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With spring training games starting Friday, it's time to start ranking the MLB teams for the upcoming season. Which teams made the biggest moves in the offseason and will that have an impact on their ranking? Let's take a look at Sportskeeda’s MLB Power Rankings:
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are as the top team in Sportskeeda’s MLB Power Rankings due to their well-rounded lineup and pitching staff, despite losing some aging players in the offseason.
The team's seventh-ranked offense has improved with the addition of José Abreu and a full season from Michael Brantley, while younger players like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez are also solid contributors. Though some question the Astros' offseason strategy, their pitching depth and strong core make them a contender for the World Series.
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Click here for more on the Astros’ projected 2023 lineup.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves had one of the best offenses in baseball last season, and they look even better this year. They have a healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies for a full season, and newcomers like Matt Olson and Michael Harris will add to their strong lineup.
The Braves also acquired catcher Sean Murphy and signed him to a six-year extension, which will give them a long-term answer behind the plate. Although they lost Dansby Swanson, they are confident that Orlando Arcia and Vaughn Grissom can fill his role.
The Braves are aiming for their sixth straight National League East title, even as the New York Mets threaten to challenge them in the division this season.
Click here for more on the Braves’ projected 2023 lineup:
San Diego Padres
Despite MVP-caliber work from Manny Machado, the Padres did not perform as well as they could have in 2022. However, with the return of Fernando Tatis Jr., who is capable of an MVP season, and the addition of Xander Bogaerts, the Padres might be the most talented team in the sport. But Tatis will have to adjust to the outfield, and other positional transitions are likely, which could be challenging.
New York Mets
The Mets had a busy offseason, signing Justin Verlander and adding to their bullpen and offense. Without Carlos Correa, they are still expected to repeat last year's 101-win total, especially if Verlander can give them more starts than Jacob deGrom did.
Their offense is well-balanced, with a strong table-setter in Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. However, the back half of their lineup is a question mark, with Daniel Vogelbach and Mark Canha's potential being limited. The Mets' high payroll and reliance on Verlander and Max Scherzer make it World Series or bust for the team.
Click here for more on the Mets’ 2023 lineup.
New York Yankees
The Yankees had a strong offense, finishing second in baseball in runs scored in 2022, but they seemed to rely too much on one player's performance. However, with Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres in their lineup, the Yankees have the potential for a great offense.
The team won the American League East, re-signed Aaron Judge and added Carlos Rodon in the offseason, but they face uncertainty at the shortstop position. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a candidate, but the Yankees would prefer for one of their prospects, Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza, to win the job.
Click here for more on the Yankees' projected 2023 lineup:
LA Dodgers
The Dodgers have a great lineup, with two MVPs in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and one of the best hitting catchers in baseball in Will Smith. However, after the top three, the lineup is full of question marks.
The Dodgers have swapped Justin Turner to the Red Sox for J.D. Martinez; and center field and left field are major questions. Three of the infield spots will be filled by the foursome of Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Miguel Vargas and Miguel Rojas, and it remains to be seen if their young players can make up for major losses.
Click here for more on the Dodgers’ projected 2023 lineup.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays finished fourth in runs scored in 2022, but they only scratched the surface of their potential. Despite the trade of Teoscar Hernández, their lineup still has a lot of potency with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Daulton Varsho.
The addition of Brandon Belt and Kevin Kiermaier, along with the experience of left-handed hitters, adds balance to their lineup and helps them against unfavorable platoon matchups.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies will likely miss Bryce Harper for around half the season due to his elbow surgery, which is a significant blow to their offense. Despite this, they have a chance to be a top-three offense in baseball by the end of the season with the potential of their hitters.
However, they need to address their negatives from last year, including inconsistent performances from players like Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm and Rhys Hoskins. The Phillies signed shortstop Turner and added more bullpen depth, but they need to improve their record against their rivals to better their 87-75 record of last season.
Click here for more on the Phillies' projected 2023 lineup.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals added significant offense by signing catcher Willson Contreras, but may have sacrificed some defense in the process. The team's lineup, anchored by Contreras, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, looks solid, but the strength of the starting pitching will be a key factor in the team's success.
The Cardinals could use their outfield depth to make a trade for a starting pitcher, as the fifth spot in the rotation is a question mark.
LA Angels
The Angels have spent $90 million on six new players in an attempt to deepen their roster. They have been hindered by injuries in recent years and were too top-heavy, but with their new additions, they now have a deeper position-player group that could keep them relevant in September.
The team is hoping that a healthy Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Anthony Rendon, along with an underrated starting rotation, will help them make the playoffs.
