2015 MLB Power Rankings: Wild Card race heating up

Jul 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) tosses the ball to first for an out during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Wild Card in both the American League and National League are carrying excitement as we near the trade deadline but for two different reasons.

In the AL, the current leaders are the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins (surprising, I know). But behind them both sits at least five teams within 5.5 games and each one can be looked at as a threat to make a run.

In the NL, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs lead the way, with the Pirates currently just four back in the loss column of the St. Louis Cardinals for baseball’s best record. However, just two teams sit in reach of the Cubs as the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets sit no more than two games back.

After those two teams, there isn’t another one within seven games.

With a short week in the books because of the All-Star break, not much has changed with this week’s rankings.

Check them out.

Next: No new face in the top 10.