MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals Streaking to Contention

In the week and a half since the All Star break, quite a lot has happened to shake up the standings. The same holds true in this week’s edition of the MLB power rankings.

It has been two weeks since our previous MLB power rankings, due to the All Star break the week before. With only three games on the docket for each team, there simply was not enough time to make a significant movement in the standings. After all, how much can a three game set matter?

Well, since then, there has been quite a bit of movement. The New York Yankees made the first true blockbuster move, strengthening their bullpen while acquiring Todd Frazier to fill their hole at first base. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals just continue to win, and have pulled their way into a tie for the second Wild Card spot.

The American League Wild Card race is not the only one that has tightened. Both the AL and NL Central divisions have become a battle. The AL East and NL West are both a three team race, although one has to wonder how the Dodgers will fare if Clayton Kershaw is out for any length of time. Even the Nationals, who are seemingly in command of their own destiny, have their own concerns, as Stephen Strasburg had to leave his outing early.

It has been a wild two weeks, making a great deal of different in the standings, and in our MLB power rankings.