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MLB power rankings: The early powerhouses, surprises, and duds

By Kevin Henry

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 and George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2022 in New York City. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 and George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2022 in New York City. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

22. Washington Nationals (last ranking: 25)

Juan Soto is doing Juan Soto things (three home runs in his first 10 games), but all three homers have been solo shots. Josh Bell, meanwhile, is having an underrated start to his season, racking up 10 RBI in his first 10 games. And how about Makiel Franco taking over at third base after the Carter Kieboom injury and producing early (10-for-37 early on)?

21. Kansas City Royals (last ranking: 21)

One of the best stories of last season, Salvador Perez has struggled for the Royals out of the gate, striking out eight times in his first 32 at-bats while hitting a pair of homers. Bobby Witt Jr. has already had some highlight reel moments, but an early slash line of .156/.182/.281 shows there is plenty of room for growth. The future is coming in Kansas City, but patience for it to arrive will be critical for Royals fans in 2022.

20. Detroit Tigers (last ranking: 14)

It’s early, but a combination of injuries and underperforming players (we’re looking at you, Tucker Barnhart and Akil Baddoo) have short-circuited Detroit’s hopes for a strong start to the season. However, Spencer Torkelson’s debut and flashes of power have given hope to Tigers fans about what is to come, and Miguel Cabrera’s quest for 3,000 career hits should (barring unforeseen circumstances) come to a close sometime this week.

19. Chicago Cubs (last ranking: 20)

Seiya Suzuki is living up to his billing as one of the top free agents this offseason, starting the season by going 9-for-22. Justin Steele has pitched well in his first two starts of the season, while Marcus Stroman and Kyle Hendricks struggled. It’s early, but Chicago’s starting pitching is something to watch as the season goes along.

18. Cleveland Guardians (last ranking: 24)

Cleveland has ensured José Ramírez will be a part of the team for some time to come thanks to a contract extension and Steven Kwan has captured all sorts of attention in the early going. Could this actually be a season that gives Guardians fans hope?

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