MLB power rankings: The early powerhouses, surprises, and duds
By Kevin Henry
17. San Diego Padres (last ranking: 18)
Jurickson Profar hit three of the first eight home runs of the season for Padres, who are still searching on how to gel a lineup under new manager Bob Melvin and without Fernando Tatis Jr. Sean Manaea, meanwhile, has been exactly what the Padres hoped he would be when they made the trade to acquire him from Oakland.
16. Milwaukee Brewers (last ranking: 9)
It’s a big tumble for the Brewers, and likely a short-lived one as well because the Brewers are a better team than what they have showed during the first three series of the season. When Milwaukee finds its groove at the plate and on the mound, the Brewers should be right back in contention for the top spot in the National League Central.
15. Philadelphia Phillies (last ranking: 13)
Nick Castellanos has already become a fan favorite by making an immediate impact in the lineup, and Alec Bohm mended his fences with the Philly faithful and had seven hits in his first 10 at-bats of the campaign. How will this offense look when Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper start hitting?
14. Colorado Rockies (last ranking: 23)
It’s early, of course, but with C.J. Cron mashing home runs and Daniel Bard able to lock down saves as he did when he was the National League Comeback Player of the Year in 2020, the Rockies look like a team that could contend for a postseason berth. The schedule is also favorable for the Rockies with plenty of action outside the National League West as well as in Denver through Memorial Day.
13. Los Angeles Angels (last ranking: 17)
Mike Trout left Sunday’s game after being hit in the hand, but dodged a big bullet when X-rays came back negative. Losing Trout would have been a devastating blow for a team that is seeing Shohei Ohtani start to connect again at the plate and Noah Syndergaard look solid in his first two outings of the season.