS challenges. This might not be the most consequential shortcoming for this squad, but Boston\u2019s complete disinterest in participating in <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/article\/will-mlbs-abs-challenge-signal-evolve-heres-why-head-tap-gesture-can-cause-confusion-among-umps-players-and-scoreboard-operators-175516119.html\" data-i13n=\"cpos:49;pos:1\" data-ylk=\"slk:MLB\u2019s new in-game technology;cpos:49;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;49&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;MLB\u2019s new in-game technology&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" target=\"_blank\">MLB\u2019s new in-game technology<\/a> has remained one of the stranger storylines of the season. The Red Sox have challenged just 52 ball or strike calls this season, by far the fewest in the league (the Rangers are next-fewest at 64, while the Twins lead the majors at a whopping 110 challenges). And on the rare occasion when Boston has challenged, it hasn\u2019t been especially successful, either, with a 50% overturn rate that is tied with <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/colorado\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Colorado;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Colorado&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Colorado<\/a> for 22nd.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>22. Chicago White Sox (18-21)<\/p>\n<p>The outfield. Rookie Sam Antonacci (117 wRC+) has helped matters as the regular left fielder since his call-up in mid-April, but on the whole, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/chi-white-sox\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chicago;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Chicago&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago<\/a>\u2019s outfield production has been brutally bad. White Sox outfielders have combined for a 73 wRC+, the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;type=8&amp;month=43&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:50;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:worst mark;cpos:50;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;worst mark&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">worst mark<\/a> in the majors. It\u2019s been easy to overlook because of the incredibly positive developments in the infield (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/66369\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Munetaka Murakami;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Munetaka Murakami&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Munetaka Murakami<\/a>! <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12413\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Colson Montgomery;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Colson Montgomery&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Colson Montgomery<\/a>! Miguel Vargas!), but this unit will need to be upgraded substantially for Chicago to take the next step in its rebuild.<\/p>\n<p>The outfield. Unlike the White Sox, who were projected to be weak in the outfield and have been exactly that, there was real optimism surrounding Miami\u2019s group of young outfielders entering this season. But All-Star <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11733\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kyle Stowers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Kyle Stowers&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Stowers<\/a> began the year injured and hasn\u2019t done much since returning, while other recent trade acquisitions <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/62119\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jakob Marsee;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jakob Marsee&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jakob Marsee<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12127\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Owen Caissie;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Owen Caissie&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Owen Caissie<\/a> have each scuffled offensively in the early going, with the whiffs an obvious red flag across the board: Miami outfielders have combined for a 27.6% strikeout rate, the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;sortcol=9&amp;sortdir=default&amp;type=8&amp;month=43&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:51;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:highest mark in the majors;cpos:51;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;51&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;highest mark in the majors&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">highest mark in the majors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Run prevention. With an overmatched pitching staff and a poor defense, the Nationals are surrendering more runs per game (5.61) than any team in baseball. This has managed to offset an upstart offense that ranks second in the majors in runs per game (5.29) behind only Atlanta, resulting in one of the more laughably lopsided statistical profiles in recent history. The chief culprit on the mound has been a proclivity to surrender the long ball, as the Nationals have allowed 59 homers in 41 games, tied with Colorado for the most in MLB.<\/p>\n<p>The bullpen. Surprise, surprise: trading away five good relievers (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/11495\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jhoan Duran;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jhoan Duran&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jhoan Duran<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12203\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Griffin Jax;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Griffin Jax&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Griffin Jax<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10325\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Brock Stewart;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Brock Stewart&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brock Stewart<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9844\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Danny Coulombe;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Danny Coulombe&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Danny Coulombe<\/a> and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/12695\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Louis Varland;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Louis Varland&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Louis Varland<\/a>), at the trade deadline and then doing very little to replace them may lead to problems at the ends of games. Twins relievers rank 29th in ERA (5.54), 29th in WHIP (1.61) and 29th in OPS allowed (.805), ahead of only <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/teams\/houston\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Houston;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Houston&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Houston<\/a> in all three categories. And about those Astros \u2026<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>26. Houston Astros (16-26)<\/p>\n<p>Pitching. It\u2019s no secret that <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/article\/with-carlos-correa-adding-to-astros-pile-of-injuries-could-this-season-already-be-a-lost-cause-230931997.html\" data-i13n=\"cpos:52;pos:1\" data-ylk=\"slk:injuries have wrecked this roster;cpos:52;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;52&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;injuries have wrecked this roster&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" target=\"_blank\">injuries have wrecked this roster<\/a>, but it is still staggering to see just how bad things have gotten on the mound for a franchise that has been such a paragon of run prevention for years. Houston ranks at or near the bottom of every pitching category imaginable: 30th in ERA (5.50), 30th in WHIP (1.58) and 30th in OPS allowed (.801). Its league-average 22.4% strikeout rate contributes to a FIP (4.98) and fWAR that rank 29th, barely ahead of the Nationals, but that sole decent peripheral stat keeping the Astros out of the basement in those measures isn\u2019t much solace when so much else is going wrong.<\/p>\n<p>27. New York Mets (15-25)<\/p>\n<p>Offense. This is another case where you could point to all the payroll on the injured list (<a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9116\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Francisco Lindor;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Francisco Lindor&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Francisco Lindor<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/10765\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Luis Robert Jr.;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Luis Robert Jr.&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Luis Robert Jr.<\/a>, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/mlb\/players\/9750\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jorge Polanco;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jorge Polanco&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jorge Polanco<\/a>), but there are still plenty of accomplished position players available who are not getting the job done. Whether those more recent injuries or the continued underperformance of the rest of the lineup are more to blame can be debated, but it\u2019s telling that Juan Soto\u2019s return hasn\u2019t improved matters at all: Since he rejoined the lineup on April 22, the Mets still <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;type=1&amp;season=2026&amp;month=1000&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;age=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;startdate=2026-04-22&amp;enddate=2026-11-01&amp;sortcol=8&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:53;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:rank 29th in OPS;cpos:53;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;53&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;rank 29th in OPS&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">rank 29th in OPS<\/a> at .643. For the whole season, New York ranks 30th in OPS (.628) and 29th in runs per game (3.48). It\u2019s bad.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Drawing walks. The league-wide walk rate has jumped to 9.6%, the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;type=8&amp;month=0&amp;ind=0&amp;rost=&amp;age=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;team=0%2Css&amp;startdate=&amp;enddate=&amp;season1=1966&amp;season=2026&amp;sortcol=0&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1&amp;pageitems=200\" data-i13n=\"cpos:54;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:highest mark we\u2019ve seen;cpos:54;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;54&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;highest mark we\u2019ve seen&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">highest mark we\u2019ve seen<\/a> since 2000 and at least partially the product of the introduction of the ABS challenge system, which has seemingly shrunk home plate umpire\u2019s strike zones, at least subtly. And yet, the Giants do not appear to have gotten the memo, as the most glaring deficiency amid their meek offensive efforts has been their complete inability to draw free passes. San Francisco\u2019s 5.7% walk rate isn\u2019t just the lowest in the majors in 2026 by a mile \u2014 only <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=al%2Cnl&amp;qual=0&amp;type=8&amp;month=0&amp;ind=1&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=&amp;age=&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;sortcol=9&amp;sortdir=asc&amp;startdate=&amp;enddate=&amp;pageitems=30&amp;season1=1930&amp;season=2026\" data-i13n=\"cpos:55;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:one team in the last 100 years;cpos:55;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;55&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;one team in the last 100 years&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">one team in the last 100 years <\/a>has registered a lower mark, the 1934 Reds at 5.4%. Yikes!<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>29. Colorado Rockies (16-25)<\/p>\n<p>The rotation. The good news is that Colorado\u2019s revamped starting staff has performed much better than it did last season when its 6.65 rotation ERA was quite literally the worst in modern baseball history. The bad news is that said improvement to the current mark of a 5.27 ERA still amounts to the worst in MLB in 2026, though not too far behind Houston\u2019s 5.06 rotation ERA. Colorado starters\u2019 16.1% strikeout rate and 1.77 HR\/9 also rank 30th in the majors.<\/p>\n<p>Run prevention. The Angels have some premium talent on the mound, as evidenced by Jos\u00e9 Soriano\u2019s exciting breakout, but the depth is still sorely lacking, and this team notably struggles to throw strikes, with an 11.9% walk rate that is second-highest in baseball only to the Astros. And in tandem with one of baseball\u2019s worst defenses \u2014 the Angels <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/leaders\/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=fld&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;type=1&amp;season=2026&amp;season1=2026&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=0&amp;age=0&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;startdate=&amp;enddate=&amp;month=0&amp;sortcol=19&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1\" data-i13n=\"cpos:56;pos:1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:rank 27th;cpos:56;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkPosition&quot;:&quot;56&quot;,&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yPosition&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;rank 27th&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\">rank 27th<\/a> in Statcast\u2019s Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value \u2014 this team has a tough time keeping runs off the board, making it extra challenging for its decent offense to keep up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As we approach the quarter-mark of the regular season, there remains a stark divide in quality between the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":666838,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[558],"tags":[10223,5146,5654,4996,64,228183,63,613,91949,483,5131,35353,44458,16081,6099,16089,80955,5127,16069,5258,173520,3912,91952,51615,5128,12423,21593,5260,7809,118563,5138,1828,12215,41439,6106,5145,6595,16077,69585,276310,58647,21601,33388,106349,1829,20885,47318,16079,5261,93074,7815,71770,7207,5262,147220,16062,54363,5143,16078,6592,5144,5140,1188,33144,33139,5130,5387,2364,591,6590,128516,5263,44462,5129,54244,5137,5132,5160,15666,321933,2274,16088,13506,25104,28674,214369,6112,5886,1189,6113,5157,61899,5149,51614,85,5887,16082,5881,1190,10222,2367,5161,7209,5264,23871,10221,42153,269746,6114],"class_list":["post-666837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-andy-pages","tag-astros","tag-athletics","tag-atlanta-braves","tag-au","tag-austin-riley","tag-australia","tag-baltimore","tag-bobby-witt-jr","tag-boston","tag-brewers","tag-brock-stewart","tag-bryan-reynolds","tag-cade-horton","tag-cal-raleigh","tag-cardinals","tag-carter-jensen","tag-chicago","tag-chris-bassitt","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-cole-young","tag-colorado","tag-colson-montgomery","tag-corbin-carroll","tag-cubs","tag-dalton-rushing","tag-danny-coulombe","tag-detroit-tigers","tag-diamondbacks","tag-dillon-dingler","tag-dodgers","tag-francisco-lindor","tag-freddie-freeman","tag-geraldo-perdomo","tag-griffin-jax","tag-houston","tag-hyeseong-kim","tag-jackson-merrill","tag-jake-cronenworth","tag-jake-mangum","tag-jakob-marsee","tag-jhoan-duran","tag-jonathan-aranda","tag-jorge-polanco","tag-juan-soto","tag-julio-rodriguez","tag-junior-caminero","tag-justin-steele","tag-kansas-city-royals","tag-kerry-carpenter","tag-ketel-marte","tag-kyle-bradish","tag-kyle-stowers","tag-los-angeles-angels","tag-louis-varland","tag-luis-robert-jr","tag-manny-machado","tag-mariners","tag-matthew-boyd","tag-max-muncy","tag-mets","tag-miami","tag-miami-marlins","tag-miguel-andujar","tag-mike-yastrzemski","tag-milwaukee","tag-minnesota","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-mlb","tag-mookie-betts","tag-munetaka-murakami","tag-oakland-athletics","tag-oneil-cruz","tag-orioles","tag-owen-caissie","tag-phillies","tag-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh-pirates","tag-power-rankings","tag-rafael-marchan","tag-rays","tag-red-sox","tag-reds","tag-rockies","tag-ryan-ohearn","tag-ryne-stanek","tag-salvador-perez","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-padres","tag-san-francisco","tag-san-francisco-giants","tag-shane-baz","tag-shohei-ohtani","tag-spencer-torkelson","tag-sports","tag-st-louis","tag-steven-kwan","tag-tampa-bay","tag-tampa-bay-rays","tag-teoscar-hernandez","tag-texas-rangers","tag-toronto-blue-jays","tag-trevor-rogers","tag-washington-nationals","tag-white-sox","tag-will-smith","tag-xander-bogaerts","tag-yandy-diaz","tag-yankees"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=666837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/666838"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=666837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=666837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=666837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}