2022 MLB Power Rankings - Pre-season
In the Season 2 premiere of the Diamond Gems Baseball Podcast the boys created their own MLB 2022 power rankings. In the episode, we provide detailed explanations to back up our picks that go beyond the details of this blog. You can listen to the full episode here:
Without further adieu, here are our pre-season MLB power rankings for 2022:
#1: LA Dodgers
(MLB ranked #1)
Image via SI.com
This one is a no brainer and MLB would have had to be living an another plan it to mess this one up. The Dodgers lineup is absolutely filthy, made even more formidable by the recent Free Agent signing of Freddie Freeman. Their rotation is still strong despite the loss of Max Scherzer. They still have Urias, Buehler, Kershaw as their 1-2-3 which is elite. The bottom of the rotation has some question marks, but the Dodgers seem to always find the answer when filling out those spots. Some options include Gonsolin, Price, Tyler Anderson, and of course bullpen days. Their is also the possibility of a return from administrative leave from Trevor Bauer, depending on the findings of his ongoing investigation. The Dodgers shouldn't have any trouble finding arms, and will likely add a significant name through trade at some point. The bullpen is also in good shape despite losing Kenley Jansen to the Braves, and this yet another area the Dodgers tend to figure out without much difficulty.
#2: Toronto Blue Jays
(Ranked 6th by MLB)
Perhaps MLB's most laughable pick included having the White Sox slotted in at #2. In the SBS power rankings, they make way for the home team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Maybe we're letting some Blue Jays fandom cloud our judgement, but maybe not. I don't think an argument exists to have Toronto's lineup outside of the top 3 in all of baseball. Here's how it shapes up currently: (add lineup)
Filthy. That's not where things end for the Jays though. They also have a top 5 rotation in baseball. That looks like Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Alek Manoah, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Yusei Kikuchi. Keep in mind, this is an extremely high ceiling, but also a relatively low floor. Berrios is the most sure-fire pitcher. Alek Manoah is young but seems very legit and has an incredible mindset and drive to win. Kevin Gausman, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Yusei Kikuchi all had rough second half's last year after the ban on sticky substances was implemented. Let's not forget that this was implemented MID-SEASON. That meant these guys had to make adjustments in real time. With the help of Pete Walker and the Blue Jays pitching team, you'd have to assume these guys will make some of the necessary adjustments in the off-season to get back on track for 2022.
#3: Atlanta Braves
(Ranked 7th by MLB)
The Braves were absolutely disrespected by the MLB being placed at 7th after WINNING the World Series last season. The most puzzling thing is... they haven't got worse, so why drop them so low?! Yes, they lost Freddie Freeman, but they also replaced him with Matt Olson. They also lost their deadline acquisitions of Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson. To counter this, they re-signed Eddie Rosario and have Ronald Acuna Jr returning early in the year. They also ADDED to what was already the best bullpen in baseball last year with the addition of Kenley Jansen. Their rotation is basically exactly the same. Plus, with Alex Anthopolous as General Manager, there’s a good chance they’ll add to this core as the season progresses.
There's no reason the Braves can't repeat this season.
#4: New York Mets
(Ranked 5th by MLB)
We saw how much hate the MLB got for putting the Mets at #5. Despite this, we moved them up a spot. The fact is, these are pre-season MLB power rankings, and there will always be variables. For the Mets, the biggest variable seems to be that they may be cursed. In 2021, we looked at their roster and thought they had a chance at the postseason. In 2022, we are ready to get hurt again.
There is one reason we ranked the Mets this high: They are completely stacked on-paper.
Jersey Swap via Sporting News
The New York Mets have arguably the best rotation in baseball (Brewers have entered the chat…) in Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassit, Taijuan Walker, and Carlos Carrasco. They also added big pieces to their lineup with the additions of CF Starling Marte, OF Mark Canha, and 1B/3B Eduardo Escobar. Their bullpen does not appear to be an issue, and is always the easiest area to upgrade over the course of the season. Another major key is the fact that key guys like Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, and Dominic Smith had career worst years. The odds that this happens again are very low.
Let’s just hope the Mets don’t Met…
#5: Chicago White Sox
(Ranked 2nd by MLB)
The Chicago White Sox were exposed as pretenders in the 2021 postseason. They also had a losing record against teams above .500 in the regular season. These are the main reasons we dropped them 3 spots in our rankings. However, they are clearly the best team in a weak AL Central; although it is not as weak as it was last year. Still, this White Sox team was absolutely riddled with injuries last season, losing stars in Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez for most of the season. With a strong rotation, bullpen and healthy lineup, the Chicago White Sox are poised to win the AL Central in 2022.
#6: Tampa Bay Rays
(Ranked #3 by MLB)
We have learned time and time again not to put too much stock into the on-paper appearance of the Tampa Bay Rays opening day roster. Every year, they outperform expectations because of a wealth of young talent, expert roster management, and an overall inability to quit. This years potential Tampa Bay Rays opening day lineup is looking nice though:
Ashley Landis/Associated Press
Brandon Lowe 2B
Wander Franco SS
Austin Meadows DH
Randy Arozarena LF
Yandy Diaz 3B
Ji-Man Choi 1B
Mike Zunino C
Manuel Margot RF
Kevin Kiermaier CF
This Rays team is very strong defensively (4th in defensive runs saved in 2021), and offensively (2nd in runs scored per game in 2021). Their biggest question mark is their rotation, which relies heavily on big performances from young pitchers like Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Shane Baz and more. We have faith that the Rays will figure it out like they always do.
Oh yeah, and Wander Franco is going to breakout as a complete superstar this season.
#7: Houston Astros
(Ranked 8th by MLB)
We are approaching the end of a dynasty with the loss of Carlos Correa, but an excellent core remains. The top 6 in the lineup still boasts Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Yuli Gurriel, and Kyle Tucker. The rotation has lost Zack Greinke, but it gains Justin Verlander. JV is followed by Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy and Lance McCullers Jr at some point as well.
Let’s not forget this is a team that finished 3rd in defensive runs saved and 1st in runs scored in 2021. The Houston Astros still have all the tools in place to win the AL West quite handily.
#8: Milwaukee Brewers
(Outside of MLB’s Top 10)
We are talking power rankings, and perhaps the Milwaukee Brewers are not the most “powerful” team. Their lineup is objectively weak offensively, but that is not the strength of this team. Their strength is in their top of the league rotation and bullpen. Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta are all Cy Young candidates (Burnes won the award in 2021). Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes are probably the best relievers in all of baseball.
The Milwaukee Brewers won their division last year, and very well could do so again in 2022.
#9: New York Yankees
(Ranked 4th by MLB)
This one was a sticking point for the hosts of Diamond Gems Baseball Podcast. One of our hosts didn’t think the Yankees were a top 10 team, our other hosts had them 8 and 9. Either way, this is a steep drop from MLB’s 4th place ranking. 4th just seemed way too high to us. The Yankees had an interesting off-season, though very disappointing in the minds of typically spoiled New York Yankees fans. You can read all about it in our blog about the Yankees off-season blockbuster trade.
When healthy, this team has a very strong line up. However, this lineup is packed with guys that have a lengthy injury history, and they simply lack the depth that could make them a top 5 team. Outside of Gerrit Cole, they have a very mediocre rotation.
The Bronx Bombers have a lot to prove this season.
#10: Seattle Mariners
(Outside of MLB’s Top 10)
Photo via Seattle Mariners on Twitter
We had to include one darkhorse, and we unanimously chose the Seattle Mariners as our number 10 team. The Mariners seemingly over achieved last year (-15 run differential). However, they have acquired some pieces in the off-season that make them a serious contender for the postseason. The M’s acquired 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray via free agency, bolstering what is a bit of an underrated rotation. They also acquired 3B Eugenio Suarez and LF Jesse Winker from the Cincinnati Reds to help improve their lineup.
When you pair this with the fact that former Rookie of the Year winner Kyle Lewis is back, Jarred Kelenic is likely to be better than last year, and Julio Rodriguez is lurking in the minors, the Seattle Mariners are certainly in a better spot than they were last year at this time.
Teams That Just Missed Our Top 10
San Francisco Giants: It would be incredibly disrespectful not to mention that the Giants had 102 wins in 2021. It may seem crazy not to have them in our top 10, but we just find it unlikely that they can repeat what they did last season. Basically opposite of the Mets, they got career best years out of everyone on their team in 2021. We doubted them last season and they proved us wrong, but they’re going to have to do it again.
Boston Red Sox: Simply put, the Red Sox didn’t make our top 10 because of a glaring weakness with pitching. They boast a formidable lineup, but that is only half of the game. Plus, we couldn’t in good conscience put 4 teams from the same division in the top 10. Make no mistake though, Boston still has a very good team.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards are a very interesting sleeper. An excellent defensive squad with a solid group of young talent, strong bullpen, and good starting pitchers in Jack Flaherty and veteran Adam Wainwright. Though not the most “powerful” team, it would not surprise us at all if the Cardinals compete to win the NL Central.
San Diego Padres: Plain and simple, Fernando Tatis Jr is out for 3 months. They also have a lot of other question marks surrounding the health of their rotation and back end of their bullpen.
Philadelphia Phillies: Despite a strong offensive lineup, the Phillies are the worst defensive team in baseball.
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