MLB Power Rankings: A Year in Review
The baseball world is a fickle place, and the past year has been a rollercoaster for many teams. Let's take a look at where things stood a year ago and how they've changed.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers were on top of the world, with a 46-27 record and the most overqualified opener in history, Shohei Ohtani. Fast forward to 2025, and they're still a force to be reckoned with, but the future is uncertain.
New York Yankees: The Yankees were on a roll, with a 94-win team from the previous season. However, internal improvements have been key, with Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler stepping up. The question remains: can they maintain this momentum?
Atlanta Braves: The Braves were a team on the rise, but a brutal start to the season and Chris Sale's injury halted their progress. It's a reminder that things can change quickly in baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers were on fire, with Jacob Misiorowski making his presence felt. A year later, he's pitched arguably the finest game since Roki Sasaki's perfect game. The future looks bright for this team.
Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays were a playoff team last year, but a 7-21 stretch in July ruined their chances. It's a reminder that consistency is key in baseball.
Seattle Mariners: The Mariners were hanging in there, out front in the AL West, but not yet comfortably ahead. Perhaps they can pull away once Cal Raleigh and Brendan Donovan return.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals were in a rebuilding phase, with Jordan Walker struggling. Fast forward to today, and he's an All-Star with a .902 OPS. The future looks bright for this team.
Chicago White Sox: The White Sox were on a losing streak, but they've turned things around. They're pacing towards their first playoff berth since 2021, and the youth movement is paying off.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates have improved on their win total, sitting at 36-36 and just two games out of the NL's final wild-card spot. It's a new era in Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have become a question mark, with Trea Turner's defense and Kyle Schwarber's MVP campaign. The future is uncertain for this team.
Cleveland Guardians: The Guardians are on a comeback, with a three-game cushion over the Athletics in wild-card positioning. However, they're about to weather some significant time without José Ramírez or Chase DeLauter.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs are back in a familiar spot, looking up at Milwaukee. History has a funny way of repeating itself for this team.
Miami Marlins: The Marlins were on the rise, with Sandy Alcantara carrying an ERA over seven. They're 10 games over .500 and own the sixth-best third-order winning percentage in the NL. The future looks bright for this team.
Washington Nationals: The Nationals have righted the ship, with Paul Toboni and Blake Butera taking charge. The future looks bright for this team.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers' bats have been in bad shape, but there's reason to believe the arrow is pointing up. Corey Seager can't hit .186 forever, and Wyatt Langford is healthy and hitting again.
San Diego Padres: The Padres are on the fringe of the playoff picture, waiting for Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado to find their footing.
Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks are waiting for Corbin Burnes to return, who strained his teres major and shut down his throwing progression. If he can stay healthy, he'll provide a late-season boost.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are hanging in there, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struggling. They have some catching up to do, but the future looks bright for this team.
New York Mets: The Mets are in a rebuilding phase, with David Stearns' well-regarded trade deadline and this past winter's overhaul of the lineup. The future is uncertain for this team.
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox are in a lose/lose situation, with the Devers trade and a lack of wise reinvestment. The future is uncertain for this team.
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles are six games under .500 and 10th in the AL. They made big moves in signing Pete Alonso and trading for and extending Shane Baz. The future looks bright for this team.
Athletics: The Athletics are waiting for Nick Kurtz to return, who has led the majors in walks and on-base percentage. The future looks bright for this team.
Houston Astros: The Astros are a force to be reckoned with, with Yordan Alvarez leading the league in hits, homers, RBIs, and more. The future looks bright for this team.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are closer to the Colorado Rockies than they are to the Atlanta Braves. Injuries have ravaged their roster, but there's still hope for this team.
Minnesota Twins: The Twins are in an almost familiar spot, with a 33-40 record and just three games separating them from a wild-card spot. The future looks bright for this team.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds are just around four games under .500, with Emilio Pagan and Pierce Johnson gearing up for returns. The future looks bright for this team.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants are in a rebuild, with the Devers deal a dud. The future is uncertain for this team.
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels are in a rebuild, with Mike Trout's strong start to the season and strong stretches from starters. The future looks bright for this team.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals are pacing toward a third-straight All-Star appearance for a team that has not had much go right for it over the past two seasons. The future looks bright for this team.
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are in a rebuild, with a .186 winning percentage and a single-season loss record. The future is uncertain for this team.
