MLB Power Rankings: New No. 1 team and intense battle for NL Cy Young

Nypost · May 15, 2026 · 1862 words · By Jack Harris

Cy Young Award Race MLB Team Performance

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Daily briefing

What to know about Cy Young Award Race

Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.

Claims checked 69

Techniques found 3

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center0%

Right100%

1 source compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.

Why it matters

Here is this week’s edition (records through Thursday night): 1.) Braves (30-14) The Braves are back in the top spot after a one-week absence, producing two statement series wins over the Dodgers and Cubs to become the first team to reach 30 wins this season.

Common ground

Matt Olson remains perhaps the most consistent hitter in the majors so far this year, while Chris Sale and Bryce Elder have emerged as arguably the league’s best 1-2 rotation punch.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Name Calling / Labeling, Exaggeration / Hyperbole: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Cy Young Award Race story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that Astros (17-28)?
How does this story connect Cy Young Award Race with MLB Team Performance over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/05/15/sports/mlb-power-rankings-award-tracker-shohei-oht…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 3 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 90% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Name Calling / Labeling 70% confidence

Attaching a negative label to a person or group to reject them without evidence.

Why it matters: Recognizing name calling / labeling helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Exaggeration / Hyperbole 80% confidence

Overstating facts or claims to create a stronger emotional response.

Why it matters: Recognizing exaggeration / hyperbole helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 69 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 59

info Single Source 6

help Insufficient Evidence 2

check_circle Corroborated 1

verified Verified 1

schedule

Claim 1: “Astros (17-28)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 2: “Tigers (19-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 3: “Last year they had a 15-4 stretch in late May/early June, yet still finished eight games below .500”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 4: “Chase DeLauter (.294 average, .879 OPS)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 5: “White Sox (22-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 6: “Since then, they are 5-18”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 7: “Mariners (22-23)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 8: “their lineup is top-five in OPS and runs scored, while their pitching staff ranks 10th in ERA”

SINGLE SOURCE

While one source mentions the Cubs ranking in the top five of 'The Athletic's MLB power rankings', there is no evidence provided regarding specific OPS, runs scored, or ERA rankings.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The official standings for the Cubs including division and league standings for regular season, wild card, and playoffs.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/standings

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — pegging Chicago for third place and its first sub-.500 finish since 2014.
https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=Standing…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Chicago Cubs rank in the top five in The Athletic’s MLB power rankings.
https://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2026/03/chicago-cubs-rank-i…

schedule

Claim 9: “Nationals (21-23)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 10: “Jacob Misiorowski (3-2, 2.12 ERA, 51 innings, 80 strikeouts, 0.90 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 11: “Jacob deGrom (2.62 ERA)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 12: “Athletics (22-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 13: “Yodan Alvarez... batting below .200 in May”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 14: “Cardinals (25-18)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 15: “Blue Jays (19-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 16: “team with the majors’ worst run differential and team ERA”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 17: “finishing April with a series win against the Dodgers and a 15-16 record”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 18: “In the last three weeks, they are 16-3 and have overtaken the Yankees for first place in the AL East”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 19: “José Ramírez is batting .207, Steven Kwan is batting .206”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 20: “Twins (20-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 21: “There are 19 teams in MLB with negative run differentials. The Padres are the only ones more than two games above .500”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 22: “Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn’t hit a homer in nearly a month, and has a higher on-base than slugging percentage”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 23: “Rangers (21-22)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 24: “Paul Skenes (6-2, 1.98 ERA, 50 innings, 56 strikeouts, 0.64 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 25: “Royals (19-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 26: “Rays (28-14)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 27: “Catcher Shea Langaliers is leading the AL in batting average at .331”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 28: “Corey Seager and his .179 batting average”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 29: “Angels (16-28)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 30: “the Yankees not only lost five of six games (including a sweep to the Brewers that leaves them 1-8 against opponents with winning records)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The search results provided are generic news homepages (Google News, Fox News, AP) and do not contain any specific information about the Yankees' record against the Brewers or winning teams.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Stay informed with the latest news and updates from around the world on Google News.
https://news.google.com/?hl=en-US&ceid=US:en

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — A global oil bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz has created a financial windfall on the other side of the world in New Mexico that is both enviable and politically sensitive in a Democratic-dominated …
https://apnews.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Latest Current News: U.S., World, Entertainment, Health, Business, Technology, Politics, Sports.
https://www.foxnews.com/

schedule

Claim 31: “Marlins (20-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 32: “Braves (30-14)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The web search results for this claim provided general information about the city of Atlanta and tourism, but no sports statistics or records for the Atlanta Braves.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Atlanta[a] is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the county seat of Fulton County and extends into neighboring DeKalb County.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Explore things to do in Atlanta, popular attractions, events, restaurants & nearby hotels to help plan your trip or weekend in Atlanta.
https://discoveratlanta.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Jul 31, 2025 · Discover fun things to do in Atlanta, including family-friendly attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola museum and Center for Puppetry Arts.
https://travel.usnews.com/Atlanta_GA/Things_To_Do/

schedule

Claim 33: “Jacob Misiorowski... thanks to a 2.12 ERA and MLB-most 80 strikeouts”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 34: “sitting just a game back of the Guardians”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 35: “Mets (18-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 36: “Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (3-2, 0.82 ERA, 44 innings, 50 strikeouts, 0.82 WHIP)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

help

Claim 37: “Dodgers (26-18)”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found after searching for the Dodgers' record.

schedule

Claim 38: “Red Sox (18-25)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 39: “Yankees (27-17)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The search results mention a record since 2017 and a recent 17-9 record, but do not confirm a current season record of 27-17.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — yankees record last 10 seasons.Yankees. 17-9.
https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/yankees-record-last-10-seas…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones #78, hitting a solo homer in the 2nd inning.Batting about 1.000 on decisions lately, the Yankees kept their perfect recent record going by calling up big-…
https://nypost.com/new-york-yankees/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The New York Yankees haters are pointing to ridiculously small samples to try to tear down the team, ignoring the true threat to success.— Katie Sharp (@SharpStats17) May 9, 2026. Yankees' record agai…
https://yanksgoyard.com/there-s-not-enough-of-a-sample-size-…

schedule

Claim 40: “3.81 team ERA that ranks 10th in the majors”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

check_circle

Claim 41: “the first team to reach 30 wins this season”

CORROBORATED

Two separate web search results mention the Braves being the first to reach 30 wins this season (one explicitly stating they are the first to 30 wins and another stating they will look to become the first team to hit 30 wins).

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Atlanta Braves are the first to 30 wins, and here are some takeaways to go with the benchmark.They reached 30 wins on June 13 last season. That could say it all about the turnaround they've had so…
https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/onsi/three-takeaways-at-atlant…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss gave the team some constructive criticism after their 5-2 win over the Cubs.The Braves will look to become the first team to hit 30 wins this season when they take th…
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-walt…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Atlanta Braves Odds. MLB Picks and Predictions.Atlanta Braves Game Information. Braves repeat series-opening lineup in series finale against Cubs. Mike Yastrzemski has had a big series so far and he’l…
https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-game-information…

schedule

Claim 42: “Orioles (20-24)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 43: “their second 10-game winning streak of the season”

SINGLE SOURCE

The web search results provided general information about the city of Chicago and tourism, but no information regarding the Cubs' winning streaks.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S. Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Jul 28, 2025 · Must-visit attractions in Chicago include the Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Second City, Skydeck Chicago, and of course, "The Bean." Find more fun things to do in Chicago.
https://travel.usnews.com/Chicago_IL/Things_To_Do/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Welcome to the official City of Chicago Website. The source for information about City services, departments, programs and initiatives, and officials for Chicago residents, businesses, and visitors.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en.html

schedule

Claim 44: “Kyle Schwarber swatted six home runs this week”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 45: “Nick Kurtz... batting over .400 this past week”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 46: “Cubs (28-16)”

SINGLE SOURCE

The web search results provided general information about the city of Chicago and tourism, but no sports statistics or records for the Chicago Cubs.

travel_explore

schedule

Claim 47: “Everyone who has made at least two starts for them this year has an ERA over 4.00”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 48: “Rockies (17-27)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 49: “dropped six of eight and their last four in a row”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 50: “No starting pitcher is averaging a harder fastball than his 99.6 mph heater”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

help

Claim 51: “Shohei Ohtani has been on the mound (with an MLB-best 0.82 ERA)”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found after searching for Shohei Ohtani's ERA.

schedule

Claim 52: “Phillies (21-23)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 53: “25-year-old pitcher Michael McGreevy has been equally impressive with a 2.10 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in nine starts”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 54: “Cal Raleigh... went on the injured list with an oblique strain”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

verified

Claim 55: “Max Fried leave a start early with elbow soreness”

VERIFIED

A cross-reference from the NY Post explicitly confirms that Max Fried exited a game early due to left elbow posterior soreness.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — What’s HBO Max? It's a platform offered by WarnerMedia that features 10,000 hours of premium content bundling all of HBO together with even more movies, shows, and Max Originals for the whole family, …
https://www.hbo.com/how-to-watch-hbo-max

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — If you get HBO with your TV package, internet service, or wireless plan, you may have access to HBO Max at no extra cost. To find out if your provider supports HBO Max, go to Connect Your Provider and…
https://www.hbomax.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Online shopping for Women, Men & Kids Clothing, Footwear & Accessories at Max Fashion. India’s fashion expert brings you top styles at best prices. Easy Exchange and Returns Free Shipping*
https://www.maxfashion.in/in/en/

+ 1 more evidence source

schedule

Claim 56: “Elly De La Cruz... batting .299, is on pace for a 30/30 campaign, and ranks top-five among position players in WAR”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 57: “Tigers have dropped eight of nine since Tarik Skubal got hurt”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 58: “Brewers (24-17)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 59: “His .162 batting average against trails only Skenes and Ohtani”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 60: “Giants (18-26)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 61: “Diamondbacks (20-22)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 62: “Guardians (24-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 63: “Pirates (24-20)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 64: “offense ranks 11th in OPS, they are only 19th in runs scored”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 65: “CJ Abrams and his .292 average and .922 OPS”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 66: “Reds (23-21)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 67: “Padres (25-18)”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 68: “seven players aged 27 or younger with an OPS of at least .747”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 69: “His 81 Ks are 13 more than the next closest pitcher”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.