LA Dodgers Sit Atop Early MLB Preseason Power Rankings
It’s almost always good to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, but perhaps no better time than now. Fresh off of a World Series win in 2020, LA is one of the few teams that could make close to no moves and still be very good. In fact, that’s sort of what we’ve been seeing now from them as the league tries to figure out the plan for next season.
In MLB’s latest power rankings for the new year, the Dodgers are once again up there at number 1. They started that way in 2020 and did not budge from the top spot for the entirety of the shortened season. This year, they’re followed closely by a familiar NL West team.
MLB.com’s Top 5 Power Rankings
- Dodgers
- Padres
- Yankees
- Braves
- Twins
The Padres gave the Dodgers a tough time in 2020, narrowly missing out on winning the season matchup. San Diego would later be swept out of the Division Series by LA, but have since gotten much better via trade. The Padres acquired both Blake Snell and Yu Darvish in an effort to keep up with their rivals heading into 2021.
Related: MLB Expert Predicts Early Postseason Exit for LA
As for the Dodgers, no moves made by any teams this offseason were enough to dethrone them from their top spot. Of course, they will be losing a few guys to free agency, with Enrique Hernandez and Joc Pederson likely moving on. But even that is not enough to expect anything less than excellence from your favorite baseball team in the new year. Don’t worry, Andrew Friedman still has a few tricks up his sleeve. He’s not done yet…
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Pitching will always be the determining factor in rating teams. A starting rotation of Kershaw, Price, Buehler, Urias, and the addition of May, Gonsolin & Gonzalez can make a very strong pitching group. The extra pitchers not in the rotation can help the bullpen. The bullpen currently with Jansen, Graterol, Kelly, Alexander, Kolarek, Floro, and the guys on the 40 man like White, Sborz, Carrillo, and others is a strong group. That is before we see what Knebel and Morrow can do, The Dodgers #1 prospect is the pitcher, Gray.
The Dodgers by position without Turner, Pederson, and Hernandez is equal to any team in baseball. It will be interesting to see how Friedman decides to fill the roster. I continue to believe they will sign Turner and possibly Pederson. The Padres and the Braves are very strong talented teams. I still believe as do many in baseball that the Dodgers are more talented. I believe Urias will show he is a #1 pitching talent. Cannot wait to see how the experience and coaching will help May. His potential is off the charts.
nice pitching analysis. if price and morrow are anywhere near their old selves, we can arguably be the top staff…..again! a trade for hendriks would cement the closer role but with 2 extra starters to help the pen, we could stand pat or wait and see. likewise, i too want to know how far the experience may and gonsolin got last year will take them.