Reds news: Cincinnati climbs the ladder in latest MLB Power Rankings

While some other media outlets, we’re looking at you ESPN, have shown the Reds a complete lack of respect during the early-going, MLB.com’s latest Power Rankings have placed Cincinnati among the Top 5 teams in all of Major League Baseball.

Now, before you become overjoyed, there’s two things you need to know about these power rankings; 1) They are based on opinion, not necessary a team’s record. 2) It is only the second full-week of the 2021 season, so a lot can change.

The Reds are ranked No. 4 in MLB.com’s latest Power Rankings.

MLB.com places the Reds at No. 4, one slot higher than the second-place Milwaukee Brewers. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox are rated higher than the Cincinnati Reds.

The latest power rankings cite Cincinnati’s 24 home runs, the second-most in Major League Baseball, as a big reason why they’re sitting at No. 4. Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin is tied for second in the National League with six home runs. Eduardo Escobar (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Ryan McMahon (Colorado Rockies) also have launched six round trippers this season.

As a team, Cincinnati trails only the Atlanta Braves, who lead the way with 25 home runs so far this season. The Reds do, however, rank first in slugging percentage (.470) and RBIs (86). Cincinnati falls just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (.811) for the best OPS (.808) in the league.

Last week, after ranking the Reds 19th week following a 6-1 start to the season, ESPN finally showed Cincinnati a little bit of respect, bumping the Redlegs up to No. 13 last Thursday. Of course, ESPN also had the New York Yankees (5-10) ranked at No. 3.

The Bronx Bombers, who just got swept in three straight games by the Tampa Bay Rays, are currently in the American League East cellar. So, to say ESPN’s Power Rankings are accurate would be Highly Questionable…see what I did there?

While it’s true we’re only about 10% into the 2021 season, it’s doubtful that any media outlet outside of Cincinnati knew what this Reds offense was capable of doing. If we’re being honest, I think most of the Cincinnati faithful still have a hard time believing their team is sitting atop the NL Central and ranked No. 4 in the latest MLB.com Power Rankings.