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MLB Power Rankings Headed into the Season’s Second Half

By Sarah Maninger

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox, manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros, manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals walk through the concourse during All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park Monday, July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox, manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros, manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals walk through the concourse during All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park Monday, July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

20. Pittsburgh Pirates

Trading Gerrit Cole was a start. Now, it’s time to jump into the deep end and continue the rebuild. Corey Dickerson, who was DFA’d by Tampa Bay earlier this year, could be a big trade target for teams in need of a consistent hitter.

19. Minnesota Twins

After a dramatic turnaround and a trip to the Wild Card game last fall, the Twins have fallen into an encore performance that hasn’t been as good as the original story. They are a team perfectly capable of turning things around once more. Can they?

18. Los Angeles Angels

This team started out strong, but have since gotten lost. Mike Trout can right the ship, but he can’t do it alone. This team will probably miss out on the postseason this year, but the visible strength of this organization isn’t going anywhere.

17.  Washington Nationals

What happened? The Nats were solid going into this season and were far and away the predicted winner of the division. Though this team is still very, very far away from needing to start over, I do have a slightly wild idea. Talk to Harper, see if he has any interest in re-signing. If he doesn’t, or wants to test the waters of free agency, they should trade him now. Trade Bryce Harper, get a contender’s top prospects, and prep for 2019. That is if they can’t turn things around now.

16. Tampa Bay Rays

This is a team that seems to always be rebuilding, but with their roster of talent, maybe they’ll find success in the future by trading away their best guys now.

15. St. Louis Cardinals

Mike Matheny was fired. Their run differential is down to +8. The Cards are strong, but not strong enough to surpass the Cubs or the Brewers. No need for a rebuild, not in the slightest, but a relaxing offseason may be in the…wait for it…Cards.

(I had to.)

14. San Francisco Giants

It’s been rough for the bay area squad, but not nearly as rough as years past. This team is trending upwards. Though they still have work to do, it’s work that is manageable for Bruce Bochy.

13. Colorado Rockies

Forget the air in Denver, this team can hit. Whether it’s in Coors or down in LA, the Rockies have improved greatly over the years. They’re a solid, and vibrantly interesting team. Don’t be surprised if you see them on the cusp of a wild card spot over the next six weeks or so.

12. Cleveland Indians

The Indians have not been outstanding, but they’ve been good enough to lead their division, and the addition of Brad Hand and Adam Cimber makes them that much better.

11. The Oakland A’s

Consider me shocked. The A’s have been superb this year and Sean Manaea has turned into a bona fide ace for that club. Also, Blake Treinen went from great to elite. His.94 ERA speaks for itself.

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