New York Yankees Make Another Jump In MLB Power Rankings

The New York Yankees continue their climb up ESPN’s MLB Power Rankings.

The New York Yankees have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball thus far. There was excitement around the Yankees because of the youth in Spring Training. They want to be competitive this season, but still, have their eye towards the future. Their plans could be changing based on the early results.

The Yankees head into the fourth week of the season playing great baseball. People were worried about the lineup with Gary Sanchez went down with an injury, but they haven’t slowed down at all.

The Yankees are getting excellent contributions from up and down the lineup. Jacoby Ellsbury and Chase Headley are having bounce back seasons. Starlin Castro is near the top of the major leagues in hits. Aaron Judge showcases his power on a daily basis.

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The Yankees currently have seven players hitting .279 or higher. Their bullpen has been dominant, with Jonathan Holder holding the worst ERA out of the relievers with a 3.38. What makes this start even more impressive is the production, or lack thereof, from Masahiro Tanaka.

Tanaka has been brutal this season despite his 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA. His ERA is the worst on the staff by a large margin, as the next worst is Luis Severino with a 4.03 ERA. Severino has looked dominant recently, and we have seen Michael Pineda pitching strong games as well.

It has all amounted to a surprising 11-7 record. The Yankees had an amazing first homestand, winning the first seven games of the season at Yankee Stadium. Only the Chicago White Sox tripped them up once, as the Yankees swept the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals before taking two-of-three from the White Sox.

As a result, the Yankees have made another jump up ESPN’s MLB Power Rankings. The Yankees have moved into the fifth spot, jumping up from No.10 last week. Here is what was said about the Yankees spot in the power rankings.

"The early-season loss of Gary Sanchez has proved to be no issue for the rejuvenated Bronx Bombers. At plus-30, the Yankees have the best run differential in the majors. Defying expectations all around, their three best hitters are Starlin Castro, Chase Headley and Jacoby Ellsbury. Aaron Judge can’t stop hitting the cover off the ball. And CC Sabathia‘s renaissance continues as he leads a staff whose worst starter ERA belongs to Masahiro Tanaka — who finished seventh in Cy Young voting last year. — Sarah Langs, ESPN Stats & Information"

If Tanaka can turn things around the Yankees will be dangerous. They are succeeding right now without getting anything from the presumptive ace of their staff. He and the Yankees will be tested this week, as their lofty ranking will be put to the test.

Next: Week 3: AL East Power Rankings

The Yankees have their first series of the season against their biggest rivals in the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Yankees will then host the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. This is an important week early in the season for the Yankees. If they want to remain in the race in the American League and AL East, they need to beat teams like the Red Sox and Orioles.

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