MLB Power Rankings: Can a look at the past tell us where these teams are going?

The New York Times MLB Power Rankings column reflects on how dramatically standings shifted over the past year, noting that the Detroit Tigers, who had the best record in baseball a year ago behind AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, finished with only the 11th-best record by season's end. The New York Mets, who were also near the top a year ago, missed the playoffs entirely, while the Seattle Mariners overtook the Houston Astros in the AL West. In the current rankings, the St. Louis Cardinals have re-entered the top 10 for the first time since Week 8.