Uncovering Baseball’s Silent Stars
By Grant Brisbee, Kaitlyn McGrath, and Stephen J. Nesbitt
Every week, we reach out to a handpicked array of baseball aficionados — both local and national — to rank the teams from the top to the bottom. Here are the collective findings from this week’s analysis.
At this stage of the season, with six weeks left to play, the heat is on in the championship run, and the contenders for the prestigious annual accolades are beginning to emerge.
With players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge making strong cases for the American League MVP title, and Shohei Ohtani proving his worth not only as a pitcher but also as a hitter, the awards race is heating up. Corbin Burnes and Tarik Skubal are making waves in the AL Cy Young Award conversation, while Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler are leading contenders in the NL.
While many players are receiving well-deserved recognition for standout performances, there are some who are quietly excelling under the radar. In this edition of the power rankings, we shine a light on those unsung heroes who are making significant contributions to their teams.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 74-52
Last Power Ranking: 3
Sneaky-good season: RHP Gavin Stone
The Dodgers owe a lot to Stone this season. Despite struggles from key starters, Stone has stepped up with solid performances, helping stabilize the rotation. His consistent outings have been crucial for the team, especially given the unforeseen challenges they’ve faced with multiple pitchers on the injured list. Stone’s reliability has been a lifeline for the Dodgers in a tight NL West race. – Grant Brisbee
New York Yankees
Record: 73-52
Last Power Ranking: 1
Sneaky-good season: RHP Michael Tonkin
Tonkin’s journey this season has been tumultuous, but he has found his stride with the Yankees, proving his worth as a key reliever. His newfound success comes after a rocky start with multiple teams, showcasing resilience and determination. Tonkin’s adaptability and improved performance have earned him a spot in the Yankees’ bullpen trust circle. – Kaitlyn McGrath
