MLB Power Rankings: Who’s Baseball’s #1 Team on Opening Day?

 

The following analysis ranks MLB teams based on each respective team’s prospects for winning the World Series. Current World Series odds are provided in parentheses.

 

The 2016 MLB season is officially underway so get out your free bet guide. For gamblers who are looking to use their free bets on MLB futures, this first edition of the 2016 MLB Power Ratings could be a useful tool. If you are unsure whether or not your free bets can be used on futures bets, you should check your online sportsbook’s free bet guide for rules and conditions.

 

  1. Kansas City Royal (+1400) – While many experts see the Cubs as the top team, the Royals are the defending World Series Champs. They led the AL in wins in 2015 with 95, kept the same roster and until a kink in the armor is located, they have to start on top.

 

  1. Chicago Cubs (+450) – The addition of Jason Heyward and James Lackey gave the Cubs more depth. With Bryant, Russell and Soler having a year under their belts, the sky is the limit for the Cubs.

 

  1. San Francisco Giants (+750) – After winning the World Series in 2012 and 2014, the Giant are looking to continue its every other year trend. The addition of P Johnny Cueto and OF Denard Span makes this team all the more dangerous.

 

  1. Toronto Blue Jays (+1200) – They outscored the rest of the league by 130+ runs in 2015 and now benefit by having Tulowitzki to start the season. They will contend as long as the pitching holds up after losing David Price to free agency.

 

  1. New York Mets (+750) – Best young pitching staff, perhaps in history. If the offense is able to score runs, the Mets could win 95 games.

 

  1. Houston Astros (+1400) – Might be the best team in the AL. They are just too young to be sure until later into the season.

 

  1. Texas Rangers (+1800) – One of league’s best teams in second half of 2015. If Darvish returns in June and makes an impact, the Rangers could be scary.

 

  1. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1600) – Great outfield, bullpen and top half of the starting rotation. They may not have enough pop to score enough runs to win close games.

 

  1. St. Louis Cardinals (+1600) – Veteran team led the majors in games won last year. Solid squad, but core players are getting older.

 

  1. Washington Nationals (+1000) – Good core of young players to compliment Harper. They need a big year from Rendon and Strasburg.

 

  1. Boston Red Sox (+1000) – The addition of P David Price and the emergence of Betts and Bogaerts as stars makes this team a contender after last year’s debacle.

 

  1. Los Angeles Dodgers (+1200) – The loss of Greinke leaves the pitching staff shorthanded.

 

  1. Detroit Tigers (+2400) – Great offense, but can they get the pitching they need.

 

  1. Seattle Mariners (+3500) – Last year, the Mariners had injury issues. If they stay healthy, they can contend.

 

  1. Arizona Diamondbacks (+2500) – The Dbacks suffered the first major injury of the year when A.J Pollack went down in preseason and might be out for the year.

 

  1. New York Yankees (+1500) – Will all those old bodies hold up to the rigors of a full season?

 

  1. Cleveland Indians (+2400) – Great pitching staff, but inconsistent on offense however they are looking to make some major changes.

 

  1. Los Angeles Angels (+2800) – Veteran team could use an Ace.

 

  1. Chicago White Sox (+3300) – Great core of young players. Could get better as the year progresses.

 

  1. Baltimore Orioles (+3600) – Lost best pitcher in Chen to free agency.

 

  1. Miami Marlins (+5000) – How long will Stanton last this year?

 

  1. Tampa Bay Rays (+5000) – Can they score enough runs to support a solid pitching staff.

 

  1. Minnesota Twins (+6500) – Exciting young players and solid minor league system give this team hope,,,for next year.

 

  1. Cincinnati Reds (+10000) – Rebuilding around Votto.

 

  1. Colorado Rockies (+16000) – They will score runs, but give up more than they score.

 

  1. San Diego Padres (+12000) – Loss of Upton has them starting over yet again.

 

  1. Milwaukee Brewers (+15000) – Rebuilding.

 

  1. Oakland Athletics (+8000) – Billy Ball is falling on hard times.

 

  1. Philadelphia Phillies (+35000) – It we be interesting to see how all these young players jell.

 

  1. Atlanta Braves (+13000) – Rebuilding from scratch.

 

About tonysamboras

Tony Samboras is a sports journalist and contributor to many online publications.

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