MLB power rankings: Brewers join AL power trio as best in the big leagues

Gabe Lacques | USA TODAY

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In a season where absolutes are elusive, it's clear the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros are the class of the American League - and probably the three best teams in baseball.

The surprise right now is the team joining them in the top four of USA TODAY Sports' power rankings.

The Milwaukee Brewers, unremarkable but steady all season, boast the best record in the National League and have climbed to No. 4 in voting by our nine-person panel.

At 35-20, the Brewers have built a 4 1/2-game lead in the NL Central, featuring a consistent rotation, the bullpen dominance of Josh Hader and standout contributions from off-season acquisitions Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, who have not disappointed.

They may have company in a surprise top five. The Mariners were our biggest gainers, leaping six spots from No. 11 to No. 5 as they bypassed the Angels in the AL West. The Diamondbacks had the biggest drop to No 17.

From 1 to 30, how they stack up based on voting from our nine-person panel:

TEAM | MOVEMENT

1. Boston Red Sox (+1)

►Was vesting option or Mitch Moreland's emergence - a .317/.385/.624 slash line - bigger factor in Hanley Ramirez's exit?

2. Houston Astros (+1)

►Justin Verlander looked cooked at 31; now he's pitching better than ever at 35.

3. New York Yankees (-3)

►13-4 against 2017 playoff teams.

4. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)

►Best bullpen in NL has 2.49 ERA, 234 strikeouts in 205 2/3 innings.

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5. Seattle Mariners (+6)

►11-3 - best record in AL - since losing Robinson Cano to PED suspension.

6. Atlanta Braves (-2)

►3-4 so far in what could be crucial stretch vs. Phillies, Red Sox, Mets and Nationals.

7. Washington Nationals (+3)

►17-6 since Bryce Harper's "Syracuse Sky Chiefs" crack.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (-1)

►Slated to get Clayton Kershaw, Madison Bumgarner debuts back-to-back.

9. Los Angeles Angels (-1)

►Only problem with Shohei Ohtani - he's their best pitcher and also second-best hitter.

10. Chicago Cubs (-4)

►Tyler Chatwood leads NL with 45 walks, a trait the Rockies could have told them about.

11. St. Louis Cardinals (-2)

►Can DL stint get Greg Holland right?

12. Cleveland Indians (+4)

►Bullpen wasting a lot of greatness from Jose Ramirez and friends.

13. Pittsburgh Pirates (+2)

►Austin Meadows: Three homers in first 33 MLB at-bats after six homers in last 488 minor league at-bats.

14. Oakland Athletics (+4)

►Next dozen games against Rays, Royals, Rangers. How high can they fly?

15. Colorado Rockies (-2)

►Hardly Coors-fueled: 19-13 road record.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (+3)

►Max Muncy: Six homers, .872 OPS and a roster spot, even after Justin Turner's return.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (-5)

►Is .500 rock bottom - or just the tip of the iceberg?

18. New York Mets (-4)

►Fourth place comes at you fast.

19. San Francisco Giants (-2)

►Would've preferred .500 mark for Bumgarner's return, but this will do.

20. Tampa Bay Rays (+1)

►Playing .600 ball - OK, they're 3-2 - in games Sergio Romo and Co. serve as "opening" pitcher.

21. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)

►Summer sell-off seems imminent; how deep will it go?

22. Minnesota Twins (--)

►Season may gain definition during 10-game run against weaklings and first-place Indians.

23. Detroit Tigers (--)

►They refuse to be bad.

24. San Diego Padres (--)

►Essentially bought the 74th pick for $7.5 million in Phil Hughes trade.

25. Texas Rangers (--)

►Rougned Odor (.215/.267/.312) due $44 million more after this season.

26. Miami Marlins (+1)

►This season will look good on Don Mattingly's resume.

27. Cincinnati Reds (-1)

►Brandon Finnegan stews about Louisville demotion after posting 7.40 ERA.

28. Kansas City Royals (--)

►Jon Jay (.291 average, .350 OBP) looking like a decent trade chip.

29. Baltimore Orioles (--)

►Ouch: Andrew Cashner, Kevin Gausman both beaten by bullpenning Rays.

30. Chicago White Sox (--)

►After seven years in minors, Matt Skole singles on first pitch of debut, then homers.