MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Surging Up Rankings

Aug 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher

(46) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

12. Toronto Blue Jays (54-52) Arguably the winners of the trade deadline, the Blue Jays made the biggest surprising move trading with the Rockies for franchise cornerstone Troy Tulowitzki. Somehow the Blue Jays managed to upgrade their already MLB best offense, trading Jose Reyes and a couple prospects. They didn’t stop there, trading for David Price from the Tigers, which cost them top prospect Daniel Norris. They also upgraded their bullpen, as they got LaTroy Hawkins with Tulowitzki, and traded for Mark Lowe from the Mariners. The Blue Jays are loaded and extended their window to contend with their moves the last week. They showed they are for real taking three of four from the Royals this past week.

11. Baltimore Orioles (53-51) The Orioles lineup is rolling right now, and they managed to upgrade it still by trading for Gerardo Parra from the Brewers. He will help fill the hole they have in left field, as he is in the midst of a career season. The Orioles still have some concerns with their pitching staff, as they just released Bud Norris. But, they were unable to land one at the deadline, as they seemed to be more focused on adding a bat. They’re heading in the right direction for the Wild Card, as the team’s ahead of them, the Angels and Twins, are going backwards. They have to hold off the hard charging and much improved Blue Jays though, as they are going hard to end their playoff drought.

10. Washington Nationals (54-49) The Nationals have to be worried with how the Mets loaded up at the deadline while they stood by rather idly. They did add Jonathan Papelbon to be their closer, but there is an argument that could be made that Drew Storen is better off in that role. He was supposedly unhappy about it, but will be a good soldier and be the set-up man for Papelbon. The Nationals have to hope guys like Stephen Strasburg and Denard Span can help improve their team when they come off the DL because the Mets loaded up and can compete with them, evidence by the sweep they were handed.

Next: Mets coming alive