MLB Power Rankings: Yankees Fall, Dodgers Rise as Trade Deadline Looms

The second half of the 2024 Major League Baseball season is in full swing, and all eyes are officially focused on trade season.

More news: MLB Trade Deadline Buyers and Sellers: Predictions for All 30 Teams

In less than a week, the MLB trade deadline will have passed, and every team will have had to make a decision about the remainder of their 2024 season.

Which teams are serious contenders? And which teams will be looking ahead to 2025 or beyond?

More News: Three MLB GMs Reveal Their Plans for Upcoming Trade Deadline

While those questions can’t exactly be answered on Wednesday, Newsweek Sports’ MLB Power Rankings will be a great way to know where teams stand entering the final week of July.

1. Philadelphia Phillies (64-37)

2. Baltimore Orioles (60-40)

3. Los Angeles Dodgers (61-41)

4. Cleveland Guardians (60-40)

5. New York Yankees (60-43)

6. Milwaukee Brewers (58-43)

7. Kansas City Royals (56-46)

8. Atlanta Braves (54-45)

9. Minnesota Twins (55-45)

10. Boston Red Sox (54-46)

11. Houston Astros (52-49)

12. Seattle Mariners (53-50)

13. Arizona Diamondbacks (52-50)

14. New York Mets (52-48)

15. San Diego Padres (53-50)

16. St. Louis Cardinals (53-48)

17. Pittsburgh Pirates (51-50)

18. Texas Rangers (49-52)

19. Tampa Bay Rays (51-50)

20. Detroit Tigers (50-52)

21. Chicago Cubs (49-54)

22. San Francisco Giants (48-54)

23. Cincinnati Reds (48-53)

24. Washington Nationals (47-54)

25. Toronto Blue Jays (45-55)

26. Los Angeles Angels (44-57)

27. Oakland Athletics (41-62)

28. Colorado Rockies (37-65)

29. Miami Marlins (36-65)

30. Chicago White Sox (27-76)

Biggest Risers

Detroit Tigers (+3)

The Tigers have gone 12-6 in July, making for a very interesting trade deadline decision. They play three games against the Guardians and two against the Twins. Then, they play a game just hours before the July 30 deadline. It’s safe to assume these six games will play a crucial role in Detroit’s deadline direction.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+2)

The sky appeared to be falling for the Dodgers after struggling before the All-Star break. It wasn’t. The Dodgers have gone 5-0 to start the second half, sweeping the Red Sox and winning the first two games of their series against the Giants. They have All-Star right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow coming off the injured list on Wednesday. Then, they have future first-ballot Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw coming off the injured list on Thursday.

Kansas City Royals (+2)

The Royals won the first four games out of the All-Star break before losing on Tuesday night. Still, they’re playing incredible baseball on both sides of the ball, and continue to remain in postseason position in a tight AL Wild Card race.

Biggest Fallers

San Francisco Giants (-4)

The Giants are getting dangerously close to “sellers” territory after losing four of their first five games out of the All-Star break. They could end up being one of this year’s biggest disappointments if they don’t quickly turn things around.