![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Cleveland-Guardians-at-Los-Angeles-Dodgers-28638431.jpg\")
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\nThe first week of Major League Baseball season is a bit like NFL Week 1, except an even smaller sample size of what\u2019s likely to happen during the regular season. As we dive into our first in-season MLB power rankings, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.<\/p>\n
First, six games into the 2025 season, the Texas Rangers (5-2) and St. Louis Cardinals (4-2) led their respective divisions. Meanwhile, clubs like the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers were below .500. We\u2019ll let you guess which of those teams made the postseason and which two finished with 81-plus losses.<\/p>\n
Just remember that as we dive into our Week 1 MLB power rankings, preseason forecasts still carry weight.<\/p>\n
1. Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a> should still be viewed as the best team in baseball. While they are coming off a series defeat at home against Cleveland, they are 4-2 despite Freddie Freeman (.615 OPS<\/a>), Kyle Tucker (.457 OPS), Mookie Betts (.558 OPS), and Shohei Ohtani (.590 OPS) all off to slow starts at the plate. On the bright side, the Dodgers bullpen is back on track and Andy Pages is building off his breakthrough year in 2025.<\/p>\n Related: Best MLB Lineups 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2. New York Yankees<\/p>\n The New York Yankees<\/a> entered the weekend with the best record in the American League, and the excellence on the mound from Cam Schlittler is rightfully drawing most of the headlines. Right now, he looks like he could already establish himself as a top-20 starter in baseball. We also want to highlight Ben Rice (15 total bases, 2 doubles, and a .524 OBP in 17 ABs) who has been on a tear since Opening Day. Plus, New York could get Gerrit Cole back on the mound before long.<\/p>\n Related: MLB Playoff Predictions 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n The Brendan Donovan trade has already worked out beautifully for the Seattle Mariners<\/a>. He came into the weekend with team-highs in hits and OPS (1.283), showing even greater offensive production than Seattle probably imagined. That paired with Cole Young\u2019s hot start has masked the fact that the core of the Mariners lineup\u2014Josh Naylor (.170 OPS), Julio Rodriguez (.277 OPS), and Cal Raleigh (.450 OPS)\u2014have all been woeful at the plate thus far. We\u2019re most concerned about Raleigh, given his second-half regression, but Seattle\u2019s pitching and a deeper lineup still give us plenty of confidence in this club.<\/p>\n Related: Best MLB Catchers 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 4. New York Mets<\/p>\n It hasn\u2019t exactly been a banner start to the season for the New York Mets<\/a>, but we\u2019re not raising any alarm bells given that three of their four losses came in extra innings. Freddy Peralta (4.35 ERA) will get back on track as he gets into a rhythm, and we see no reason to think Bo Bichette can\u2019t at least put up a .750 OPS given the surrounding help in the Mets lineup. The Mets are a better team than the one that currently ranks 23rd in OPS (.635); brighter days are ahead at Citi Field.<\/p>\n Related: Latest on Mets Contract Extension Talks with Freddy Peralta<\/a><\/p>\n 5. Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n Thankfully the Toronto Blue Jays<\/a> have pitching depth, because it\u2019s already being put to the test with Cody Ponce (ACL) joining Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios on the injured list. With so many starters out, Kevin Gausman (0.75 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 12 innings) has dominated. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays lineup ranks third in OPS (.815) with the help of promising starts from Ernie Clement (.320 BA), Andres Gimenez (1.008 OPS), and Kazuma Okamoto (.912 OPS). Toronto absolutely remains a World Series contender this season.<\/p>\n Related: MLB Predictions 2026, Projections For All 30 Clubs<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n Maybe the Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> can be this good again? Then again, this 5-1 record came against the White Sox and Rays. What matters for Milwaukee is that Jacob Misiorowski is showing flashes of becoming an NL Cy Young candidate and the club\u2019s pitching factory looks to be having more success with Kyle Harrison and Chad Patrick. All of this excellence on the mound comes at a time when the Brewers lineup, without Jackson Chourio, has produced the most runs in baseball (45) through six games. We like the signs; now we just need to see more of it against better competition.<\/p>\n 7. Chicago Cubs<\/p>\n Clubs with good pitching and excellent defense will always be viewed favorably in our MLB power rankings. Justin Steele (elbow) isn\u2019t due back for a while, but Cade Horton boasts a 1.46 ERA<\/a> over his last 11 starts entering Friday, Matthew Boyd is missing tons of bats, and Edward Cabrera might finally put it together and stay healthy. Throw Shota Imanaga into that mix and you\u2019ve got an outstanding four-man rotation that is helped out by great glove work. If the Chicago Cubs<\/a> lineup can even be a top-12 unit, this team is a lock for the playoffs.<\/p>\n 8. Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n The long-awaited MLB debut came for Andrew Painter, and he looked excellent. It is just another reason to believe that once Zack Wheeler returns\u2014moving Taijuan Walker to the bullpen\u2014this can be one of the best rotations in baseball. Pair that with a batting order that should soon get better production out of Trea Turner (.481 OPS) and Bryce Harper (.425 OPS), and it shouldn\u2019t be long before the Philadelphia Phillies<\/a> begin to perform like one of the best teams in MLB.<\/p>\n 9. Texas Rangers<\/p>\n Pitching certainly wasn\u2019t the problem for the Texas Rangers<\/a> in 2025. With MacKenzie Gore now part of the rotation and Jack Leiter seemingly poised to take a step forward, this will once again be the heart of Texas\u2019 contention chances. As for that Rangers lineup? Offseason acquisition Brandon Nimmo (.949 OPS) is off to a torrid start and Corey Seager is healthy (1.156 OPS), so the 4-2 record isn\u2019t a surprise. For Texas to take that next big step forward, Wyatt Langford needs to heat up at the plate.<\/p>\n 10. Atlanta Braves<\/p>\n Boasting a 5-2 record through the first week of the season with Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, Ha-Seong Kim, Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach on the injured list is impressive work by the Atlanta Braves. What stands out right now through the first seven games is a pitching staff that has allowed the third-lowest batting average (.188) with the second-best ERA (2.00) in baseball. When healthy, Atlanta is one of the clubs that can challenge for a top-five spot in our weekly MLB power rankings.<\/p>\n 11. Detroit Tigers<\/p>\n Tarik Skubal (19.1 percent strikeout rate) isn\u2019t quite missing bats like we\u2019ve come to expect from him, but the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner does boast a .191 batting average allowed with just 9 baserunners allowed across 47 batters faced this season. The swing-and-miss stuff will return, and when it does, teams that have to face the top of the Detroit Tigers<\/a> rotation in a series will dread the upcoming matchup. On the other hand, this Tigers lineup (.596 OPS, 27th in MLB) leaves a lot to be desired right now.<\/p>\n Related: Bold Detroit Tigers Predictions 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 12. Baltimore Orioles<\/p>\n Coming into the season, we thought the Baltimore Orioles<\/a> could be one of the 10 best teams in MLB in 2026. Even with Gunnar Henderson (.570 OPS), Samuel Basallo (.654 OPS), Coby Mayo (.426 OPS), and Jeremiah Jackson (.267 OPS) struggling, the Orioles lineup ranks nineteenth in OPS (.645). That\u2019s what happens when you add more depth by acquiring Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso. On the pitching side, losing Zach Eflin (elbow) is a significant blow, but we still like this four-man staff.<\/p>\n 13. Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n Opening Day went great for the Boston Red Sox<\/a> and it all went downhill from there. Boston lost five straight games heading into its home opener, derailing some of the optimism that surrounded the club in spring training. Roman Anthony (.684 OPS) and Jarren Duran (.514 OPS) will rebound, but it\u2019s hard not to be pessimistic about third base given Caleb Durbin is 0-for-18. On the bright side, Connelly Early looked promising in his first start.<\/p>\n 14. Houston Astros<\/p>\n It\u2019s so great to see Yordan Alvarez healthy again. Even with the home ballpark robbing him of a home run, he still put up a 1.480 OPS with 22 total bases and 3 homers in his first seven games. Meanwhile, Carlos Correa (.811 OPS) continues to perform well since returning to Houston, and with Jose Altuve (.348 BA) and Christian Walker (.913 OPS) off to hot starts at the plate, it\u2019s no surprise this Houston Astros<\/a> lineup has scored 45 runs with an .830 OPS.<\/p>\n 15. Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n We liked the Cincinnati Reds<\/a> as a fun team to watch heading into spring training, but then Hunter Greene (elbow) and Nick Lodolo (blister) landed on the injured list. Fortunately for Cincinnati, those absences in the rotation and early struggles from Matt McLain (.608 OPS) and Elly De La Cruz (.296 OBP) aren\u2019t being felt as much because of Sal Stewart. Until Greene and Lodolo are healthy, Chase Burns can be the true treat for fans of exciting pitching.<\/p>\n 16. Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n Look at that start to the season from the Kansas City Royals<\/a> rotation, with Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, and Noah Cameron allowing just 6 earned runs across 33.1 innings pitched in the opening week. Kansas City\u2019s bullpen, however, leaves something to be desired. As for the Royals lineup, the power will come from Bobby Witt Jr (.278 SLG) and Vinnie Pasquantino (.569 OPS), which bodes well for how easily Maikel Garcia is getting on base (.440 OBP) early on.<\/p>\n 17. Cleveland Guardians<\/p>\n Winning a series at Dodger Stadium is certainly a feel-good way to start the year for the Cleveland Guardians<\/a>. It\u2019s even better when that comes after rookie Chase DeLauter hitting 4 home runs in his first series. Unfortunately, the Guardians lineup is getting nothing out of Kyle Manzardo (.269 OPS) and this team ranks 24th in runs scored and 28th in OPS entering play on Friday.<\/p>\n 18. Arizona Diamondbacks<\/p>\n The Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> opened the season by getting swept in Los Angeles and then rebounding by pulling the brooms out at home against the Tigers. Unfortunately, the four-game series against Atlanta got off to a rough start with a 17-2 blowout loss that will swing that early run differential. We still love the young talent in the Diamondbacks lineup and when the rotation gets healthy this summer, Arizona could at least be in the Wild Card mix.<\/p>\n 19. Pittsburgh Pirates<\/p>\n Here comes Konnor Griffin. It coincides with a long-term contract extension that shows, all of a sudden, Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> owner Bob Nutting is willing to spend some of his money. There have been some promising early returns, showing up in Pittsburgh winning three of its last four games. If the Pirates can fare reasonably well in this stretch against the Orioles, Padres and Cubs, they\u2019ll ascend up the MLB power rankings quickly.<\/p>\n 20. Miami Marlins<\/p>\n If Max Meyer can stay healthy and Eury Perez can take that next step forward, with Janson Junk behind them as the No. 4 starter, the Miami Marlins<\/a> could be a tricky out for clubs this year. We don\u2019t have much faith in the Marlins lineup maintaining anything close to its current numbers\u2014.290 batting average, .847 OPS, and 33 runs scored in six games\u2014but we are always going to have a soft spot for teams that have good pitching.<\/p>\n 21. San Diego Padres<\/p>\n Without the pitching that used to be a strength of this ballclub, the San Diego Padres<\/a> can\u2019t overcome a lineup that has posted the second-worst OPS (.581) and the fourth-fewest runs scored (19) through the first week of the season. We\u2019ve tried to remain optimistic, but it feels like the cutbacks in spending and a depleted farm system are finally catching up to San Diego.<\/p>\n 22. Tampa Bay Rays<\/p>\n Our expectations for the Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> weren\u2019t particularly high coming into the season. So at the very least, a 2-4 start to the campaign isn\u2019t seen as a disappointment in our eyes. What is nice for Kevin Cash and Co. is what Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Diaz, and Chandler Simpson are doing at the plate right now. We\u2019d already start keeping an eye on Diaz as a top trade candidate this summer.<\/p>\n 23. San Francisco Giants<\/p>\n It\u2019s only a week into the 2026 MLB season, but it already feels like a reasonable prediction to say the Tony Vitello experiment won\u2019t work out for the San Francisco Giants<\/a>. He\u2019s already admitted there are struggles being a leader in a clubhouse of grown men, not college students, and there have already been contradictory statements coming from him versus the players. Oh, San Francisco\u2019s pitching staff also isn\u2019t good enough to contend, nor does the lineup have the consistency to mask that.<\/p>\n 24. Sacramento Athletics<\/p>\n When the Sacramento Athletics lineup is lighting up the scoreboard, it can make you forget just how underwhelming the pitching staff is. When the A\u2019s batting order is swinging-and-missing like it generates wind power\u201374 strikeouts and a .177 batting average through 198 at-bats\u2013it becomes torturous to watch this club. Unfortunately for a passionate and loyal fan base, we\u2019re at the latter stage of this Athletics team right now.<\/p>\n 25. St. Louis Cardinals<\/p>\n Of all the teams at the bottom of our MLB power rankings, the St. Louis Cardinals<\/a> are certainly the one we\u2019re the most excited about long-term. J.J. Wetherholt is already showing some of the tools to become a future All-Star, Jordan Walker is at least flashing a bit more promise than he used to, and one of the youngest MLB teams is finding ways to win games early. It\u2019ll get ugly at a variety of points, but the future of baseball in St. Louis is bright.<\/p>\n 26. Washington Nationals<\/p>\n The Washington Nationals<\/a> seemed destined for another rebuild, but at least C.J. Abrams and James Wood make things fun. Plus, it looks like Cade Cavalli is finally ready to stay healthy and provide the Nationals with some effective innings they desperately need. There\u2019ll be a game or two each week where Washington looks really promising; the rest will remind you of how much room there is for improvement.<\/p>\n 27. Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n Yes, it\u2019s wonderful to see Mike Trout turning back the clock to his AL MVP-caliber form. Unfortunately, so much of the remaining \u2018talent\u2019 on the Los Angeles Angels<\/a> roster outside of Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel is bad. That\u2019s putting it lightly. The fan base deserves better than this, but we all know nothing changes until Arte Moreno is gone.<\/p>\n 28. Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n The Minnesota Twins<\/a> are simply a bad baseball team. You can squint and see hints of promise, like Taj Bradley\u2019s first two starts (0.87 ERA) or Josh Bell\u2019s .400 OBP and 2 home runs, but there are deeper numbers that show regression is coming. The true source of hope for Minnesota, which doesn\u2019t involve playoff contention whatsoever, is Luke Keaschall establishing himself as the new face of the Twins lineup.<\/p>\n 29. Chicago White Sox<\/p>\n At least Munetaka Murakami is hitting bombs for the Chicago White Sox<\/a> and Miguel Vargas (.822 OPS) looks good at the plate. That\u2019s really all we\u2019ve got when trying to sell positives with this club. With upcoming sets against the Blue Jays and Orioles, it certainly feels like a second sweep in two weeks is on the table for Chicago to experience.<\/p>\n 30. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-New-York-Yankees-at-Seattle-Mariners-28637745.jpg\")
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-New-York-Yankees-at-Seattle-Mariners-28632908.jpg\")
John Froschauer-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-New-York-Mets-at-St.-Louis-Cardinals-28637496.jpg\")
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Colorado-Rockies-at-Toronto-Blue-Jays-28635659.jpg\")
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Syndication-Journal-Sentinel-28622542.jpg\")
Mark Hoffman\/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Washington-Nationals-at-Chicago-Cubs-28606213.jpg\")
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Washington-Nationals-at-Philadelphia-Phillies-28631287.jpg\")
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Texas-Rangers-at-Philadelphia-Phillies-28639469.jpg\")
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Kansas-City-Royals-at-Atlanta-Braves-28613771.jpg\")
Mady Mertens-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Detroit-Tigers-at-Arizona-Diamondbacks-28637377.jpg\")
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Texas-Rangers-at-Baltimore-Orioles-28631415.jpg\")
Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Boston-Red-Sox-at-Cincinnati-Reds-28615245.jpg\")
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Boston-Red-Sox-at-Houston-Astros-28636436.jpg\")
Erik Williams-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Syndication-The-Enquirer-28636569.jpg\")
Sam Greene\/The Enquirer \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Minnesota-Twins-at-Kansas-City-Royals-28621847.jpg\")
Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Cleveland-Guardians-at-Seattle-Mariners-28601900.jpg\")
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Detroit-Tigers-at-Arizona-Diamondbacks-28637169.jpg\")
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Spring-Training-Pittsburgh-Pirates-at-St.-Louis-Cardinals-28374856.jpg\")
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Chicago-White-Sox-at-Miami-Marlins-28636522.jpg\")
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Detroit-Tigers-at-San-Diego-Padres-28601429.jpg\")
David Frerker-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Tampa-Bay-Rays-at-St.-Louis-Cardinals-28616997.jpg\")
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-New-York-Mets-at-San-Francisco-Giants-28647408.jpg\")
Robert Edwards-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Spring-Training-Athletics-at-San-Francisco-Giants-28322335.jpg\")
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-New-York-Mets-at-St.-Louis-Cardinals-28631421.jpg\")
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Washington-Nationals-at-Philadelphia-Phillies-28623462.jpg\")
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Los-Angeles-Angels-at-Houston-Astros-28616094.jpg\")
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Minnesota-Twins-at-Kansas-City-Royals-28622106.jpg\")
Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Chicago-White-Sox-at-Miami-Marlins-28630570.jpg\")
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MLB-Colorado-Rockies-at-Toronto-Blue-Jays-28623651.jpg\")
Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
![\"avatar\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5578.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n