Detroit Tigers Rank Highly in MCB’s First Power Rankings of 2017

#24 Philadelphia Phillies
2016 Run Differential: -186
Best Offseason Move: Signing Michael Saunders
Worst Offseason Move: None

Another squad in the process of rebuilding, Philadelphia didn’t do much last season to help the process.

Veteran backstop Carlos Ruiz was the only player dealt.

In other words, the Phillies return much of the same core that finished last season with a run differential of -186.

The good news is that the club made some additions that should help in the short term.

Michael Saunders stands out as the most notable of the new players. If he can replicate his first half numbers from 2016, the outfielder could be a steal for the Phillies.

Other new additions to the National League East franchise include the versatile Howie Kendrick and starting pitcher Clay Buchholz.

Philadelphia’s bullpen should immediately benefit from the additions of Pat Neshek and former Detroit Tigers hurler Joaquin Benoit.

Along with Jeanmar Gomez, Hector Neris and Edubray Ramos, the Phillies have a promising bullpen group.

Somewhat similar to the A’s, the Phillies will face an uphill battle in the division.

The Washington Nationals look like potential World Series contenders, while the New York Mets are another team with playoff potential and pedigree.

Elsewhere, Miami and Atlanta could also conceivably challenge for Wild Card places.