MLB Power Rankings: Where do the top 10 teams stand in Week 19?
We are now in week 19 of the 2024 MLB season, and things are really starting to heat up. Many aspiring contenders have gotten better with the recent trade deadline and are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders.
The New York Yankees have looked stellar as of late, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have gotten on a roll. Given some of these team's hot second-half starts, we're taking a look at the newest power rankings, according to ESPN.
MLB Power Rankings: Week 19's 10 best teams
#1 - New York Yankees (68-47)
After acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees have been on an absolute tear. They have recaptured the best record in the American League and have a favorable schedule the rest of the way out.
They do not have many tough series left on their schedule and should have little problems closing out the season. Baltimore certainly missed their chance when this team was slumping ahead of the deadline.
#2 - Baltimore Orioles (68-47)
The Orioles have been a force for much of the year. While they did not capitalize on the Yankees' downfall, they are still right in the thick of things in the American League East.
#3 - Philadelphia Phillies (68-46)
Being one of the hottest teams to start the year, the Phillies have started to cool off. Their star Bryce Harper went through a bit of a slump that saw the club lose six straight series. However, they were able to get it going following their recent series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
#4 - Cleveland Guardians (67-47)
The Guardians look like the team to beat in the American League Central. They have been exceptional this season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, who could win MLB Manager of the Year.
The defense and elite bullpen have led the club this season. Veteran slugger Jose Ramirez is also in the middle of yet another special season at the plate.
#5 - Los Angeles Dodgers (66-49)
The Dodgers were many people's pick to sit at the top spot of MLB's power rankings week in and week out. However, the club has been hit with some injuries to key players, but they still have the talent to hold control in the NL West.
#6 - Milwaukee Brewers (64-49)
The Brewers seem to be the team to beat in the NL Central. They hold a 6.5-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals and have had players like Jackson Chourio step up during his rookie season.
#7 - Minnesota Twins (63-50)
The Twins are a team that could really shock everyone if they were able to manage their health. If they can get Bryon Buxton and Carlos Correa healthy at the same time, Minnesota could go on a major run.
#8 - San Diego Padres (63-52)
The Padres have put it together following the MLB All-Star break. They have put themselves in contention to fight for a postseason spot, but the fanbase would feel much better knowing when Fernando Tatis Jr. will return.
#9 Arizona Diamondbacks (63-52)
The Diamondbacks have played great baseball since their ace Zac Gallen has returned. They have climbed up the NL West and are not far behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.
#10 - Atlanta Braves (60-53)
The Braves have looked like a shell of themselves with the injuries to Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. Even with the added power of Jorge Soler at the MLB Trade deadline, the vibes are not the same in Atlanta.