We’re six weeks into the 2024 MLB season and there have been some surprises, to say the least. The Oakland Athletics have arguably exceeded expectations, while the Astros have dealt with injury troubles and early-season struggles. With that said, let’s do some comparing, shall we? Here are our 2024 MLB Power Rankings for mid-May.
Teams 30-11
Here are our MLB power rankings for the bottom 20 teams, as of this writing:
- 30. Marlins
- 29. White Sox
- 28. Angels
- 27. Rockies
- 26. Reds
- 25. Cardinals
- 24. Astros
- 23. Giants
- 22. Pirates
- 21. Blue Jays
- 20. Athletics
- 19. Mets
- 18. Diamondbacks
- 17. Nationals
- 16. Tigers
- 15. Red Sox
- 14. Rangers
- 13. Rays
- 12. Padres
- 11. Cubs
The Marlins, a team that’s down key arms in Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez for all of 2024 and already moved infielder Luis Arraez, enter play on May 14 with the league’s worst record (11-32) and tied with the White Sox for the worst run differential (-90). Hence, Miami is in the bottom spot of our 2024 MLB power rankings.
The Astros clock in at #24, despite an average 6-6 record in May. A 10-19 record through the end of April has Houston in catch-up mode. Much of that could be attributed to pitching injuries. However, lackluster starts from Josh Hader and Alex Bregman have also slowed the reigning AL West champions.
Another notable surprise, at least in our estimation, is the Reds at #26. Cincinnati finished the first 41 games of 2024 with a 17-24 record and a league-worst 1-9 record in one-run games. Part of that can be attributed to closer Alexis Diaz (1.63 WHIP), who’s struggled in 2024.
However, other reliable Reds relievers, like Fernando Cruz and Lucas Sims, have not been as sharp.
As for the positive surprises, the A’s at #20 seemed almost inconceivable a year ago. Yet, solid performances from the now-injured Paul Blackburn and power production from JJ Bleday, Brent Rooker, and Shea Langeliers have Oakland out to an impressive start.
There’s also the Rays, who had an entire rotation on the IL to begin 2024 and endured slumps from Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz, among others. Tampa went 7-4 in their first 11 May games to get back to .500.
10. Royals
The Royals struck gold with Seth Lugo, as the ex-Padre starter is emerging as a dark horse for the AL Cy Young. Through 59.2 IP, Lugo owns a sparkling 1.66 ERA and a .106 batting average off his four-seamer. Offensively, Bobby Witt Jr. and the ageless wonder Salvador Perez have paced the Royals, who are off to a 25-18 start.
9. Mariners
The Mariners were our preseason favorites to win the AL West, thanks to their formidable rotation and weaknesses in Arlington and Houston. Thus far, the M’s, who entered play on May 14 with the league’s best opponent’s batting average (.211), have seen their pitching staff despite injuries to Matt Brash. Gregory Santos, and recently returning starter Bryan Woo.
8. Guardians
Cleveland benefitted from a relatively soft April schedule, as the Guardians finished April with a 19-10 record. There are some concerning numbers from Cleveland, as Jose Ramirez owns a lower-than-average OPS despite nine home runs and a questionable outfield. However, the Guardians’ dominant bullpen has carried this team in what’s been a strange year in the 216.
7. Brewers
What a difference a year can make for an offense. Last season, the Brewers ranked 17th in runs scored (728) and 23rd in OPS (.705). Without Christian Yelich for a good chunk of 2024, Milwaukee’s in the top five in both categories. William Contreras has helped carry much of the load, while Brice Turang, Willy Adames, and newcomer Rhys Hoskins have also played key roles.
6. Yankees
It’s hard to complain with a 27-15 start, especially without Gerrit Cole. Luis Gil‘s been a jolt for the Yankees rotation, while Juan Soto came as advertised. With Aaron Judge coming around and Clay Holmes pitching like an elite closer, it’s hard to find faults in the Bronx Bombers.
5. Twins
Arguably the hottest team in the Majors right now, the Twins went 17-3 from April 22 to May 12 to get back into the thick of the AL playoff race. Without Royce Lewis, Willi Castro, Edouard Julien, and Ryan Jeffers have shouldered the offensive load.
4. Orioles
Much like 2023, the O’s have looked like a steam engine. Corbin Burnes is the ace that Baltimore needed, while Gunnar Henderson emerged as an AL MVP candidate. The question for the O’s moving forward will be how Baltimore will handle the late innings, as Craig Kimbrel has not been sharp.
3. Braves
Atlanta entered play on May 14 with the Majors’ second-best winning percentage (.658), and what’s shocking about that is who’s been the key contributor. Spencer Strider is done for 2024, while Matt Olson and Ronald Acuna Jr. have not looked like their 2023 versions — although those performances will be tough to replicate. Instead, it’s been Marcell Ozuna, who was second in the Majors in OPS (1.048) as of May 14.
2. Dodgers
The Dodgers have already built a significant lead in the NL West, as Los Angeles’ 6.5 game lead as of May 14 is the largest out of any division leader in the Majors. Much of that is thanks to strong pitching from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow and strong starts from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Beets. Ohtani (1.081) and Betts (.993) are in the top four of the Majors in OPS, with Ohtani in the top spot.
1. Phillies
Traditionally, the Phillies have been slow starters — but that hasn’t true in 2024. Philadelphia went 19-9 in April and carried that momentum into May to move into the top spot of our 2024 MLB power rankings, as the Phillies won 10 of their first 12. The first team in baseball to 30 wins, Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler have emerged as serious NL Cy Young candidates over the first six weeks.