Ohtani Passes Ichiro Record, Are the Braves Back? + Mason Miller Cy Young Talk?! | MLB Power Rankings

Shohei Ohtani makes history by passing Ichiro Suzuki for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player in MLB history, reaching 46 games — and the viral broken Ichiro statue moment adds to the drama. After a disappointing 76-86 season in 2025 that saw them miss the playoffs and the entire projected Opening Day rotation hit the IL, the Atlanta Braves are off to a hot 10-6 start in 2026. They lead the league in home runs and rank 3rd in batting average despite ongoing pitching injuries. Are the Braves legitimately back? We also dive into whether Mason Miller is on track for Cy Young contention — the first closer to win the award since Eric Gagne in 2003. Miller is dominating with a 0.00 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 7.1 innings, and perfect save opportunities so far. Plus, MLB power rankings shakeup (Dodgers holding strong, Braves rising, Padres jumping, Yankees sliding), our Team of the Week, and more early-season storylines. What do you think — are the Braves back, and could a closer actually win Cy Young in 2026? Let us know! Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander for weekly MLB breakdowns. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1 Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flippinbatspod/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flippinbatspod Follow on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@flippinbatspod Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinBatsPod Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippinbatspod/ #MLB #Ohtani #Braves #MasonMiller #FlippinBats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices