MLB Offseason Power Rankings After Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon Moves

It's already been one heck of an offseason after one of the most hotly contested - and bizarre World Series' contests we've seen in the MLB in a long while. Although there are currently no games being played, there is no shortage of competitive drama between teams as the league's free agent frenzy heats up. Gerrit Cole signed the biggest offseason deal for a pitcher in MLB history with his beloved childhood Yankees - worth $324 million in total, and postseason hero Anthony Rendon decided to take his talents from the nation's capital to sunny California to team up with reigning Angels MVP Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani for one of the scariest power presences in the American League.

It's safe to say the league has been effectively shaken up, and teams have just begun their offseason negotiations. Here though, are the MLB's seven best teams after the two moves.

7. Twins

Nelson Cruz waits for a pitch in the Divisional Series against New York / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Minnesota actually holds the current league record for most home runs in a season. They bested New York by just one (307-306) in 2019, but were swept by the same team in their playoff matchup. They look solid heading into 2020 with most of their power hitters returning, including Nelson Cruz and Eddie Rosario, pitching is a must if they want to be successful.

6. Angels

Reigning AL MVP Mike Trout / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Yes, the Angels just vaulted themselves into playoff contention with the addition of Anthony Rendon. He's a nightmare for opposing pitchers in the batter's box, consistently batting above .300 and sporting an OBP over .400. He also rarely strikes out, and is a gold-glove caliber third basemen on the defensive end. Oh yeah, and they've got Mike Trout. Pitching is still lacking somewhat, but need I say more?

5. Cardinals

Jack Flaherty delivering pitch in the playoffs / Will Newton/Getty Images

One minute, St. Louis is hanging 13 runs on Atlanta in the first three innings of their divisional finale, and the next they're getting swept by Washington in the championship series. Consistency has not been the mantra for the Cardinals, but if they can change that next season, they've got enough offensive pop, and dominant pitchers in Jack Flaherty and Jordan Hicks to be a force in the National League in 2020.

4. Nationals

Juan Soto celebrates Washington's World Series victory / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Interestingly enough, the defending champs round out the top-five teams heading into next season, but much of their success was due to team chemistry and a lot of heart. They're an aging team, aside from future superstar Juan Soto, and with the re-signing of World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer still on the roster, they're still an elite team. Don't expect to see champagne celebrations in DC next year, though.

3. Dodgers

Bellinger steals second base vs. Washington / Harry How/Getty Images

LA's postseason woes can't be blamed solely on Clayton Kershaw, but a competitor of his stature will surely take the brunt of the criticism. They still have immense talent, and Cody Bellinger will be a perennial MVP candidate (he's an absolute WAR machine) for years to come, but the Dodgers will need to see major strategical improvements if they want to finally get over that elusive hump to a title.

2. Astros

Jose Altuve attempts a tag on Adam Eaton in the World Series / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Houston's postseason can be chalked up to a disappointment - point blank, period. Yes, they made the World Series, but no team has ever lost every game at home in the fall classic. Gerrit Cole will sorely be missed in their starting rotation, but they return MVP frontrunner Alex Bregman along with the majority of their best hitters, and they've got stellar young guns looking to make big moves in Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez - the latter whom belted 27 homers in just 87 games last season.

1. Yankees

Aaron Judge makes contact on a ball against Houston / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Aaron Boone's self-dubbed "savages" just got a little bit scarier with the addition of the league's undisputed most feared starter, and Hal Steinbrenner and company feel he's worth every penny of the massive salary they just gave him. The Bronx Bombers obliterated the league's previous home run record last year while fielding an injury-depleted lineup throughout the majority of the season, and with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton poised to return to full health in the middle of the lineup, and Domingo German and Luis Severino back in the pitching rotation (of course along with the addition of Cole) the Yanks are clearly the favorites to win next year's World Series.