Every week, the Pitcher List team will publish an update to our power rankings, reviewing the biggest risers and fallers of the past seven days. This time, we are previewing each team’s outlook for the upcoming season. As always, the full rankings can be found at the bottom of this article … but where’s the fun in that?
Movin’ On Up
Record: 69-66
Rank change: +3
The Cubs would not be in the playoffs if the season ended today. They are five games back of a wild card spot, behind only the Mets, who are three games back. However, with an 8-2 record over their last ten games, they have been one of the hottest teams in the National League, and their momentum might just land them a spot at the playoff table.
Their acquisition of Isaac Paredes at the trade deadline hasn’t been the best change for their offense, as the 25-year-old has been one of the coldest hitters over the past few months. He did homer on Monday but he is still 6-37 over his last ten games. Overall, though, this has been one of the hottest offenses in August. This month, Chicago ranks second in ISO (.206), second in wOBA (.344), and second in wRC+ (123). Leading the charge is Ian Happ, but the 22-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong has also been on fire from the bottom of the order. The rookie has been generating runs through both power and speed.
As far as their rotation goes, they rank in the top half in most metrics. Their collective xFIP of 3.88 ranks ninth in the league, while their K/9 (8.75) is 14th and their BB/9 (2.70) is 11th. Justin Steele has been their best pitcher of late. He is 3-0 with an xFIP of 2.85 in August. Shota Imanaga isn’t too far behind with an xFIP of 3.75 for the entire season. This team has the pieces to be a playoff team in my opinion, but it’s going to take an even bigger push in September to get the job done.
Hittin’ the Skids
Record: 77-58
Rank change: -4
Cleveland leads the AL Central with a 77-58 record as the calendar flips to September. However, the lead isn’t all that safe with the Royals lurking 2.5 games back and the Twins 3.5 games back. Kansas City just took a huge blow with an injury to Vinnie Pasquantino that will see him sidelined for 6-8 weeks. Minnesota is 3-7 over their last ten games and is dealing with lengthy injuries to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton. Cleveland may be the best team in the division right now, but that may not be the case for long.
The Guardians do a great job of not striking out. They rank fourth in strikeout rate in August with a 19.2% mark as a team. Their problem is they don’t really hit for power. This month they rank 23rd in ISO (.148), and on the season they are 15th (.156). Furthermore, they are 24th in wRC+ (90) and 25th in wOBA (.294) on the year, showing that their offense has not been what has carried them to the top of the division. Their addition of Lane Thomas at the deadline has proved to be an unremarkable one thus far, as the 29-year-old has struck out almost 40% of the time in August and has just a 26 wRC+. Jhonkensy “Big Christmas” Noel has flashed some power upside, but outside of Steven Kwan and José Ramírez at the top, this offense doesn’t have much to get excited about.
Surprisingly, Cleveland ranks 25th in xFIP (4.46) in August alone. On the year, however, they sport a 4.09 mark, good for 14th in baseball. Losing Shane Bieber early in the season was a big blow, but the Guardians have seen a big step up from the 25-year-old Tanner Bibee. He’s been their best pitcher this year with a 3.67 xFIP. Of course, having Emmanuel Clase to close out games has done wonders for this squad. He is second in baseball with 39 saves. Overall, this team doesn’t excite me all too much and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the hobbled Royals take over the division crown in September.