Red Sox rocket up latest MLB power rankings

While the top of the MLB power rankings remain the same, there has been movement elsewhere.

The Red Sox have rocketed up the standings and back into the playoff picture after a 15-game winning streak, going from sellers to buyers. The Marlins, meanwhile, have lost 12 consecutive games and are likely sellers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, Brewers, Rays and Braves continue to be the class of the majors, separating themselves from the rest of the league.

MLB power rankings ahead of the August 3 trade deadline

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-39)

The Dodgers will fill one of their openings internally as closer Edwin Diaz is expected to be activated on Wednesday. As Roki Sasaki has impressed in his two starts to begin the second half, the Dodgers may not have many holes ahead of the trade deadline.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (66-39)

The Brewers are reportedly aiming high ahead of the deadline, targeting starter Tarik Skubal and closer Mason Miller. Pairing Skubal with flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski could give the Brewers the 1-2 punch they need to win their first World Series in franchise history.

3. Atlanta Braves (62-43)

The Braves should get outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. back from the injured list soon, adding an impact bat to the lineup. However, the Braves need to address the rotation and add more depth to the lineup if they are going to beat the Dodgers and/or Brewers in October.

4. New York Yankees (59-46)

The Yankees suffered another blow as outfielder Cody Bellinger landed on the IL on Sunday. With outfielder Aaron Judge also sidelined, and the Yankees playing approximately .500 ball since he was placed on the IL, the next week should be a busy one in the Bronx.

5. Chicago Cubs (59-46)

The Cubs may have an unexpected opening in the rotation. Starter Jameson Taillon was hit hard again on Sunday, allowing seven runs on six hits, including three homers, and two walks over four innings. Manager Craig Counsell stated the Cubs need to discuss what is best for the pitching staff going forward and would not commit to Taillon making his next scheduled start.

6. Tampa Bay Rays (62-43)

Another perennially contending small market team looking to win their first championship, the Rays are well positioned to make a significant splash at the trade deadline. They have been linked to Skubal as well and have the type of farm system that could lead to several impact moves in the coming week.

7. Boston Red Sox (54-50)

The Red Sox made their first move ahead of the deadline, acquiring infielder Curtis Mead from the Nationals in exchange for pitcher Connelly Early. Mead should help lengthen the lineup but the Red Sox paid a steep price for a relatively unproven commodity.

8. Chicago White Sox (55-49)

The White Sox have clear needs in the rotation and bullpen. While adding Miller would give the White Sox a long term option for the ninth inning, adding veteran options who have been through the postseason could have a tangible impact on the young roster.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates (54-52)

The Pirates playoff hopes could be determined in the coming days with a huge three-game series against the Diamondbacks starting on Monday. If they are able to solidify their place as a viable threat for the postseason, the Pirates still need to be concerned with starter Paul Skenes, who has been inconsistent at best this season.

10. Washington Nationals (54-52)

The Nationals are reportedly looking to straddle the line between buying and selling ahead of the trade deadline. Swapping Mead for Early fits those plans as the Nationals shored up a rotation that has more question marks than answers.

And the rest of the league:

11. Arizona Diamondbacks (55-51)

12. Philadelphia Phillies (57-49)

13. St. Louis Cardinals (53-52)

14. Detroit Tigers (50-56)

15. Miami Marlins (52-54)

16. Seattle Mariners (52-54)

17. Cleveland Guardians (54-53)

18. Baltimore Orioles (51-55)

19. San Diego Padres (53-53)

20. Texas Rangers (53-52)

21. Minnesota Twins (53-54)

22. Houston Astros (52-55)

23. San Francisco Giants (44-61)

24. Toronto Blue Jays (48-58)

25. Cincinnati Reds (49-55)

26. New York Mets (44-62)

27. Los Angeles Angels (42-64)

28. Kansas City Royals (45-62)

29. Colorado Rockies (42-65)

30. Athletics (44-61)