We are quickly approaching August, and by the end of this week we’ll know for certain which teams are going for it, and which teams are packing it in. The MLB trade deadline is this Friday, and we’re expecting a lot of fireworks are the week moves on. Big names continue to be tossed around, and every contender will likely be looking to add another good bat to their lineup or some pitching help.

We’re seeing less week-to-week movement in our power ratings as we have a good feel now for how good teams are, but we’ll keep monitoring who gets hot (or cold) and makes a big move!

  

• The top third of the power ratings remained relatively unchanged as nobody has really set the world on fire over the past week.
• Even though the Dodgers are still likely the most talented team in the MLB, this season still feels very wide open and is setting up to be a very exciting October!
• The Seattle Mariners climb again, as they’re 8 games above .500 (54-46) despite a -52 run differential!
• The Miami Marlins climb 3 spots to number 22 this week. They actually have a positive run differential still, but their record isn’t quite reflecting it yet as they sit at 43-57.
• The Rangers are coming for the bottom spot! They’re lost 12 straight games, and the only thing Rangers fans are excited about right now is finding out who they’ll get back when (if?) they trade outfielder Joey Gallo.

• Trades are coming! There will be a lot of moving pieces over the next few days, so make sure to stay up-to-date with all the trades as much as possible, it will help to break down and handicap games!
• Boston plays Toronto and Tampa Bay this week in AL East action!
• Can the Angels make up any ground in the AL West? They’ll play the lowly Rockies this week before a big series against Oakland.
• The Dodgers and Giants face off again atop the NL West! Who will take the series this time around?
• The Phillies get the Nationals and Pirates this week as they look to close ground on the NL East leading New York Mets.
• The White Sox take on the Royals and the Indians this week. How much will they stretch their division lead this week?