Olney’s Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams in MLB Today
As we hit the quiet stretch of MLB’s offseason, it’s a perfect time to take stock of the league’s top 10 teams in MLB. The trade and free-agent frenzy has started to slow down—executives and agents are catching their breath and prepping for a January surge. Big names like Nolan Arenado and Corbin Burnes might still be on the move, but most roster changes are on pause until the new year. For now, the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, Yankees, Padres, Mets, Guardians, Orioles, Mariners, and Royals are standing out as the top contenders heading into the 2025 season.
Despite the temporary lull, some teams have already made waves, while others are quietly positioning themselves for the 2025 season. With the season opener in Japan just a few months away, here’s how things stand with the league’s top 10 teams.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are a force of nature right now. Coming off a championship season, they’re aiming to be the first back-to-back champs since the late-90s Yankees dynasty. And if they land Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese phenom, their pitching rotation will be downright scary. Picture this: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani. Unreal, right?
Even if Sasaki ends up elsewhere, this team is still stacked. Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman headline an explosive lineup, while Max Muncy, Will Smith, and Michael Conforto bring depth. They’ve got some work to do in the bullpen, but the Dodgers are already the team to beat.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies were arguably the best team for most of 2024, and they’re primed to compete for the top spot again. They’ve made small moves so far—adding Jason Romano to the bullpen—but their roster is still loaded. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner lead an intimidating lineup, and their rotation is as strong as ever.
The big question is whether the Phillies will make one last splash before spring training. Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez are all entering the final year of their contracts. Knowing Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ head of baseball ops, don’t be surprised if he pulls off something bold to push this team over the top.
3. Atlanta Braves
The Braves had a rough finish to 2024, stumbling into the playoffs and bowing out early. But they’re set to bounce back in a big way. Ronald Acuña Jr., their superstar outfielder, and Spencer Strider, their ace pitcher, are expected to return after major injuries. Their comebacks alone could transform this team.
Even with their stars returning, the Braves have some holes to fill. They could use another arm in the bullpen, some rotation depth, and an outfielder. So far, it’s been a quiet offseason in Atlanta, but their improvements may already be waiting in-house.
4. New York Yankees
Losing Juan Soto was a gut punch, but the Yankees wasted no time in pivoting. They traded for Max Fried, one of the league’s top pitchers, and signed Cody Bellinger, who’s ready to play wherever the team needs him—left field, center field, or first base. Their rotation is stacked: Gerrit Cole, Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil make up one of the best pitching staffs in the league.
Still, there’s work to be done. Aaron Judge had his best season ever in 2024, but without Soto, he’ll need more help in the lineup. The Yankees are likely on the hunt for another right-handed bat to give Judge some protection.
5. San Diego Padres
The Padres pushed the Dodgers to the brink in the playoffs, proving they’re one of the few teams that can hang with L.A. Their young star Jackson Merrill is ready to shine, giving the team even more firepower. But the Padres are walking a financial tightrope, juggling their talent and payroll.
Rumors are swirling that the Padres might trade Dylan Cease or Luis Arraez to create some breathing room. If they can balance their books while keeping their core intact, they’ll be a dangerous team come spring.
6. New York Mets
The Mets grabbed headlines—and Juan Soto—by signing him to a historic $765 million deal. Soto and Francisco Lindor could form one of the most dangerous duos in baseball, with Mark Vientos poised to clean up the RBIs they generate.
But here’s the catch: their pitching staff is shaky. Kodai Senga is their ace if he stays healthy, but after that, the rotation is full of question marks. Frankie Montas and David Peterson have potential but need to deliver more consistency. Clay Holmes is making a tough transition to a starting role, and Paul Blackburn struggled last season. The Mets need more arms to truly compete in the stacked NL East.
Source: Ranking the top 10 teams in MLB
7. Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians quietly had a great 2024, finishing just one round shy of the World Series. Their bullpen is one of the league’s best, and their rotation is set to improve. Shane Bieber is recovering from Tommy John surgery and should rejoin the team midseason, adding a huge boost to their pitching staff.
They may not be flashy, but the Guardians are built to contend. Their formula of strong pitching and clutch hitting keeps them in the mix year after year.
8. Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is a bit of a mystery. They have an exciting core of young stars—Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday—but their rotation is paper-thin. Losing Corbin Burnes in free agency was a big blow, and so far, the Orioles haven’t done much to replace him.
They did sign Tyler O’Neill to a three-year deal, filling Anthony Santander’s spot in the outfield. But that move alone won’t cut it. The Orioles have the financial flexibility to make big moves, but will they actually spend? That’s the million-dollar question.
9. Seattle Mariners
The Astros’ dominance in the AL West is fading, and the Mariners are primed to take advantage. Their rotation is strong, even if they decide to trade Luis Castillo for a big return. Offense is the real concern here—they need a consistent middle-of-the-order bat to take the pressure off Julio Rodríguez.
Christian Walker is one option the Mariners are reportedly eyeing. If they can add a reliable hitter and get a breakout year from one of their young stars, they could make a serious run in 2025.
10. Kansas City Royals
Don’t sleep on the Royals. They were a surprise story in 2024, and they’re doubling down on that success. Trading Brady Singer for Jonathan India gave them the leadoff hitter they desperately needed. With India setting the table, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Pérez will have plenty of chances to drive in runs.
The Royals still need more contributions from the bottom half of their lineup, but they’ve got momentum on their side. Their 2024 season wasn’t a fluke, and they’re looking to prove it.
2025 MLB Season Preview: Teams to Watch and Questions to Answer
As teams gear up for spring training, there’s still a lot of movement left in the market. Some teams, like the Dodgers and Phillies, are already stacked, while others, like the Orioles and Mariners, have big questions to answer. One thing’s for sure: the road to the 2025 season is just getting started, and it’s going to be a wild ride.