MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Surge Back Into Top-10

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Jul 11, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (center facing) is mobbed at home after hitting a game winning two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourteenth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-5 in fourteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kansas City Royals (52-34) The Royals could be unexpected players on the trade market, as the injury to Alex Gordon is a huge blow to the Royals. They were able to whether the storm thus far, going 6-1 this week, but without their All-Star in left field the Royals could need some help. Alex Rios already was giving the Royals some thought as to needing to add a bat, but with Gordon now sidelined potentially the remainder of the regular season it should cement them as buyers at the deadline. They won’t add just anyone though, as they are sitting in a great position with the best record in the AL; they will probably just need to add a complimentary piece with Gordon down.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates (53-35) The Pirates are heading into the break with as much momentum as any team in baseball. They have won five consecutive series, including taking three of four from the Cardinals in dramatic fashion in their last series of the first half. They have put a huge dent in the Cardinals NL Central lead, which is now down to 2.5 games thank to consecutive walk off wins. Andrew McCutchen delivered the heroics Saturday night with a walk-off home run in the 14th inning, while Gregory Polanco did the favor on Sunday Night Baseball in the 10th. But, everything isn’t all positive for the Pirates, as they lost third baseman Josh Harrison for weeks with a fractured thumb.

1. St. Louis Cardinals (56-33) This is the most heat the Cardinals have had on their top spot in the rankings in a long time. It would seem injuries are beginning to catch up to the Cardinals, as their once seemingly insurmountable lead has shrunk to only 2.5 games over the Pirates. The excruciating losses they suffered in the last two games of the series against the Pirates is a tough way to head into the All-Star break as it will leave a sour taste in their mouth. They still have the best record in baseball, but it is fair to question how much longer that will be the case as the Pirates are coming for them.

Next: How different were the Power Rankings last week?

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