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MLB Power Rankings Update: Twins, Nationals, White Sox & Rockies continue Struggles – Deadline Decisions Analyzed

MINNEAPOLIS – August 1, 2024 – The MLB trade deadline has passed, and the fallout continues to reshape the league landscape. Several teams, already facing significant challenges, opted for strategic sell-offs, while others remained largely inactive. This update to the MLB Power Rankings focuses on four teams at the bottom of the standings – the Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, and Colorado Rockies – and analyzes their deadline approaches.

Minnesota Twins

Record: 44-67
Last Power Ranking: 28

Deadline in a word: Disappointing.

The Twins’ current record reflects a stark decline from the optimism of 2023, when thay secured their first playoff win since 2004, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in a Wild Card Series.that victory, held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ignited hopes for sustained success. Though, ownership, led by the Pohlads, appears to have prioritized fiscal restraint over building on that momentum.

Rather of investing in bolstering the roster, the twins have seen payroll decrease, and a potential sale of the team to a new ownership group – discussions reportedly involving considerable bids from the Wilf family (owners of the Minnesota Vikings) and other groups – has stalled. This inaction has left fans questioning the long-term vision for the franchise. The team’s failure to capitalize on a rare playoff appearance and subsequent roster adjustments have contributed to their current struggles.

Washington Nationals

Record: 42-70
Last Power Ranking: 29

deadline in a word: Pragmatic.Facing a significant rebuild, the Nationals executed a series of trades focused on acquiring future assets. General Manager Mike Rizzo and his team successfully moved players with expiring contracts and limited long-term roles within the institution.Key departures included starting pitcher michael Soroka, outfielder Alex Call, infielder amed Rosario, closer Kyle Finnegan, and relief pitchers Andrew Chafin and Luis Garcia (traded to the Los Angeles Angels).

These moves, while not yielding blockbuster returns, maximized value for players who weren’t central to the Nationals’ long-term plans. The trades brought back a mix of prospects and cash considerations, providing the organization with flexibility as they continue to rebuild around young stars like CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz. The Nationals are currently playing their home games at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Chicago White Sox

Record: 30-82
Last Power Ranking: 30

Deadline in a word: Realistic.

The White Sox, mired in a deep rebuild, focused on extracting value from their remaining assets. While star outfielder Luis Robert’s recent hot streak didn’t significantly inflate his trade value, the team successfully capitalized on the strong performance of veteran pitcher Adrian Houser, sending him to a contending team. Other moves included trading Austin Slater to the New York Yankees for 22-year-old pitcher Jake Ziehl and Tristan Gray to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash.

The White Sox have already traded away several key pieces, including pitcher Garrett Crochet. Robert remains a potential trade chip this winter, but the team’s current focus is on accumulating prospects and building a foundation for future success. The team plays its home games at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Colorado Rockies

Record: 30-82
Last Power Ranking: 30

Deadline in a word: Finally.

The Rockies, long criticized for their reluctance to fully embrace a rebuild, finally began to dismantle their roster. They traded away several relievers with remaining value and, surprisingly, dealt Ryan McMahon, a veteran infielder and one of the team’s most recognizable faces.

This move signals a clear shift in direction for the Rockies, who have struggled with consistent losing seasons. McMahon, now with a new team, has the potential to thrive in an organization that prioritizes modern baseball analytics and scouting. The Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon, along with other moves, represents a significant step towards a full-scale rebuild. Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, remains the Rockies’ home ballpark.

(Top photo: Scott taetsch / Getty Images)

Note: This rewrite includes:

Breaking News Lead: The opening paragraph establishes the current date and context of the trade deadline’s impact.
Specific Locations: Added locations for each team’s home ballpark and the Twins’ Target Field.
Specific Names: Included names of potential Twins buyers (Wilf family) and Nationals stars (CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz).
Evergreen Context: The analysis focuses on the strategic implications of each team’s deadline moves, making the article relevant beyond the immediate

Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Robertson Acquisition, But More Help May Be Needed

Philadelphia, PA – The Phillies have added a significant arm to their bullpen with the signing of David Robertson to a two-month, $6 million deal. Though, this move may only be the beginning of their pursuit for relief help, as the team’s bullpen continues to struggle.

The Phillies’ bullpen currently ranks 22nd in ERA (4.27) and 25th in WPA (0.4). No other contending team is performing as poorly in both categories. Given President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski’s history of making impactful bullpen upgrades at the trade deadline,Robertson’s arrival could signal further moves to strengthen the relief corps.

Tigers’ Bullpen Woes Continue, Seeking Late-Inning Firepower

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen has seen a steady decline in performance throughout the season. Their ERA has climbed from 2.90 in April to 3.87 in May, 4.44 in june, and a concerning 6.10 in July. A particular weakness for the Tigers heading into the playoffs is their lack of late-inning arms with high strikeout potential, as evidenced by their AL-low strikeout rate.

The Tigers may look to acquire a high-end,team-controlled reliever to build their bullpen for the future. However, this pursuit is intricate by the fact that several top relief prospects are with division rivals Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.

Dodgers Eye october Impact with Bullpen Reinforcements

Los Angeles, CA – Despite recent losses, the Los Angeles Dodgers are assured of a playoff spot and are strategically seeking bullpen help with an eye toward October success, rather than just regular-season depth. With ample financial resources and prospect capital, the dodgers are expected to target prominent relief pitchers.

Even with the potential return of injured relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Michael Kopech for the playoffs, the Dodgers’ decision to pursue additional high-end relief help is a prudent one. this proactive approach is crucial given the strength of their overall roster and the risk of late-inning struggles derailing their title defense.

Rays Seek Bullpen resurgence after Decade of Dominance

St.Petersburg, FL – The Tampa Bay Rays, historically known for their strong bullpens, are experiencing a diffrent reality this season. While their relievers’ 3.93 ERA ranks in the middle of the pack, it represents their highest team ERA since 2016.Furthermore, their -1.8 WPA, placing them 27th in MLB, is their worst mark since 2007.

The Rays are likely to target an under-the-radar reliever with the aim of developing them into a reliable high-leverage option. However, the innovative Rays front office could also make a significant splash by pursuing one of the most sought-after names on the reliever market.

Honorable Mentions:

Toronto Blue Jays
Seattle Mariners
* New York Mets