MLB 2021: Latest Power Rankings

With a third of the MLB season already gone, the rankings of the teams are starting to be a bit more meaningful. No longer skewed by the low number of games, it’s beginning to become possible to see where each team genuinely stands.

With the 2020 world Series Champions already riding high but not currently on the top of the pile, take a look at the latest MLB betting and the current power rankings for the top five.

From the same division as the Dodgers in the National League, the Padres are currently higher than last year’s champions in the power rankings. They’ve suffered injury blows with Dinelson Lamet, Trent Grisham and Fernando Tatis Jr all out, but the Padres have still notched up the best run differential and record in the MLB.

Including a hot streak of nine wins on the bounce, the Padres are 11-2 over the past fortnight with contributions solidly across the time. Based on the current performance, it’s hard to see them dropping out of the betting.

Second in the power rankings but still third in their division, the Dodgers are clawing their way back with ten wins out of their last 11, including four against bitter rivals, the Giants. And things are set to get even better as Cody Bellinger is about to return, ready to add to his tally of just four games so far.

Add in the fact that Max Muncy is killing it; the Dodgers are starting to shape up in their familiar intimidating form once again.

Shooting up to third place, the Tampa Bay Rays are the hottest outfit in MLB right now, with an outstanding record of 13 wins in the last 14. That's put them in prime position in the AL East, with the best stats in the whole of the AL.

They’ve not done it the easy way either, trading Willy Adames and instead of bringing in the number one prospect Wander Franco, opted for Taylor Walls instead. Their faith was rewarded with Walls hitting .278/.409/.389, leaving fans wondering what he could do next.

The White Sox have started to slip down the power rankings after being swept by the Yankees and suffering a significant injury in Luis Robert. A handful of blunders from Tony La Russa hasn't helped their cause either. 

However, they're still sitting pretty in their division and are holding into the best-run differential in the American League. Their performance is being helped significantly by the rise of pitcher Carlos Rodón, who has surged back after tearing his ACL in 2019. Now the second most valuable pitcher in the league, his stats show a batting average of .163 against him with a strikeout percentage of 38.5%. Impressive stuff - and it may just help the White Sox to find their way back up the rankings.

The success of this team is scoring points for the older players everywhere. Just one of their five most productive position players is below the age of 34 years, with the veterans performing strongly. C Buster Posey’s return has been a triumph, notching up .336/.412/.603 and hitting nine homers.

However, cynics are suggesting that a weak schedule has bolstered their hot run, and time will tell if the Giants can hold their form against a tougher run of opponents.