MLB offseason Power Rankings: Post-winter meetings edition
The offseason's been dominated by a couple of noteworthy trades, Shohei Ohtani, and seeing the majority of free-agent relievers sign new deals - but otherwise, the hot stove has barely stayed lit.
Several teams remain in limbo, while others have paved a clear path to success or failure. Here's how the teams shape up with just over three months to go before Opening Day.
1. Houston Astros
The Astros have been relatively quiet on the free-agent market, with relievers Hector Rondon and Joe Smith their only notable additions to date. But why mess with success? This team is poised to run out a very similar roster to the one that just won its first World Series. Houston still needs a DH to replace Carlos Beltran, but there's nothing to panic about.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Before the weekend, the Dodgers had done very little in the offseason. That changed with the payroll-slashing trade sending Adrian Gonzalez and three others to the Braves for Matt Kemp. Of the players L.A. moved in the deal, only utility infielder Charlie Culberson played a significant postseason role. While the Dodgers' long game may be focused on 2019's free-agent market, they remain a World Series-caliber team right now.
3. New York Yankees
They did it: The Yankees went and traded for Giancarlo Stanton to form the most potent one-two punch in a lineup in a long time. Stanton and Aaron Judge, back to back, are terrifying for the AL East, and that combination could last for years to come.
4. Washington Nationals
A healthy Adam Eaton will help, and so will a theoretical full season from Trea Turner. Few teams feature a starting pitcher of Max Scherzer's caliber, and fewer still can say their rotation has a Stephen Strasburg to back him up. On paper, the Nationals are great, top to bottom, and they've pretty much locked down the NL East, which is in a constant state of flux. But don't worry: The choking narrative will be back in full force come October.
5. Cleveland Indians
Adding Stanton means the Bronx Bombers leapfrog the Indians in the power rankings. While Cleveland's core is mostly familiar on the offensive side, the club lost bullpen fixture Bryan Shaw to the Rockies and nice midseason pickup Joe Smith to the Astros. The Phillies also snagged mainstay Carlos Santana.
6. Chicago Cubs
It looked like the Cubs were on the verge of becoming a dynasty after winning the 2016 World Series. The cracks in their armor showed a bit in 2017, though, and things are less certain now. They've effectively replaced outgoing ace Jake Arrieta with Tyler Chatwood, but that probably won't be the end of their moves this offseason, especially with the Cardinals and Brewers looking to push them for the NL Central crown.
7. Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout finally has a reason to smile! Bringing in Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart is nice, but it's landing Shohei Ohtani that makes the most noise. The Angels still need pitching help, but the lineup will be better, and the infield defense may be the best in the game.
8. Boston Red Sox
"Dealin' Dave" Dombrowski has been biding his time while the Yankees rise to prominence as winners of the offseason. Boston's been linked to a handful of names on the open market, but nothing has fallen into place yet. Though they need to add a power bat, the Red Sox already have a solid enough roster to compete, especially if the pitching staff is at full strength.
9. St. Louis Cardinals
Marcell Ozuna is a step in the right direction, especially after missing out on Stanton. It's probably not enough, but the Cardinals have been aggressive about checking in on every big name rumored to be available via trade.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks' biggest move has been acquiring Brad Boxberger from the Rays - a nice addition, but not a substantial step forward in the wake of a surprise playoff run. Retaining J.D. Martinez is ideal ... if they're willing to pony up.
11. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have been linked to a couple of free-agent pitchers (Arrieta), but so far little has crystallized beyond a reunion with Yovani Gallardo. After overachieving in 2017, they likely don't want to empty the cupboard to make a massive push just yet.
12. Colorado Rockies
Building an elite bullpen is one way to protect a young rotation, and the Rockies are trying to corner the market on free-agent relievers. Greg Holland could return, too. Beyond that, they've been linked to trade candidates Alex Colome and Zach Britton.
13. Minnesota Twins
Who are the Twins? Is this a potential wild-card team once more, or a club that needs to take a step back? Bringing in Fernando Rodney on a one-year deal seems like a placeholder, though Minnesota's been actively looking to address the rotation.
14. Toronto Blue Jays
Another team in flux, the coming months will tell the tale about the Blue Jays. If they're presented with a tempting enough offer, they could deal star Josh Donaldson and initiate an official rebuild despite a couple of hefty contracts, conceding the AL East to likely leaders the Yankees and Red Sox for the next few seasons.
15. New York Mets
The biggest move, for better or worse, may be the about-face regarding Matt Harvey, who appeared to be on his way out of Queens before new Mets manager Mickey Callaway stepped in. If Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland can help fix Harvey, this rotation could be among the best in the game.
16. Philadelphia Phillies
The Freddy Galvis trade opens up a starting gig for former top prospect J.P. Crawford. Signing Carlos Santana forces Rhys Hoskins to the outfield, creating a bit of a glut, so perhaps there's another trade coming to help the Phillies build a pitching staff around burgeoning ace Aaron Nola. Things are looking sunnier in Philly.
17. Seattle Mariners
Losing out on Ohtani casts a shadow over the Mariners' offseason. Though they've added Ryon Healy and Dee Gordon to the offensive core, the rotation is a dumptruck full of questions. Felix Hernandez and James Paxton need to stay healthy for this team to have a postseason prayer.
18. Atlanta Braves
Getting rid of Kemp's contract was a big move, but the Braves appear to be looking toward 2019 more than the immediate future. Expecting anything drastic this offseason may be unreasonable, though GM Alex Anthopoulos built his reputation in Toronto by making bold moves.
19. Texas Rangers
Though the Rangers have been busy, they haven't accomplished anything earth-shattering. Matt Moore could be the final piece of next year's rotation, but that's a disappointing consolation prize after failing to lure Ohtani to Arlington.
20. Pittsburgh Pirates
Is this Andrew McCutchen's swan song in Pittsburgh, or did that happen already? If McCutchen and staff ace Gerrit Cole are dealt, don't expect a decade-long rebuild. The Pirates have a ton of young talent, and Jameson Taillon could be better than Cole already.
21. Tampa Bay Rays
A fire sale is coming. It's probably time the Rays concede the division and aim to compete a few years down the road, and that means saying goodbye to Evan Longoria and Chris Archer. It's a shame, but they're highly coveted, and would help expedite a rebuild by bringing back top-shelf talent.
22. Cincinnati Reds
The pitching staff is pretty exciting, with Homer Bailey the only projected hurler over the age of 30. On the offensive side, 34-year-old Joey Votto is the elder statesman. The Reds are still a work in progress, but could be a fun team with upside.
23. Oakland Athletics
The A's have talent and raw power, but they've also got several trade candidates throughout the roster. Jed Lowrie probably won't finish the season with the team, and he could be dealt this winter. This club is a couple of years away.
24. San Francisco Giants
Hope evaporated when Stanton approved a trade to New York in lieu of San Francisco. The Giants' roster is old, oft-injured, and lacks depth. Don't expect another season with the worst record in baseball, but the playoffs are a long shot.
25. San Diego Padres
The Padres appear eager to make a splash, as reports continue to filter in about their connection to Eric Hosmer. The Galvis trade fills an immediate need, but their pitchers are either inexperienced or unimpressive.
26. Chicago White Sox
Being linked to the Orioles and Manny Machado in trade talks is fascinating, but it seems unlikely that the White Sox would abandon their rebuild for one year of the star infielder. Things change if they can extend him ... or flip him.
27. Baltimore Orioles
Machado could be traded before the new year. Those rumors alone are enough to signal to fans that the team isn't serious about contending, and confirm suspicions that a Machado extension was only a pipe dream.
28. Kansas City Royals
Get ready for compensation draft picks! At least the Royals won a World Series before the core had to split. It looks increasingly unlikely that any of Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, or Lorenzo Cain return.
29. Detroit Tigers
The rebuild has begun in earnest. Michael Fulmer could be traded next as the Tigers try to restock the farm system. Fulmer is a great piece to build around, sure, but that's also the reason he'll fetch a better return than his contemporaries.
30. Miami Marlins
See you in 10 years, contention (maybe).
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)