{"id":614890,"date":"2026-03-09T12:46:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T12:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/614890\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T12:46:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T12:46:50","slug":"mlb-power-rankings-before-the-2026-season-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/614890\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB Power Rankings before the 2026 season begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

All 30 teams are playing Spring Training games. There have been numerous prospects making names for themselves. Pittsburgh\u2019s Konnor Griffin, at 19 years old, is making a case to break camp with the team. If he does, he will be the first player since Ken Griffey Jr. to make the Opening Day roster as a 19-year-old. At the same time, the World Baseball Classic is well underway, and we have already been treated to some incredible finishes. Here are the MLB team power rankings.<\/p>\n

MORE: Tarik Skubal breaks silence on impending free agency<\/a><\/p>\n

30. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Colorado is heading for another season losing 100 games. The team\u2019s pitching staff was putrid in 2025, but the front office did their best to add veterans to the starting rotation. The Rockies need to develop their prospects as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

29. Washington Nationals<\/p>\n

\"\"Sep 24, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder James Wood (29) reacts after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Washington has a core of young hitters, but the lineup lacks overall depth. The starting rotation is a concern and needs a player to step up. It\u2019s hard to imagine the team taking a leap in 2026.<\/p>\n

28. Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n

Los Angeles\u2019 offense is ready to continue after last season\u2019s surge. However, the pitching staff will again be a question mark. If the Angels\u2019 pitching staff can improve, they will be in the hunt for a wild card spot.<\/p>\n

27. Chicago White Sox<\/p>\n

The White Sox are young and added to the roster in free agency. The lineup is full of young players with high potential, and free agent signing Munetaka Murakami will be a player to watch in 2026. Chicago won\u2019t compete for a playoff spot, but the team is headed in the right direction.<\/p>\n

26. Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n

Injuries always hit Minnesota early in the season. The team was able to keep outfielder Byron Buxton healthy, and he is coming off the best season in his career. However, if Buxton can\u2019t have another injury-free season, Minnesota will again struggle for production.<\/p>\n

25. Miami Marlins<\/p>\n

Miami took a step forward in 2025. They received production from their young players and are hoping for more production in 2026. The offseason deal for Owen Caissie gives the Marlins a top outfield prospect in their batting lineup.<\/p>\n

24. St. Louis Cardinals<\/p>\n

The team moved third baseman Nolan Arenado and has moved to their roster featuring all young players. There will be bumps and bruises, but St. Louis is ready for the new era of homegrown, young players. This may be a season in which the Cardinals finish last in the NL Central.<\/p>\n

23. San Francisco Giants<\/p>\n

\"\"Sep 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Last season was a down year, and San Francisco is ready to get back to its winning ways in 2026. The batting order has solid veterans and will be the team\u2019s strength. The pitching staff needs production from players not named Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.<\/p>\n

22. Pittsburgh Pirates<\/p>\n

The Pirates put an emphasis on improving their lineup. The additions of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O\u2019Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna show they are serious about giving run support to a pitching rotation headlined by Paul Skenes. Pittsburgh will be in the hunt for the playoffs.<\/p>\n

21. San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

San Diego is heading for regression in 2026. The starting rotation enters the season with the losses of Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish. After its core of Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr., the lineup is lacking overall depth.<\/p>\n

20. Arizona Diamondbacks<\/p>\n

The 2025 season was a letdown in the desert. Injuries plagued the roster, and the team couldn\u2019t catch up after falling behind. The starting rotation will once again be headlined by Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, and if Corbin Caroll returns to full health from hamate bone surgery, the team will once again be in playoff contention.<\/p>\n

19. Athletics<\/p>\n

The Athletics are the team to watch in 2026. The team\u2019s young prospects produced big time last season and are expected to continue producing in 2026. If the team\u2019s pitching staff can take a step forward, they will be in the hunt for the division and playoffs.<\/p>\n

18. Tampa Bay Rays<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay regressed last season, but the front office has a knack for quickly bouncing back. A lot is riding on the production the team receives from the starting rotation. If the Rays\u2019 starting rotation is a strength, they will push for a wild-card spot.<\/p>\n

17. Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

\"3.Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Royals took a step back in 2025 but are ready to once again contend for the AL Central. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and third baseman Maikel Garcia had the best seasons in their careers and will be relied upon behind Bobby Witt Jr. A strong pitching staff will lead Kansas City to the playoffs.<\/p>\n

16. Baltimore Orioles<\/p>\n

The team struggled last season and eventually parted ways with their manager. With a lack of starting pitching, the front office brought in veteran Chris Bassitt and traded for Shane Baz. The upgrade in starting pitching and the addition of veteran first baseman Pete Alonso will have the Orioles pushing for the playoffs.<\/p>\n

15. Atlanta Braves<\/p>\n

2025 was a forgettable season across the board, and injuries were the main culprit to Atlanta\u2019s shortcomings. The team is already dealing with injuries to its starting rotation. The Braves need healthy, productive seasons from Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson.<\/p>\n

14. Cleveland Guardians<\/p>\n

Last year, Cleveland won the AL Central after Detroit\u2019s monumental collapse. Jose Ramirez will again be the main producer in the offense. The starting rotation saw Gavin Williams take a step forward in 2025 and Joey Cantillo is one to watch this season.<\/p>\n

13. Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n

The Reds are a team to watch after winning 83 games last season. They have a young starting rotation ready to see the emergency of right-hander Chase Burns. Eugenio Suarez gives the lineup a much-needed power bat that the offense lacked in 2025.<\/p>\n

12. Texas Rangers<\/p>\n

Injuries derailed Texas last season. Brandon Nimmo will join the outfield and give them a solid defensive outfielder. MacKenzie Gore will bolster the starting rotation that includes Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.<\/p>\n

11. New York Mets<\/p>\n

New York has a new look to its roster. The front office acquired Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, and Luis Robert. Health will be important as the team was plagued by injuries in 2025.<\/p>\n

10. Detroit Tigers<\/p>\n

\"\"Feb 23, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Detroit is ready to take another step forward in 2026. The team\u2019s addition of Framber Valdez gives them an elite arm to pair with ace Tarik Skubal. After last season\u2019s breakout performance, Riley Greene will be relied on to lead the offense.<\/p>\n

9. Houston Astros<\/p>\n

Houston is ready to get back to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. The team will look to free agent starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai to relieve the team of the void left by the departure of Framber Valdez. The Astros must have a healthy Yordan Alvarez to reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n

8. Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is ready to claim his spot as the team\u2019s ace starting pitcher. On paper, the Brewers do not look like a contender, but the team has a knack for playing the game the right way. Milwaukee will again be one of the top teams in baseball.<\/p>\n

7. Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n

An eventful offseason saw Boston add to its starting rotation. Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez give the team depth behind Garrett Crochet. Boston has the roster to reach the postseason.<\/p>\n

6. New York Yankees<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t make any offseason splashes, but resigning Cody Bellinger helps solidify the team\u2019s offense in 2026. New York needs to weather the first month of the season without starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. There\u2019s no reason to believe the Yankees won\u2019t be one of the best teams in the American League.<\/p>\n

5. Chicago Cubs<\/p>\n

Alex Bregman is quickly settling into Chicago\u2019s offense. He will be the veteran leader the team needs throughout the season. The Cubs\u2019 depth at starting pitching can give them one of MLB\u2019s most dynamic rotations.<\/p>\n

4. Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n

\"9.Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Mariners ended last season first in the AL West and are looking to repeat as division champions. The team\u2019s starting rotation is the most important factor for a successful 2026 season. Seattle will be in the market for an outfielder during the regular season.<\/p>\n

3. Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Philadelphia\u2019s lineup will again be one of MLB\u2019s best. However, the team\u2019s starting rotation has questions entering the season. The team will be without Zack Wheeler for more than the first month of the season.<\/p>\n

2. Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Toronto enters Spring Training with high hopes for its starting rotation. Dylan Cease, one of the game\u2019s most elite strikeout pitchers, gives Toronto a boost after last season\u2019s World Series appearance. The team\u2019s offense has its work cut out for them after being one of the league\u2019s best in 2025.<\/p>\n

1. Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n

The Dodgers have the league\u2019s best player in Shohei Ohtani. Playing for a third consecutive World Series, Los Angeles has the most-feared lineup. Los Angeles is set up for success with a top starting rotation.<\/p>\n

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