After a rough two weeks for both the reigning AL and NL pennant champions, the Rays and the Dodgers have reignited their seasons. However, the Padres have taken top on the SportsTips’ MLB Power Rankings after seven weeks of baseball. Find out where your team ranks below!
Here’s where all 30 MLB teams stand heading into Week 8 of the 2021 MLB season:
1. San Diego Padres
World Series Championship Odds: +750
Current Record: 30-17
Previous Rankings: 4
As a result of their 6-0 Week 7 record against the Rockies and Mariners, the Padres have extended their active winning streak to nine consecutive games and improved to the No. 1 record in Major League Baseball.
#SlamDiego. @tatis_jr. What more is there to say? pic.twitter.com/k9TF9bbZAW
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 23, 2021
22 year old Fernando Tatis Jr. has been the driving force behind San Diego’s offensive improvements, as the Padres are now the ninth best lineup in the league in terms of runs scored. San Diego are also the No.1 pitching staff when looking at team ERA, making them the most well balanced team in baseball heading into Week 8.
2. Boston Red Sox
World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 29-19
Previous Rankings: 2
Boston managed a pair of 2-1 series victories from their Week 7 sets on the road against Toronto and Philadelphia. The Red Sox continue to ride or die based on the performances of their offense, scoring an average 7.25 runs per game in their wins last week and an average of just one run per game in their losses.
Although Tampa Bay and New York are also in great form in the AL East, Boston are 7-3 in their last 10 games and lead the league in runs scored.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
World Series Championship Odds: +330
Current Record: 29-18
Previous Rankings: 10
Guess who’s back! The Dodgers had a 7-0 week last week thanks to a pair of series sweeps against the Diamondbacks in Los Angeles and the Giants in San Francisco. Los Angeles have now won 11 of their last 12 and are just one game behind San Diego for the top spot in the NL West.
The Dodgers lineup has now scored the third most runs in baseball, while their pitching staff held their opposition to three runs of fewer on six occasions last week and two runs or fewer on five occasions, which improved their team ERA to 2.99 (the second best in baseball).
4. Tampa Bay Rays
World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 29-19
Previous Rankings: 11
A 6-0 week on the road against the Orioles and Blue Jays has improved the Tampa Bay Rays active winning streak to 10 consecutive games and propelled them to the No. 1 spot in the AL East. The reigning AL pennant champs are averaging 8.1 runs per game on offense and allowing just 3.9 opposition runs per game in their active winning streak.
Their pitching staff ranks eighth in the league for team ERA (3.54), while Randy Arozarena has rediscovered his 2020 postseason form, which has reignited the offense. In his last eight games, Arozarena is hitting at .351 with two doubles, three homers and nine RBIs.
5. Chicago White Sox
World Series Championship Odds: +850
Current Record: 26-19
Previous Rankings: 1
Although the White Sox kicked off their week with a 2-1 series victory over the Twins, Chicago closed out Week 7 by being swept by the Yankees in New York. Granted, two of their three losses to New York were walk-off losses at the bottom of the ninth.
Despite the 2-4 record, Chicago are still the No. 1 team in the AL Central with a game and a half lead over the Indians.
6. New York Yankees
World Series Championship Odds: +650
Current Record: 28-19
Previous Rankings: 9
After dropping their opening game of Week 7 to the Rangers in Texas, New York won their following six games, including a sweep over Chicago. The Yankees pitching staff threw three shutouts in their six game winning streak, allowing their opponents to score an average of 1.5 runs per game in that time.
A 6-1 record leaves New York just half a game behind Boston and Tampa Bay at the top of the AL East.
7. San Francisco Giants
World Series Championship Odds: +4000
Current Record: 28-19
Previous Rankings: 3
It was a tale of two halves for the Giants last week, sweeping the Reds in Cincinnati before being swept by the Dodgers in San Francisco to give them a 4-3 Week 7 record. San Francisco have now slipped to third place in the NL West, just two games behind San Diego and one game behind Los Angeles.
Even after being swept by Los Angeles, the Giants are 14-7 at home this season. However, they are now 5-7 against the Dodgers and Padres heading into another series against the reigning champs on Thursday.
8. Oakland Athletics
World Series Championship Odds: +2000
Current Record: 28-20
Previous Rankings: 6
The A’s salvaged a 3-3, .500 record thanks to a 2-1 series victory over the Angels last weekend. However, just one win from their three games against Houston earlier in the week leaves Oakland with a 3-7 record from their 10 games against their AL West rivals.
Oakland have held onto a game and a half lead over Houston in their division standings, despite boasting a -11 run differential.
9. Houston Astros
World Series Championship Odds: +1600
Current Record: 26-21
Previous Rankings: 5
After starting Week 7 with a 2-1 series victory over the A’s in Oakland, Houston missed out on an opportunity to claim top spot in the AL West after being swept by the Rangers in Texas.
YOU COULD SENSE IT FROM A MILE AWAY 🥳
El Bombi drives in a run in the 10th inning to walk it off and complete the sweep over the Astros!@Rangers | #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/MYEdFWaLvp
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) May 23, 2021
The Astros next nine games are against the Dodgers (third), Padres (ninth) and Red Sox (first), all of whom rank inside the top 10 for runs scored this season. Houston will enter Week 8 with the second most runs in baseball, foreshadowing some enticing offensive matchups over the next week and a half.
10. St Louis Cardinals
World Series Championship Odds: +2000
Current Record: 26-20
Previous Rankings: 7
The Cardinals won three of their five games against NL Central rivals last week, defeating the Pirates twice from their two encounters and the Cubs just once from their three meetings.
Although they are 4-6 in their past 10 games, St Louis still have a two game lead over Chicago in their division.
11. Cleveland Indians
World Series Championship Odds: +3800
Current Record: 24-20
Previous Rankings: 12
Cleveland won three of their six games in Week 7, defeating the Angels twice and Twins once to hold onto a four game above .500 record. The Indians will enter Week 8 with the ninth best team ERA in baseball (3.79), however offensively they rank 24th in runs per game.
Unfortunately for Cleveland, their struggling lineup will likely be without Franmil Reyes for 5-7 weeks, after the Indians second best hitter suffered an oblique strain. Reyes’ omission will put even more pressure on Jose Ramirez going forward.
12. Chicago Cubs
World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 24-22
Previous Rankings: 19
The Cubs made up some ground in the NL Central last week, winning five of their seven games against the Nationals and Cardinals. Chicago are now 13-7 this month with each of their seven losses coming by just one run.
Chicago’s pitching staff held their opponents to three runs or fewer in six of their seven games last week, while their offense has been performing much better lately, scoring 5+ runs on four occasions in Week 7.
13. Toronto Blue Jays
World Series Championship Odds: +2400
Current Record: 23-22
Previous Rankings: 8
After winning Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox 8-0, Toronto lost their final five games of Week 7 to leave them just one game above .500 heading into Week 8. The Blue Jays missed out on an opportunity to make up some ground in the AL East, conceding games to the Red Sox and Rays.
When coming up against the No. 1 (Boston) and No. 4 (Tampa Bay) ranked scoring offenses in the league, Toronto allowed 6+ opposition runs in four of their five losses last week.
14. New York Mets
World Series Championship Odds: +1000
Current Record: 21-19
Previous Rankings: 13
Despite a wretched run of injuries, the New York Mets managed a 3-3 record from their Week 7 games against Braves and Marlins to hold onto the No.1 spot in the NL East. 16 members of New York’s 40 man roster are currently on the IL.
The Mets still boast the fourth best pitching staff in baseball (3.30 team ERA) and they will receive a boost in Week 8 with Jacob deGrom returning from injury. deGrom’s 0.68 ERA is the best in the league this season.
15. Atlanta Braves
World Series Championship Odds: +1800
Current Record: 23-24
Previous Rankings: 15
Atlanta won one of their three games against New York and three of their four games against Pittsburgh for a 4-3 Week 7 record. The Braves are now tied with the Phillies for second place in the NL East and are just one and a half game behind the division leading Mets.
“IT’S OVER” 🗣
Ronald Acuña Jr. channels Vince Carter after this walk-off homer
(via @BravesOnBally)pic.twitter.com/ILPJovinbf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 20, 2021
Offensively, Atlanta found their groove against a lowly Pittsburgh bullpen, outsourcing the Pirates 37-9 in their four game series, which included a 20-1 victory on Friday. Whether the Braves are capable of carrying this form into their upcoming games against the Red Sox and Mets remains to be seen.
16. Milwaukee Brewers
World Series Championship Odds: +2200
Current Record: 23-23
Previous Rankings: 16
After dropping their first three games of Week 7 against the Royals and Reds, the Brewers closed out their set in Cincinnati with a pair of victories, claiming a 2-1 series win and finishing with a 2-3 record from last week’s games.
Milwaukee are now 7-13 in May and the 26th ranked offense in the league when looking at runs per game, on-base percentage and OPS, while only the Mariners have a worse batting average. Christian Yelich returning from the IL will hopefully spark their offense going forward.
17. Miami Marlins
World Series Championship Odds: +10000
Current Record: 22-24
Previous Rankings: 21
Miami took a pair of 2-1 series victories from their games against the Phillies and Mets last week, allowing them to make up some ground in the NL East thanks to victories against two division rivals.
The Marlins had another solid week at the mound, allowing their opponents to score one run or fewer in each of their four wins to improve their team ERA to 3.39, the seventh best in baseball.
18. Philadelphia Phillies
World Series Championship Odds: +3500
Current Record: 23-24
Previous Rankings: 14
Philadelphia suffered back to back 1-2 series losses to Miami and Boston in Week 7, leaving them a game and a half behind the division leading Mets. The Phillies can’t seem to get their lineup and pitching staff firing at the same time, as Bryce Harper has cooled off this month after a strong performance in April. However, Zack Wheeler has continued his solid run of form in May, boasting a 1.73 ERA from his last five starts.
With a growing injury list, Philadelphia are about to embark on a 10 game road trip over the next week and a half. The Phillies are 8-14 outside of Philadelphia this season.
19. Washington Nationals
World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 20-23
Previous Rankings: 20
After winning just one of their four games against the Cubs in Chicago, the Nationals returned to Washington and swept the Orioles to salvage a 4-3 Week 7 record. Washington are currently at the bottom of a log jammed NL East division, three games below .500 and just two and a half game behind the division leading Mets.
The Nationals will have their chance to make up some ground in Week 8 with each of their next six games being played in Washington.
20. Kansas City Royals
World Series Championship Odds: +8000
Current Record: 22-23
Previous Rankings: 26
The Royals have continued their return to form, winning four of their five games against the Brewers and Tigers in Week 7. Despite their recent 11 game losing streak, the Royals are still third in the AL Central, four games behind the division leading White Sox.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, they lost ace pitcher Danny Duffy to a strained forearm last week, as they prepare for an upcoming series against the raging hot Rays in Tampa Bay. Duffy has been in solid form this season, boasting a 1.94 ERA from seven starts.
21. Texas Rangers
World Series Championship Odds: +20000
Current Record: 22-27
Previous Rankings: 24
After winning just one of their four games against the Yankees in Texas, the Rangers closed out Week 7 with a staggering three game series sweep over the in-form Astros. Texas had lost nine of their last 10 games prior to their series against Houston.
After recording a 5.35 ERA in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Kyle Gibson has returned to form for the Rangers in 2021, posting a 2.24 ERA from 10 starts this year.
22. Los Angeles Angels
World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 20-27
Previous Rankings: 23
The Angels managed a 3-5 record from their Week 7 games against the Indians, Twins and Athletic. However, things have gone from bad to worse for Los Angeles recently, as it was recently confirmed that Mike Trout will be out for roughly two months after suffering a calf strain.
LA will enter Week 8 at the bottom of the AL West, seven games below .500 and now without their best player.
23. Cincinnati Reds
World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 20-25
Previous Rankings: 17
Cincinnati managed to win just one of their seven games against San Francisco and Milwaukee last week, including a demoralising 15 run loss to the Giants on Thursday.
Given their offensive capabilities, the Reds are still in the hunt to compete in the NL Central, as they are only five and a half games behind the division leading Cardinals. However, Cincinnati’s pitching staff would need to drastically improve. The Reds will enter Week 8 with the worst ERA in the National League and with the worst opposition runs per game average in baseball.
24. Detroit Tigers
World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 18-28
Previous Rankings: 30
Having won nine of their last 11 games Detroit are no longer the worst team in baseball! The Tigers kicked off Week 7 with a four game winning streak over the Mariners and Royals before losing their final two games to Kansas City.
ANOTHER NO-HITTER‼️
Spencer Turnbull shuts down the Mariners to throw the Tigers’ first no-hitter since 2011 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XfRLcidWtP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 19, 2021
Spencer Turnbull stole the headlines for Detroit last week becoming the fifth pitcher this season to throw a no-hitter, shutting down the Mariners in Seattle. After leading the major league in losses in 2019 (17), Turnbull is 3-2 in 2021 with a 2.88 ERA.
25. Seattle Mariners
World Series Championship Odds: +15000
Current Record: 21-26
Previous Rankings: 18
Seattle couldn’t manage a win from their six games against the Tigers at home and Padres in San Diego in Week 7. The Mariners lineup scored two runs or fewer in five of their six games last week, including being on the wrong side of a no-hitter for the second time this season.
Having been outscored 46-10 last week, it is tough to see Seattle turning their fortunes around in Week 8, as they prepare to face the division leading Oakland A’s on six occasions over their next nine games.
26. Minnesota Twins
World Series Championship Odds: +6000
Current Record: 17-29
Previous Rankings: 29
The Twins split their eight games against the White Sox, Angels and Indians last week for a 4-4 record. With a 17-29 record, Minnesota and Baltimore share the worst record in the American League.
Offensively, Byron Buxton, Nelson Cruz and Jorge Polanco are all managing injuries. While their bullpen, which is allowing the fifth most runs per game, recently placed 2020 AL Cy Young Award runner-up Kenta Maeda on the injured list.
27. Colorado Rockies
World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 18-29
Previous Rankings: 28
After being swept by the Padres early in Week 7, the Rockies caught a nice break with a three game home series against the lowly Diamondback, whom they swept in three games to salvage a 3-3 record.
Following the three losses to the Padres in San Diego, Colorado’s league low record on the road slipped to a dismal 2-17 for the season. As they are on the road for their next seven games against New York and Pittsburgh, things could look even more bleak for the Rockies at this time next week.
28. Pittsburgh Pirates
World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 18-28
Previous Rankings: 27
Pittsburgh managed just one win from their six games against St Louis and Atlanta last week. Having scored 2 runs or less on four occasions and just one run in three of their six games last week, the Pirates were outscored 50-16 in Week 7.
Following Friday’s 19 run loss to Atlanta, Pittsburgh’s run differential fell to a league low -78. However, even if you take out Friday’s annihilation, they’d still be last, which is even more concerning.
29. Baltimore Orioles
World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 17-29
Previous Rankings: 25
Unfortunately for Baltimore, they were also one of the three MLB teams to not get a win in Week 7, having been outscored 54-30 in their six games against Tampa Bay and Washington. An 0-6 week leaves the O’s with a 5-15 record so far in May.
Even John Means allowed four runs in 6.1 innings against the Rays last week, as the Orioles are now 11 games back in the AL East.
30. Arizona Diamondbacks
World Series Championship Odds: +25000
Current Record: 18-30
Previous Rankings: 22
As a result of their 0-7 week against the Dodgers in Los Angeles and the Rockies in Colorado, Arizona have now lost eight straight games and are just 3-17 in their last 20 appearances.
Sunday’s 3-4 loss to Colorado saw them become the first 30 loss team in Major League Baseball this season.
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel
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