MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Surging Up Rankings

Aug 2, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman

(21) celebrates scoring with center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

9. New York Mets (55-50) There aren’t many teams that have had a better 7-10 days than the Mets. First them improved their bench and lineup, trading for Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe from the Atlanta Braves. It was then announced Jenrry Mejia failed a second test for substance abuse, but the Mets traded for Tyler Clippard to step in during late game situations out of the bullpen. The debacle with the Milwaukee Brewers and Carlos Gomez looked like it would put a damper on the Mets, but Sandy Alderson stepped up big time landing Yoenis Cespedes from the Tigers, finally getting the Mets the bat for their middle of the lineup they desperately needed. The sweep of the Nationals over the weekend was the cherry on top as the Mets are now tied for first place in the NL East.

8. Chicago Cubs (57-47) The Cubs were in talks with the Padres in a megadeal that involved Tyson Ross and Craig Kimbrel, but those talks ultimately fell through. Instead, the Cubs settled for Dan Haren from the Marlins as they were shedding payroll rapidly. The veteran will help stabilize the backend of the Cubs rotation, while they acquired Tommy Hunter to help in the bullpen. While those moves may not help the Cubs catch the Pirates or Cardinals, it will help them in their pursuit of a playoff spot. What will not help is Kris Bryant being out of the lineup, as he was forced from their game Sunday with dizziness after a head first slide.

7. San Francisco Giants (57-47) The Giants went into the deadline the same way they went into the offseason; looking for a starting pitcher. It looked like they would strikeout again at the deadline, but they were able to snag Mike Leake from the Reds after talks with the Phillies for Cole Hamels slowed down. Leake is a great addition for the Giants even if he is a rental. He can replace one of the struggling pitchers such as Tim Hudson or Jake Peavy, giving the Giants another reliable arm behind Madison Bumgarner. He may not be David Price or Hamels, but Leake will certainly help the Giants for the stretch run.

Next: Yankees offense gets them in Top-5