MLB Power Rankings: Washington Nationals close in on Chicago Cubs

Jun 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) warms-up before the game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) warms-up before the game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
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Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are the lone team in baseball with 40 or more wins, but there are others who will most likely surpass that mark this upcoming week, including two teams who are one win away from reaching the 40-win mark as well.

All of MLB, including the Chicago Cubs, better watch out for the Texas Rangers and the Washington Nationals, who are one win away each from having 40 wins. Each have a 39-24 record entering this week, and each are at least 4.5 games in front of the second-place team in the AL West and the NL East, respectively.

This week, the Nationals can prove how good they can be or if they are in the same discussion as the Cubs because starting Monday, the two teams will square off in a three-game series at the home of the Nationals, giving us a chance to see how these two teams stand amongst each other.

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There is also the fact the San Francisco Giants now have a five-game lead in the NL West over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cleveland Indians now are the leaders of the AL Central. A lot has happened this past week, and as the weeks continue, things will only get more intense as this is the second full week of June and teams are beginning to show their flaws or their positives.

As with each week, things should be interesting, but especially with the aforementioned series with the Cubs visiting the Nationals, that really makes this week a little more special.

Here are the MLB Power Rankings for the week.

Next: MLB Power Rankings: 30-26