Welcome to the second installment of The Game Haus’ 2017 MLB Rankings: Sizing up the Season. Since the initial ranking, a number of small deals have continued to occur across the MLB. However, none of these deals have yet to include some of the larger trade candidates still being named by the rumor mill.

Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier, and Brian Dozier still remain a heavy topic of conversation. Both free agent sluggers Jose Bautista and Mark Trumbo are also still available in free agency. That fact would make Quintana the most likely candidate for movement until the slugger market dries up.

This week’s rankings include five teams who wouldn’t quite be considered rebuilding, but rather retooling. Recently, many of these clubs have reestablished a young core and are now looking to grow and mature that base. These clubs stand further back in the rankings, in large part, due to their youth. However, if their front offices stay on course, these teams could be the “look out” contenders in 2-3 years.

All logo images courtesy of MLB.com.

25. Milwaukee Brewers

2016 record: 73-89

 The Brewers are an organization with a number of young players beginning to emerge, with even more on the way. The Brewers are among the top rated farm systems in the MLB with several of those top prospects already in Triple-A. Last year’s emergence of young players such as Zach Davies, Jonathan Villar, and Keon Broxton represent a strong core to build around. The dark cloud over the Brewers continues to be the curious case of what to do with Ryan Braun. At age 33, Braun posted a very respectable slash line of .305/ .365/ .538, while adding 30 home runs to the mix.  The Brewers just need to find a partner willing to roll the dice on that kind of production. If so, the Brewers may quickly become one of the younger, more formidable teams over the next few years.

24. Tampa Bay Rays

2016 record: 68-94

 The Rays have been a tricky team to predict. One can’t help but feel as though they have under performed given their talent. Part of it is due to a struggling Chris Archer and an Alex Cobb who simply can’t seem to stay healthy. The Rays did manage the solid pickup of Wilson Ramos, who can provide stability behind the plate while adding pop to the lineup. At just 31 years old, Evan Longoria continues to be one of the quietest super stars in the game. All the signs point to an improved Rays team in 2017, but it may be a long road to get the top of the highly competitive AL East.

23. Philadelphia Phillies

2016 record: 71-91

 The signing of Clay Buchholz provides stability and veteran leadership to one of the most promising young pitching staffs in baseball. Buchholz may even prove to be a valuable trade piece at the deadline. Regardless, the Phillies are one of a few teams I expect to a make a surprise leap forward in 2017. The addition of Howie Kendrick alone won’t make up for an offence with the worst run differential in baseball. Another year for this young team to mature with some solid veteran additions definitely shows promise.

22. Miami Marlins

2016 record: 79-82

 There is simply no filling the void left by Jose Fernandez. Pitching will be an area of need. However, a fully healthy Giancarlo Stanton alongside a continuously emerging Christian Yelich makes for a nasty outfield 1-2 punch. Add that to a solid young infield and you have the makings of a pretty strong lineup. Unfortunately for the Marlin’s, the Phillies and Braves aren’t going to be the punching bags of past years. The Nationals and Mets will likely both be contenders or at least in the hunt. This could leave the Marlins in a much more competitive situation then they’ve faced in years past.

21. Los Angeles Angels

2016 record: 74-88

 The only offseason move of significance for the Angels has been the trade for second baseman Danny Espinosa. While this move provides a nice boost in their lineup, few around the league feel this changes the Angels 2017 outlook. Smaller moves like signing outfielder Ben Revere and trading for catcher Martin Maldonado also represent decent additions. However, they really aren’t game changers. If the Halos can stay healthy, they have enough in the tank to compete, but not to contend. The real question for this organization will be whether or not they sign Mike Trout for the “king’s ransom” that this once in a generation talent commands.

If you are interested in part one, you can find it here.

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