MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Surging Up Rankings

Aug 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder

(22), left fielder

(11) and right fielder

(36) celebrate after defeating the Chicago White Sox 12-3 at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

6. Houston Astros (60-46) The Astros are going all in for this season. After the Mets trade with the Brewers fell through for Carlos Gomez, the Astros stepped up and traded for him. He will be a nice replacement production wise with George Springer on the DL. They also managed to improve their rotation in the same trade, acquiring Mike Fiers with Gomez from the Brewers. It wasn’t a cheap package, as they traded two top-100 prospects in Brett Phillips and Domingo Santana, but it will help them out a lot now. Fiers will shore up their rotation, giving the Astros two big additions with him and Scott Kazmir behind Dallas Keuchel. Gomez will step right into the leadoff spot vacated with Springer on the DL, and can move into a lower run producing spot in the lineup once he returns, giving the Astros one of the better defensive outfields in baseball.

5. New York Yankees (59-45) The Yankees are on fire, and have continued to widen their lead in the AL East after the break. They have gone 10-5, helping them to a six game lead. They were quiet at the deadline though, which could ultimately prove to be a costly decision. They held steadfast in not moving top prospects Aaron Judge, Luis Severino or Gregory Bird, but could have looked to make smaller moves to reinforce their roster. A bullpen arm could have helped take pressure off Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, but the Yankees wouldn’t pull the trigger on a deal involving top prospect Jorge Mateo. A starter could have helped as well, as C.C. Sabathia continues to be unproductive, and Michael Pineda was forced to the DL with a forearm strain.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (60-45) Somehow the Dodgers greatly improved their team without trading any of their top prospects, instead using Cuban defector Hector Olivera as the centerpiece of the 13-player three-team trade with the Braves and Marlins. The Dodgers managed to improve their pitching staff, adding Alex Wood and Mat Latos to their rotation in addition to Luis Avilan and Jim Johnson to their bullpen. Jose Peraza is another young prospect to add to their impressive collection they already have in place. They will need that help as the Giants are only 2.5 games behind the Dodgers and improved in their own way at the deadline.

Next: Do Cards stay at No.1?