Bobby Witt Jr.

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024 Most Valuable Player rankings, where we look at the top five players in each league. Let's run through some of the best performances through the first month and a half of the season. Odds courtesy theScore Bet.American League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A Jeffers might belong on this list just for giving the world the home-run sausage. He also deserves a place for what he's done in the batter's box. Jeffers has been one of the catalysts in Minnesota's offensive resurgence after a difficult start to the season, leading the majors in slugging. The catcher has improved his strikeout rate, leading to more contact in the zone and more baseballs flying over the fence. The Twins have navigated IL stints for Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton so far this season. Jeffers' torrid start at the plate has enabled the club to remain competitive in a stronger-than-expected AL Central.4. Kyle Tucker, Astros Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 The Astros have been MLB's biggest disappointment, but the blame shouldn't fall on Tucker's shoulders. He's been an offensive force at the plate, leading the AL in home runs (13) and wRC+ (181). Tucker finished fifth in MVP voting last season. The Astros will need him to keep up his career-best productivity if they hope to dig out of the early hole they've created for themselves in the AL West.3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 Witt inked a long-term extension with the Royals in the offseason and has come out of the gates like a house on fire. The young star has improved his plate discipline, nearly doubling his walk rate from last season. Witt's defensive play at shortstop continues to rank among the league's best. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average after finishing in the 98th percentile in 2023. Witt will be counted upon to continue to lead the way on both sides of the ball if Kansas City hopes to secure its first postseason berth since winning the 2015 World Series.2. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 It's not shocking that the Orioles have one of their young stars on this list. It may be a bit of a surprise, however, that it's Henderson and not catcher Adley Rutschman. Henderson's been the engine during Baltimore's strong start and is deserving of his place among the game's elite. Henderson became the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1 and has improved nearly all of his batted-ball metrics from his 2023 Rookie of the Year performance. The 22-year-old has also made huge strides against left-handed pitching (.317) after mustering a .209 average against southpaws last year. Henderson could be a mainstay on MVP lists for the next decade.1. Juan Soto, Yankees Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 Soto has been exactly as advertised in his first season in the Bronx. The offensive powerhouse has given a stagnant team a much-needed jolt. The Yankees have been missing a prolific power hitter from the left side to pair with Aaron Judge for years. Soto has fit like a glove in manager Aaron Boone's lineup while also showing a flair for the dramatic in big moments. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the trade for Soto knowing that he would test free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. After turning down a $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in 2022, it's abundantly clear that Soto will be looking for at least $500 million on a long-term deal. Soto is first in the AL in RBIs and on-base percentage, tied for second in fWAR, and is third in OPS.National League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 Bohm had struggled to live up to expectations after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 but has been excellent to start 2024. He's making more contact than ever, and the results have followed. Bohm is among the NL leaders in batting average and RBIs and is tied for the MLB lead in doubles as he's settled into the cleanup spot in Philadelphia's lineup. He should be able to put up big numbers if he can continue to build on a great start to the campaign.4. Marcell Ozuna, Braves Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 Where would the Braves be without Ozuna? The veteran slugger has been a rock for manager Brian Snitker, helping keep Atlanta near the top of the NL East despite slower starts from Ronald Acu a Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ozuna became the fastest Brave to reach 40 RBIs since Hank Aaron in 1970. He leads the NL in that stat while also sitting inside the top five in a number of other offensive categories. It's been a remarkable return to form for Ozuna over the last 12 months, as he has 50 home runs, 138 RBIs, and a 164 wRC+ over 164 games since May 1, 2023.3. William Contreras, Brewers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 Contreras has been the engine of a surprisingly strong Brewers offense. He's helped keep Milwaukee afloat despite Christian Yelich spending time on the injured list with a back injury. Contreras cut his strikeout rate by nearly 8% in two years as he continues to show growth at the plate. The 26-year-old is among the leaders in almost every offensive category among NL catchers. Contreras is on pace to push past his breakout 2023 campaign in which he was worth 5.7 fWAR.2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 If not for his Dodgers teammate, Ohtani would be the easy pick for the top spot on the list. A third MVP would put Ohtani in elite company, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. Many wondered what kind of numbers Ohtani would put up surrounded by incredible talent with the Dodgers after years in Anaheim. Through the season's first seven weeks, Ohtani is tearing the cover off the ball. He's top-five in the NL in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 There was some question about how Betts would handle the transition to shortstop after years as a Gold Glove outfielder. He's quickly silenced any doubts, grading out as an above-average defender while also putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Betts is the only player in baseball who could make such a drastic switch and somehow improve. That's what separates him from his teammate, Ohtani. The 31-year-old accrued 10.2 fWAR during his 2018 AL MVP campaign with the Boston Red Sox. He's on pace to eclipse that number this season.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024 Most Valuable Player rankings, where we look at the top five players in each league. Let's run through some of the best performances through the first month and a half of the season. Odds courtesy theScore Bet.American League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A Jeffers might belong on this list just for giving the world the home-run sausage. He also deserves a place for what he's done in the batter's box. Jeffers has been one of the catalysts in Minnesota's offensive resurgence after a difficult start to the season, leading the majors in slugging. The catcher has improved his strikeout rate, leading to more contact in the zone and more baseballs flying over the fence. The Twins have navigated IL stints for Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton so far this season. Jeffers' torrid start at the plate has enabled the club to remain competitive in a stronger-than-expected AL Central.4. Kyle Tucker, Astros Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 The Astros have been MLB's biggest disappointment, but the blame shouldn't fall on Tucker's shoulders. He's been an offensive force at the plate, leading the AL in home runs (13) and wRC+ (181). Tucker finished fifth in MVP voting last season. The Astros will need him to keep up his career-best productivity if they hope to dig out of the early hole they've created for themselves in the AL West.3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 Witt inked a long-term extension with the Royals in the offseason and has come out of the gates like a house on fire. The young star has improved his plate discipline, nearly doubling his walk rate from last season. Witt's defensive play at shortstop continues to rank among the league's best. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average after finishing in the 98th percentile in 2023. Witt will be counted upon to continue to lead the way on both sides of the ball if Kansas City hopes to secure its first postseason berth since winning the 2015 World Series.2. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 It's not shocking that the Orioles have one of their young stars on this list. It may be a bit of a surprise, however, that it's Henderson and not catcher Adley Rutschman. Henderson's been the engine during Baltimore's strong start and is deserving of his place among the game's elite. Henderson became the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1 and has improved nearly all of his batted-ball metrics from his 2023 Rookie of the Year performance. The 22-year-old has also made huge strides against left-handed pitching (.317) after mustering a .209 average against southpaws last year. Henderson could be a mainstay on MVP lists for the next decade.1. Juan Soto, Yankees Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 Soto has been exactly as advertised in his first season in the Bronx. The offensive powerhouse has given a stagnant team a much-needed jolt. The Yankees have been missing a prolific power hitter from the left side to pair with Aaron Judge for years. Soto has fit like a glove in manager Aaron Boone's lineup while also showing a flair for the dramatic in big moments. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the trade for Soto knowing that he would test free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. After turning down a $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in 2022, it's abundantly clear that Soto will be looking for at least $500 million on a long-term deal. Soto is first in the AL in RBIs and on-base percentage, tied for second in fWAR, and is third in OPS.National League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 Bohm had struggled to live up to expectations after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 but has been excellent to start 2024. He's making more contact than ever, and the results have followed. Bohm is among the NL leaders in batting average and RBIs and is tied for the MLB lead in doubles as he's settled into the cleanup spot in Philadelphia's lineup. He should be able to put up big numbers if he can continue to build on a great start to the campaign.4. Marcell Ozuna, Braves Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 Where would the Braves be without Ozuna? The veteran slugger has been a rock for manager Brian Snitker, helping keep Atlanta near the top of the NL East despite slower starts from Ronald Acu a Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ozuna became the fastest Brave to reach 40 RBIs since Hank Aaron in 1970. He leads the NL in that stat while also sitting inside the top five in a number of other offensive categories. It's been a remarkable return to form for Ozuna over the last 12 months, as he has 50 home runs, 138 RBIs, and a 164 wRC+ over 164 games since May 1, 2023.3. William Contreras, Brewers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 Contreras has been the engine of a surprisingly strong Brewers offense. He's helped keep Milwaukee afloat despite Christian Yelich spending time on the injured list with a back injury. Contreras cut his strikeout rate by nearly 8% in two years as he continues to show growth at the plate. The 26-year-old is among the leaders in almost every offensive category among NL catchers. Contreras is on pace to push past his breakout 2023 campaign in which he was worth 5.7 fWAR.2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 If not for his Dodgers teammate, Ohtani would be the easy pick for the top spot on the list. A third MVP would put Ohtani in elite company, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. Many wondered what kind of numbers Ohtani would put up surrounded by incredible talent with the Dodgers after years in Anaheim. Through the season's first seven weeks, Ohtani is tearing the cover off the ball. He's top-five in the NL in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 There was some question about how Betts would handle the transition to shortstop after years as a Gold Glove outfielder. He's quickly silenced any doubts, grading out as an above-average defender while also putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Betts is the only player in baseball who could make such a drastic switch and somehow improve. That's what separates him from his teammate, Ohtani. The 31-year-old accrued 10.2 fWAR during his 2018 AL MVP campaign with the Boston Red Sox. He's on pace to eclipse that number this season.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to the fourth edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2024 regular season. The last edition was published April 29. 1. Los Angeles Dodgers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 27-15 8-2 +74 2 (+1) This Dodgers offense is simply on another level. Their 220 runs scored are seven ahead of the second-place Phillies, and all six of their qualified position players have an OPS above .800 (seven if you count rookie Andy Pages). The pitching's also been great despite another rash of injuries to their staff. To put it simply, the Dodgers are exactly who we thought they were.2. Philadelphia Phillies Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 28-13 8-2 +62 5 (+3) The Phillies picked up right where they left off after winning 19 games in April, going 8-2 to begin this month. Bryce Harper's been a beast, slugging .647 with three homers, 11 RBIs, and nine runs scored in May, while Bryson Stott (1.158 OPS in his past eight games) has turned things around after a tough start. The rotation's been ridiculous, with Ranger Su rez (1.50 ERA) and Zack Wheeler (2.53 ERA) looking like early Cy Young front-runners.3. Baltimore Orioles Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 26-13 7-3 +49 4 (+1) The Orioles boast one of baseball's most well-rounded offenses. Gunnar Henderson is tied for second in MLB with 12 home runs, Adley Rutschman has a 131 OPS+, and both Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser look like major pieces to the puzzle moving forward. This team's only question mark is closer Craig Kimbrel - he's had several rough outings in May (6.75 ERA in four innings).4. New York Yankees Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 27-15 7-3 +54 3 (-1) It's a dogfight between the Yankees and Orioles atop the AL East, and two of New York's biggest pups are turning it on. Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo rank first and second in team OPS to begin the month after combining for five homers, 14 RBIs, and 18 hits through 10 games. When factoring in Juan Soto in the heart of the order, it's no wonder the Bronx Bombers are the second-highest scoring team in the AL.5. Atlanta Braves Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 24-13 5-5 +45 1 (-4) With the exception of Marcell Ozuna, the Braves' vaunted offense isn't quite out of its early-season sputter. But you'd be foolish to count them out. Brilliant pitching, led by Max Fried's return to form, has kept things steady, and the staff nearly threw a combined no-hitter against the Mets. This team will be fine.6. Milwaukee Brewers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 24-16 5-5 +35 6 (-) Milwaukee's bats, which have long been their undoing, are finally clicking. The Brewers have scored 203 runs and own the third-most fWAR (8.7) in baseball, behind only the Dodgers. As a result, they head into a crucial week sitting a half-game ahead of the Cubs in the NL Central, a place few expected this Brewers team would be in mid-May.7. Minnesota Twins Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 24-16 7-3 +27 17 (+10) While the Twins' summer sausage is making the headlines, the real story of this team is catcher Ryan Jeffers. He's slugged nine homers, driven in 30 runs, and posted a .292/.371/.617 slash line. His efforts, combined with the return of Carlos Correa and Max Kepler, have turned the Twins' lineup into a buzzsaw for opposing pitchers.8. Kansas City Royals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 25-17 6-4 +49 8 (-) Seth Lugo might be the best signing of the offseason. The 34-year-old, who inked a two-year, $30-million deal in December, owns an AL-best 1.66 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Vinnie Pasquantino is starting to help out Bobby Witt Jr. on the offensive side, with seven extra-base hits and a .992 OPS this month.9. Texas Rangers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 22-20 5-5 +20 9 (-) The Rangers are 6-6 in May with a rotation ravaged by injuries. Dane Dunning, Nathan Eovaldi, and Cody Bradford hit the injured list, while Max Scherzer is now dealing with a nerve issue amid his recovery from offseason back surgery. Marcus Semien's kept the team afloat with his bat, recording a hit in 10 of 12 games this month. Texas just needs to get healthy.10. Cleveland Guardians Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 25-16 5-5 +42 7 (-3) The Guardians' lineup took a big hit with Steven Kwan out four weeks due to a hamstring strain. The 26-year-old was slashing .353/.407/.496 with a team-leading 1.9 fWAR before the injury. Luckily, Triston McKenzie is pitching much better after a slow start. The right-hander owns a 2.28 ERA and 30 strikeouts over his last five starts (27 2/3 innings). 11. Chicago Cubs Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 24-17 5-5 +18 10 (-1) The Cubs persevered through injuries to Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki on the strength of their pitching. It hasn't just been Shota Imanaga, either. Javier Assad (1.70 ERA) and Jameson Taillon (1.13 ERA) have also been great, giving the team a formidable trio atop its rotation. Christopher Morel's really turned it on in May, hitting .235/.342/.588 with four homers in 10 games after slashing .215/.292/.374 with four home runs in 29 games in March/April.12. Seattle Mariners Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 22-19 5-5 +6 13 (+1) The Mariners are atop the AL West by a half-game almost entirely thanks to their brilliant starting pitchers. Despite scoring 17 runs against Oakland over the weekend, their offense continues to sputter, with star Julio Rodr guez (.633 OPS) leading the way in that regard. The Mariners are facing the Royals, Orioles, and Yankees over the next 11 days and need Rodr guez to start hitting if they're to survive this stretch with that division lead intact.13. San Diego Padres Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 22-21 7-3 +16 18 (+5) The addition of Luis Arraez seems to have lit a spark under the Padres. San Diego's won five of eight since his arrival, including a series win over the rival Dodgers on the weekend. Great pitching has also helped, of course, with Dylan Cease (7 IP, 0 ER, 12 K) and Yu Darvish (7 IP, 0 ER, 7 K) both turning in recent gems. 14. Boston Red Sox Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 21-19 4-6 +33 12 (-2) The impact of numerous injuries to position players is starting to be felt, as the offense has really struggled in recent weeks. The Red Sox scored two or fewer runs in six of their last nine games and have hit an MLB-worst three home runs over the last two weeks (12 games). Tyler O'Neill's really struggled in May, hitting .143/.250/.286 with 18 strikeouts and no home runs in 10 games.15. Arizona Diamondbacks Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 19-22 5-5 +17 14 (-1) We're all just waiting for Corbin Carroll to snap out of this funk. He's hitting .201/.287/.266 with two home runs on the season, a far cry from the all-around excellent numbers he put up during his 2023 NL Rookie of the Year campaign. The Diamondbacks need their young star to rediscover his form (and fast) if they want to avoid falling into an even deeper hole in the NL West.16. New York Mets Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 19-20 4-6 +1 15 (-1) It's been a rough start to May for Mets pitching. Jose Quintana owns a 14.09 ERA, Adrian Houser was moved to the bullpen, and the rotation as a whole combined for a 5.68 ERA, which ranks 28th in the majors. Brandon Nimmo's kept the team afloat on offense, but he was injured over the weekend, putting additional pressure on Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and J.D. Martinez to produce.17. Tampa Bay Rays Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 20-21 6-4 -32 22 (+5) The Rays are hovering around .500 and have a winning record this month despite a revolving door of injured players. Tampa Bay would be absolutely lost without Isaac Paredes, who continues to look like an All-Star, while Randy Arozarena (.618 SLG in May) and Yandy Diaz (.333 AVG in his last 10 games) are turning corners.18. Detroit Tigers Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 20-20 3-7 +3 16 (-2) Kerry Carpenter's found his stroke, slugging .696 with five extra-base hits in his last eight games. The Tigers are going to need him and Riley Greene to pick up the slack with Spencer Torkelson, Mark Canha, and Javier B ez struggling at the dish. Baez has three hits in 30 at-bats this month and hasn't homered since April 18.19. Toronto Blue Jays Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 18-22 3-7 -47 19 (-) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is showing signs of his previous All-Star self. The first baseman is hammering the ball and enjoyed a 10-for-20 stretch over his last five games. The only problem is that none of those hits were for extra bases. As the Blue Jays continue to tinker with a lineup that's scored the third-fewest runs in the majors, the pitching staff is springing leaks and has posted a 5.65 ERA in May, which is only better than the Marlins.20. Cincinnati Reds Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 17-23 1-9 -5 11 (-9) The Reds saw the biggest drop in the rankings following an eight-game losing streak. Cincinnati's bats went ice cold, scoring a combined 17 runs with a .279 slugging percentage. But Elly De La Cruz continues to put up video-game numbers. He's collected seven more steals in May to give him a whopping 25 through 39 games.21. Pittsburgh Pirates Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 18-23 4-6 -27 21 (-) Paul Skenes has arrived. Baseball's top-ranked pitching prospect showed signs of what makes him so special with seven strikeouts in his debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, impressing with a fastball that routinely exceeded 100 mph. He and fellow rookie flamethrower Jared Jones should form one of baseball's most exciting pitching duos for this fun-but-flawed Pirates team.22. Washington Nationals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 19-20 5-5 -7 25 (+3) The Nationals have given good teams trouble in May and had a hard-fought series split against the Baltimore Orioles. A driving force behind their recent success has been Luis Garc a Jr., who's emerged as another dynamic threat alongside CJ Abrams. He's slashing .303/.378/.576 with two home runs and a team-leading nine RBIs in May.23. San Francisco Giants Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 19-23 4-6 -39 20 (-3) Logan Webb summed up the Giants' play in May as "dogshit" after the club went 3-7 to begin the month. The slumping Reds also ended their prolonged losing skid with a win against San Francisco. The club's lineup was supposed to take a step forward with the high-profile additions of Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, and Jorge Soler. However, the trio's combined for 0.3 fWAR, and Lee is now out with a dislocated shoulder.24. Oakland Athletics Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 19-23 4-6 -32 26 (+2) No, there's not going to be a Major League-esque run in Oakland, so let's just applaud what the A's have done so far. A team written off for dead and playing out the string before relocating to a temporary home is only 3.5 games out of first place and has the best closer in baseball. Shea Langeliers, whose A's career got off to a slow start, owns a 1.289 OPS in May, good for the third-highest mark in MLB.25. Houston Astros Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 15-25 5-5 -28 24 (-1) Astros GM Dana Brown thinks his team is too good to sell off pieces at the trade deadline, but the dominating squad of years past continues not to show up. Houston owns the third-worst winning percentage in the AL and a minus-28 run differential, mostly due to a starting staff that has been brutal (5.25 ERA, 4.65 FIP). Houston's had the toughest schedule in the majors so far, going 10-22 against teams .500 or better.26. Los Angeles Angels Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / Getty Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 15-26 4-6 -37 27 (+1) Mike Trout was once again the Angels' only positive until his knee injury derailed what was looking like his best season in several years. After losing a weekend series to Kansas City, the Halos dropped to 4-7 in May and own the AL's third-worst run differential. Youngsters Zach Neto (.652 OPS), Nolan Schanuel (.638), Mickey Moniak (.659), Logan O'Hoppe (.690), and Jo Adell (.643) should all receive plenty of opportunity. Unfortunately they've all struggled this month.27. St. Louis Cardinals Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 16-24 2-8 -51 23 (-4) Things are not going well in Cardinals land. St. Louis dropped seven of its last eight games, star catcher Willson Contreras is expected to be out for 10 weeks with a fractured forearm, and manager Oliver Marmol appears to be on the hot seat. The club's offense was supposed to be strong but has the third-worst batting average (.220) in baseball to go along with the fourth-worst on-base percentage (.298). Paul Goldschmidt is 3-for-37 (.081) with 16 strikeouts this month, but he did homer for the first time in 16 games Sunday.28. Chicago White Sox Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 12-29 6-4 -90 30 (+2) The White Sox escaped the basement in the rankings after winning four of their last five with a pitching staff that allowed 14 runs during the stretch. Garrett Crochet is tops in the majors with a 12.34 K/9 among qualified starters after striking out a career-high 11 in his last start against the Guardians.29. Colorado Rockies Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 12-28 5-5 -67 29 (-) The Rockies' season-high four-game win streak, which included a sweep of the World Series champion Rangers, is a bright spot amid another tough campaign. Brenton Doyle had six hits, four runs, four RBIs, and one homer during the stretch while enjoying a solid start to his sophomore year. Overall, the 25-year-old outfielder is slashing .289/.340/.465 with four homers and seven stolen bases.30. Miami Marlins Record Last 10 RD Previous Rank 11-31 3-7 -89 28 (-2) Peter Bendix isn t winning over anyone in Miami. Disgruntled Marlins fans protested the team outside loanDepot Park after the first-year executive traded two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the Padres. He then made some shocking comments following the trade, saying after just 34 games that his team was unlikely to make the playoffs.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With MLB in a new golden era of shortstop play. Ben Verlander ranks the very best at the position and Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson and Elly De La Cruz are aiming for the top spot.

From surprise division leaders such as the Guardians and Brewers to the young sensations like Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz and Riley Greene, there have