MLB Power Rankings: Did New York Yankees Finish Top-10?
Oct 4, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 1-0 at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
9. Houston Astros (86-76)
MVP: Jose Altuve
Cy Young: Dallas Keuchel
Most Disappointing: Carlos Gomez
The Astros are the biggest surprise entrants into the MLB postseason, as they were expected to be another year or two away from contending. Well, they crashed the party early in large part because of Altuve and Keuchel. Along with Altuve in the lineup, Carlos Correa has not disappointed as he should be adding a Rookie of the Year award to his mantle, and George Springer has helped the team go all season. Gomez was expected to do the same after being acquired at the trade deadline, but has come up way short of expectations.
8. New York Mets (90-72)
MVP: Yoenis Cespedes
Cy Young: Jacob deGrom
Biggest Disappointment: Bullpen
The Mets acquisition of Cespedes at the trade deadline from the Tigers may go down as one of the greats deadline trades in MLB history. He has been outstanding for the Mets, totally turning around an offense that was nonexistent before July 25th. On the mound, deGrom built off his 2014 Rookie of the Year award with another strong season as the epitome of consistency for the Mets rotation. But, the bullpen continues to be an Achilles heel for this team heading into the postseason, as Jeurys Familia is the only trustworthy arm down there right now.
7. Texas Rangers (88-74)
MVP: Prince Fielder
Cy Young: Yovani Gallardo
Biggest Disappointment: Elvis Andrus
It is nitpicking a bit to pick Andrus as the biggest disappointment, but that contract looks like it will be an albatross. He doesn’t do anything wrong on the field necessarily, just he won’t live up to the deal. Fielder bounced back nicely from a lost 2014, as Shin-Soo Choo, Adrian Beltre and Mike Napoli all got it going in the second half when the Rangers needed it most. This AL West title was hard earned, as they overcame their shortcomings, like losing Yu Darvish, because of overlooked veterans such as Gallardo. Shawn Tolleson was in consideration for Cy Young as well, as the Rangers bullpen was a mess until he stepped into the closer’s role and thrived.
Next: Three Division Winners