SportsTips’ MLB Power Rankings 2021: Week 7

SportsTips’ MLB Power Rankings 2021: Week 7
Tue 18th May 2021

We’re now over one quarter of the way through the 2021 MLB regular season and we feel as if the Chicago White Sox are the best placed team in Major League Baseball. Look below to find out where your team ranks heading into Week 7 of the 2021 MLB season! 

Here’s where all 30 MLB teams stand after six weeks of the 2021 MLB season:

1. Chicago White Sox

World Series Championship Odds: +900
Current Record: 24-15
Previous Rankings: 2

After winning five of their seven Week 6 games against a pair of AL Central rivals, the Chicago White Sox improved to a 9-3 record from their past 12 games, which has subsequently moved them to the No. 1 spot on the SportsTips’ MLB Power Rankings heading into Week 7. Chicago have both the best record (24-15) and best run differential (+61) in baseball, as the White Sox are a top five team in the league when looking at team ERA (3rd, 3.27) and runs scored this season (5th, 200).

After a slow start to the year, the reigning AL MVP Jose Abreu has begun to find form, hitting .395 with three doubles, a triple, three homers and 14 RBI in his last 11 games.

2. Boston Red Sox

World Series Championship Odds: +2400
Current Record: 25-17
Previous Rankings: 1

Boston kicked off Week 6 with a three game losing streak from their final game against the O’s and their first two games against the A’s. However, the Red Sox won three of their final four games to salvage a 3-4 record. Prior to Sunday’s loss to the Angels, Boston had outscored their opponents 21-4 over their three game winning streak. 

Although New York and Toronto are beginning to find form in the AL East, the Red Sox still possess the best offense in baseball, ranking first in runs scored (217) and second in team batting average (.264). 

3. San Francisco Giants

World Series Championship Odds: +4000
Current Record: 24-16
Previous Rankings: 3

A 4-2 Week 6 record for the Giants has seen them hold a half game lead over the Padres for the No.1 spot in the NL West. San Francisco defeated Texas twice in their two game series before splitting their four match set against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. The Giants gave up two runs or fewer in four of their six games last week, allowing 2.6 opposition runs per game on average in Week 6.  

San Francisco are boasting the fourth best pitching staff in the league when looking at team ERA (3.29), which is largely thanks to Alex Wood (1.75 ERA), Kevin Gausman (1.84 ERA) and Anthony Desclafani (2.14 ERA).

4. San Diego Padres

World Series Championship Odds: +800
Current Record: 24-17
Previous Rankings: 5

Although COVID-19 issues has left them without the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr., Eric Hosmer, Wil Myers and Jurickson Profar, San Diego still managed a 5-1 week from their six games against the Rockies in Colorado and Cardinals at home. The Padres outscored their opponents 38-17 last week, scoring 5+ runs in each of their five victories. 

However, San Diego are still doing their best work with the ball. The Padres are the No. 1 pitching staff in the league when looking at team ERA (2.86) this season.

5. Houston Astros

World Series Championship Odds: +1700
Current Record: 24-17
Previous Rankings: 8

After dropping their opening game of Week 6 by just one run against the Angels, Houston have since won six straight games against Los Angeles and Texas, leaving them just a half game behind Oakland for first place in the AL West. Having played their last 10 games in Houston, the Astros are 8-2 and have outscored their opponents 65-37 in that time. 


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Jose Altuve has recorded a hit in each of those 10 games, giving him an 11 game hitting streak entering Week 7. Altuve has batted at .400 with two doubles, three homers and eight RBIs during that stretch. While Yordan Alvarez is hitting .408 with five home runs and 10 RBIs during his past 17 games. 

6. Oakland Athletics

World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 25-17
Previous Rankings: 6

The A’s registered a pair of 2-1 series wins on the road in Week 6, defeating the Red Sox twice in Boston and the Twins twice in Minnesota. Oakland will get their biggest test of the season in Week 7 as they get the opportunity to duke it out with Houston for the No. 1 spot in the AL West. The A’s will be looking for redemption after being swept by the Astros in four games to open the 2021 season. 

Oakland are a well rounded team who currently have the equal most wins in the American League. 

7. St Louis Cardinals

World Series Championship Odds: +2000
Current Record: 23-18
Previous Rankings: 4

After winning their series against the Brewers 2-1, the Cardinals closed out their week by being swept by the Padres in San Diego, resulting in a 2-4 Week 6 record. However even after a below .500 week, St Louis have maintained a two game lead over Milwaukee in the NL Central division.

Jack Flaherty will enter Week 7 with a 2.47 ERA, 48 strikeouts and a 0.94 WHIP to go along with a standalone league best 7-0 record from his eight starts. On offense, Nolan Arenado is starting to find rhythm with the bat, hitting at .379 with five homers and 13 RBIs so far in May.

8. Toronto Blue Jays

World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 22-17
Previous Rankings: 15

A 5-1 week from their six games against Atlanta and Philadelphia leaves Toronto just a game and a half behind Boston for top spot in the AL East. The Blue Jay were on fire last week, scoring 4+ runs in five of their six outings, while also restricting their opposition to one run or fewer on three occasions. 

Although prized recruit George Springer has returned to the IL with a quad injury, Vlad Guerrero Jr. has stepped up offensively, hitting at .319 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs, leading Toronto to the eighth best offensive rating in the league. 

9. New York Yankees

World Series Championship Odds: +700
Current Record: 22-18
Previous Rankings: 10

The Yankees kicked off a nine game road trip in Week 6, recording four wins from their six games in Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Another +.500 week gives New York 10 wins from their 14 games this month. With Gerrit Cole at the helm, the Yankees are the sixth best pitching staff in baseball, boasting a 3.36 team ERA. Cole is 5-1 this season with a 1.37 ERA (third in the league), 78 strikeouts (third in the league) and a 0.68 WHIP (second in the league). 

However, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge’s recent improvements on offense has been the boost that New York needed. After a dominant display against the Orioles last week, Judge now has a league high 12 home runs this season.

10. Los Angeles Dodgers

World Series Championship Odds: +330
Current Record: 22-18
Previous Rankings: 16

The Dodgers had their best week of baseball in almost a month last week, winning four of their five games against the Mariners and Marlins. Los Angeles looked back to their best early in Week 6, winning their first four games and outscoring their opponents 29-11 in that time. The Dodgers did lose their final game of the week, however things look to be turning around on the field. 

Los Angeles did also have a massive week off the field. The Dodgers added Albert Pujols to their already star studded roster, but the bigger news is that Los Angeles will be without Corey Seager for roughly a month after the shortstop fractured his right hand.

11. Tampa Bay Rays

World Series Championship Odds: +2600
Current Record: 23-19
Previous Rankings: 11

Although the reigning American League champs are sitting fourth in the AL East, Tampa Bay are just two games behind the division and AL leading Red Sox heading into Week 7, after a 4-2 record from their six games against the Yankees and Mets. The Rays lost their first two games of Week 6 before storming home with a four game winning streak. Tampa Bay outscored their opponent 31-9 in their stretch of wins. 

Tyler Glasnow has been the key to Tampa Bay’s eighth ranked pitching staff this year (3.55 team ERA), currently boasting a 2.35 ERA and 82 strikeouts from nine starts. 

12. Cleveland Indians

World Series Championship Odds: +3200
Current Record: 21-17
Previous Rankings: 7

The Indians posted a 3-3 record in Week 6, winning both of their games against the Cubs in Cleveland before losing three of their four games against the Mariners in Seattle. Cleveland once again showed why they are a top 10 pitching staff in the league, allowing their opponents to score three runs or fewer runs in four of six games last week. However, their lineup once again let them down, scoring three runs or fewer in five of those six outings.


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Zach Plesac looks to have found form in his last four starts, boasting a 1.53 ERA in that time. While Shane Bieber is on pace for another record breaking strikeout season, having collected a league high 92 K’s at a 3.17 ERA this year.

13. New York Mets

World Series Championship Odds: +950
Current Record: 18-16
Previous Rankings: 9

After winning both of their games against the Orioles, the Mets were swept by the Rays in Tampa Bay to close out Week 6. New York’s pitching staff is as good as any in the league, currently ranking fifth in MLB for team ERA (3.30). However, Mets ace Jacob deGrom is expected to be sidelined with right side tightness. As it stands, deGrom’s 0.68 ERA is the best in the league. 

deGrom and the Mets rotation have been performing well enough to subsidise New York’s struggling offense this year, however an extended absence for deGrom would be chaotic for the Mets going forward.

14. Philadelphia Phillies

World Series Championship Odds: +3200
Current Record: 21-20
Previous Rankings: 14

Philadelphia finished Week 6 with a 3-3 record from their respective three game sets against Washington (2-1) and Toronto (1-2), leaving them a game above .500 and just a half game behind the Mets for top spot in the NL East. Given the strength of their division, we think the Phillies consistency can take them pretty far this year.

The Phillies are getting their money’s worth out of their highest paid pitching and offensive weapons, with Zack Wheeler boasting a 2.85 ERA and Bryce Harper hitting at .307/.436/.561 splits to go along with seven home runs, 11 RBIs and a .997 OPS. 

15. Atlanta Braves

World Series Championship Odds: +1500
Current Record: 19-21
Previous Rankings: 13

The Braves began Week 6 by being swept by the Blue Jays before closing out their week with a 2-1 record against the Brewers in Milwaukee. In what was another chapter in Atlanta’s rollercoaster season, the Braves lineup scored 4+ runs in four of their six games last week. However their bullpen failed to restrict their opponents, giving up 5+ runs in four of their six outings. 

Atlanta will welcome Ronald Acuna Jr. back to their lineup in Week 7 after a three game absence.

16. Milwaukee Brewers

World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 21-20
Previous Rankings: 12

Since earning the top spot on the SportsTips’ MLB Power Rankings heading into Week 5, the Milwaukee Brewers are 4-9, having recently lost four of their six games in Week 6. Although they scored 10 runs in Sunday’s victory over the Cardinals, the Brewers offense has been struggling recently, scoring one run or fewer on three occasions last week.

The Pirates, Tigers and Mets are the only teams in the league with a worse runs per game average, as the offense continues to miss Christian Yelich. Yelich has played just one game since April 11 due to a back injury.

17. Cincinnati Reds

World Series Championship Odds: +5000
Current Record: 19-19
Previous Rankings: 18

Cincinnati won four of their seven games against Pittsburgh and Colorado in Week 6, improving to a .500 record. The Reds offense once again showed how damaging they can be, scoring 5+ runs in six of their seven games last week.

However, Cincinnati clearly have issues at the mound in 2021. The Reds have failed to replace Trevor Bauer (who they lost in free agency) this year and they will enter Week 7 with the 27th ranked team ERA (4.83) and 24th ranked rotation ERA (4.67) in baseball. Luis Castillo has 7.71 ERA from eight starts this season.

18. Seattle Mariners

World Series Championship Odds: +12000
Current Record: 21-20
Previous Rankings: 19

After dropping their first two games of the week to the Dodgers, Seattle defeated Cleveland in three of their four games last week to salvage a 3-3, .500 record. The Mariners lineup combined for just five runs against the Dodgers before outscoring the Indians 20-12 in the back half of the week. 

As they are currently hitting at the worst team batting average in the league (.205), Seattle called Jarred Kelenic up for their four game series against the Indians. In just his second major league start, the 21 year old hit at .750 with a home run.   

19. Chicago Cubs

World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 19-20
Previous Rankings: 17

A 2-3 week for the Cubs leaves them one game below .500 heading into Week 7 of the 2021 MLB season. Chicago lost both of their games against the Indians in Cleveland before winning two of their three games against the Tigers. 


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Having held their opponents to a score of three runs or fewer in four of their five games last week, Chicago’s pitching staff has continued to improve in May, largely thanks to Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Zach Davies delivering quality starts last week. In terms of personnel, the Cubs welcomed Arrieta, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ back from the IL in Week 6.

20. Washington Nationals

World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 16-20
Previous Rankings: 26

A 3-3 record from their games against the Phillies and Diamondbacks leaves the Nationals at the bottom of the NL East with a 16-20 record. John Lester (2.25 ERA) is on his way back to Wrigley field in Week 7 to make first start against the Cubs as an opponent since becoming a member of the Nationals dugout. 

Given their record this year, Washington needs to consider what to do with Max Scherzer’s contract. Scherzer has a 2.10 ERA from eight starts this season and has allowed one or zero earned runs in six of eight starts. He’s still a valuable asset that is now a quarter of the way through the final season of a seven-year deal.

21. Miami Marlins

World Series Championship Odds: +10000
Current Record: 18-22
Previous Rankings: 21

As a result of their 3-4 record against the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers, the Marlins are tied with the division leading Mets on 18 wins. However, Miami also having the most losses in the NL East heading into Week 7. The Marlins will have the opportunity to make up ground in their division this week, with their next 10 games coming against the Phillies and Mets. 

Miami’s pitching staff ranks seventh in team ERA (3.55) this year, while on offense Jesus Aguilar has the equal second most RBIs in baseball. Aguilar hit at .529 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBI against Arizona last week. 

22. Arizona Diamondbacks

World Series Championship Odds: +20000
Current Record: 18-23
Previous Rankings: 27

The Diamondbacks split their four game series against Miami in Arizona early in Week 6 before closing out the week with a home series loss to the Nationals. Arizona showed how damaging their offense can be last week, scoring 11 runs on two occasions. At the mound Arizona’s pitching staff has been improving (other than Friday’s 2-17 loss to Washington), boasting a 3.42 ERA in May.

Madison Bumgarner has turned around his rough start to the season. Bumgarner is 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA, 0.47 WHIP and 34 strikeouts across 30 innings in his last five starts.

23. Los Angeles Angels

World Series Championship Odds: +4000
Current Record: 17-22
Previous Rankings: 22

Los Angeles recorded a pair of 1-2 series losses last week, going down to the Astros in Houston and Red Sox in Boston. Admittedly, avoiding series sweeps against those opponents at home is not a bad result. Offensively, the Angels received a boost last week after Anthony Rendon returned from the IL. Rendon joined Mike Trout and the in-from Jared Walsh in the Angels lineup. However, Los Angeles’ pitching staff needs to tighten up, having given up 5+ runs in four of six games last week.

Off the field, the Angels lost Albert Pujols to their cross town rivals (Dodgers) last week.

24. Baltimore Orioles

World Series Championship Odds: +20000
Current Record: 17-23
Previous Rankings: 25

The Orioles went 2-4 from their games against the Red Sox, Mets and Yankees in Week 6. Baltimore are now 2-7 in their past nine outings. As seems to be the case every week, John Means was once again phenomenal. The left hander threw six scoreless innings against the Mets on Tuesday, improving his ERA to 1.21, which is the second best average in the league.

However, Means can only do so much at the mound as Baltimore ranks 19th in team ERA (4.26) heading into Week 7.

25. Texas Rangers

World Series Championship Odds: +20000
Current Record: 18-24
Previous Rankings: 20

After starting May with a 7-2 record, Texas dropped each of their six games last week. The Rangers lost both of their games against the Giants in San Francisco before being swept by the Astros in Houston. Texas were outscored 33-17 in that time. 

Things do not get any easier for the Rangers in Week 7 as they prepare for upcoming series against the Yankees and Astros.

26. Kansas City Royals

World Series Championship Odds: +8000
Current Record: 18-22
Previous Rankings: 24

Although they began their week by being swept by Detroit, Kansas City brought an end to their 11 game losing streak in Chicago on Friday, finishing Week 6 with a 2-5 record from their sets against the Tigers and White Sox. The Royals are still 2-12 from their past 14 games.

Like their win-loss record, Kansas City’s team ERA has plummeted recently, as they are the 25th ranked pitching staff in the league with a 4.65 average. Offensively, the Royals also rank in the bottom 10 MLB teams for runs scored.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates

World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 17-23
Previous Rankings: 28

The Pirates went 3-4 from their seven home games against the Reds and Giants last week. Consistency has been an issue for Pittsburgh on offense this season and it was evident last week. The Pirates scored 7+ runs twice last week, while also scoring just one run on four occasions. 

Pittsburgh are 0-4-2 in their last six series as they prepare for a six game road trip in Week 7. 

28. Colorado Rockies

World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 15-26
Previous Rankings: 29

The Rockies pinched a game off the Padres in their three game series before splitting their four game set against the Reds, resulting in a 3-4 record at home last week. Ranking sixth in runs scored this year (199), Colorado’s offense has been solid. However their pitching staff has not, ranking 29th in team ERA (5.16).


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Colorado are a true victim of division circumstance, having a measly 8-18 record against their NL West rivals. The Rockies are a near .500 team when facing other opponents.

29. Minnesota Twins

World Series Championship Odds: +4500
Current Record: 13-25
Previous Rankings: 23

A 1-5 week for the Twins leaves them with the standalone fewest wins in baseball heading into Week 7 of the 2021 MLB season. Minnesota were swept by Chicago early in Week 6 before winning just one of their three games against the A’s at home.

With Byron Buxton already on the sidelines, Willians Astudillo, Max Kepler and Kenta Maeda all sustained injuries during Sunday’s loss.

30. Detroit Tigers

World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 14-26
Previous Rankings: 30

The Tigers had a solid week, recording four wins from their six games against the Royals and Cubs. As a result, Detroit no longer have the worst record in the league, however they still flaunt the worst runs differential in baseball. 

Ace pitcher Matthew Boyd has been one of the shining light’s for Detroit this season, boasting a 2.45 ERA from eight starts. The Tigers offense still ranks 27th in team batting average and 28th in runs scored this season. 

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel 

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Jesse is and always has been a lover of sports. No matter the league, no matter the game, Jesse is constantly keeping up to date with the latest odds, news, injuries and stats. He has a strong interest in the NBA and the NFL, and he will always strive to keep you up to date with the best news, odds, predictions and picks that the ever engaging sporting world has to offer.