MLB Power Rankings: Red Sox and Cubs on World Series collision course?

1. Chicago Cubs (94-55, previously No. 1) – The Cubs have leveled off of late, but they have all but wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the NL playoffs, which is the only thing that really matters. They can begin to set their rotation and will enter the postseason as likely the odds on favorites to win the World Series.

2. Boston Red Sox (92-64, previously No. 5) – Winners of 11 straight, the Red Sox are the hottest team in the league and it’s come at the perfect time as they have clinched a playoff spot, should clinch the AL East in the coming days and now are in a battle for the AL’s top seed. Their rotation and bullpen have stepped up of late and is the biggest reason why they have been on the run that they have.

3. Texas Rangers (92-64, previously No. 3) – Texas has slipped a bit of late as now they are in a battle with both the Red Sox and Indians for the No. 1 spot in the American League and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This would be vital for them as they are 50-25 at home this season, the second-best mark in the AL.

4. Washington Nationals (91-64, previously No. 2) – Although the Nationals have clinched the NL East, they now have their eyes on the No. 2 seed in the NL and homefield advantage in the divisional round against the Dodgers. They will be dangerous in the postseason with Max Scherzer and Tanner Roark leading the rotation.

5. Cleveland Indians (90-65, previously No. 4) – The Indians have scuffled of late which has made things interesting in the American League as it’s now a battle for all three top seeds going into the postseason. Cleveland’s pitching will be interesting as there are rumors it will go to a three-man rotation for the playoffs.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (90-66, previously No. 6) – The Dodgers have caught fire at the right time as they have clinched the NL West and now are battling the Nationals for the No. 2 spot in the postseason. The last few weeks have been focused on Vin Scully, but their play on the field has been equally impressive.

7. Toronto Blue Jays (86-69, previously No. 8) – Toronto has picked a good time to win seven of its last 10 games as they seem like a lock for one of the AL Wild Card teams as they will likely play the Orioles in that game. It seems like it will come down to pitching as certainly they have one of the best offenses in the game.

8. Baltimore Orioles (85-71, previously No. 7) – Despite struggling of late, the Orioles were able to get back on track over the weekend and have a 1.5-game lead over the Tigers for Wild Card. Like Toronto, it comes down to pitching as the Orioles have been led by the offense, but haven’t been as consistent from the mound.

9. Detroit Tigers (83-72, previously No. 12) – Detroit has lost two straight games, which has set them back in its quest for one of the Wild Card spots. They need to catch fire this week and get some help from the Blue Jays because as of now it looks like the Tigers will be on the outside looking in.

10. New York Mets (83-73, previously No. 9) – The Mets seem to be one of the only locks for the National League Wild Card game as they have won six of their last 10 and are playing well at the right time. They have started to get consistent performances with both their offense and pitching staff, which could go a long way in the postseason.

11. Seattle Mariners (82-73, previously No. 10) – Although they made a good run in the second half of the season, it doesn’t seem like they will make the postseason. They did build a solid foundation for future years this year as they have the players in place to be successful for the years to come.

12. San Francisco Giants (82-74, previously No. 11) – The Giants and Cardinals are in a battle for the final NL Wild Card spot and it could come down to the last day of the season. With Jonny Cueto and Madison Bumgarner leading the way in the rotation, they could have the advantage down the stretch.

13. Houston Astros (82-74, previously No. 14) – Houston appears to be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but the focus on them this week likely will be on Jose Altuve and his quest to win the American League batting crown. He currently leads David Ortiz by 16 points.

14. St. Louis Cardinals (78-71, previously No. 13) – The final NL Wild Card spot will come down to the Cardinals and the Giants. The Cardinals may catch a break as they finish the year with series’ against the Reds and Pirates, which gives them a chance to finish the year off strong.

15. New York Yankees (79-76, previously No. 15) – While the Yankees are out of the playoff picture, they do have a chance to impact potential seeding as they finish the year off with games against the Red Sox and Orioles – all at home.

16. Kansas City Royals (79-77, previously No. 16) – Kansas City has won two straight games, but it just couldn’t sustain solid play for extended periods of time this season and that is what was the reason why they won’t be playing October baseball. With the way the last two seasons have gone, it was a frustrating year.

17. Miami Marlins (77-78, previously No. 17) – It doesn’t matter that the Marlins won’t be making the postseason as Jose Fernandez was tragically killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning. The team cancelled its game against the Braves on Sunday.

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (74-78, previously No. 18) – The Pirates didn’t have the greatest of seasons and won’t make the playoffs, but will have an impact on the NL Wild Card race as they will take on the Cardinals over the weekend, as they will be in the mix for the final NL Wild Card spot.

19. Chicago White Sox (74-81, previously No. 20) – Looking back at the 2016 White Sox season, it will be remembered for what it could have been. With the talent on the roster, especially in the starting rotation, this is a team that should have made the postseason.

20. Colorado Rockies (73-83, previously No. 19) – Colorado continues to score runs, which may be a hint to management to go out and sign a star pitcher as it’s clear that is what is holding the team back from contending in the NL West.

21. Philadelphia Phillies (70-86, previously No. 22)

22. Los Angeles Angels (69-87, previously No. 24)

23. Milwaukee Brewers (68-82, previously No. 21)

24. Oakland Athletics (67-88, previously No. 23)

25. San Diego Padres (66-90, previously No. 28)

26. Tampa Bay Rays (65-90, previously No. 25)

27. Cincinnati Reds (65-90, previously No. 26)

28. Arizona Diamondbacks (64-91, previously No. 27)

29. Atlanta Braves (58-91, previously No. 29)

30. Minnesota Twins (56-100, previously No. 30)