MLB Preseason Power Rankings: Dodgers, Yankees, and upstart superteam round out top 3

The long winter is over. Baseball is back.

After a very busy offseason, every team is gearing up for a chance to win the World Series. You can probably guess who ranks first (and 30th) in this first edition of our 2025 MLB Power Rankings, but the rest of the league is in flux, with contenders and pretenders dotting the spectrum.

Let's dive right in.

30. Chicago White Sox

There is no optimism on the South Side of Chicago this season, but anything better than their 2024 season — when they finished with the worst record in MLB history (41-121) — is a step in the right direction.

Their best offseason move was trading ace Garrett Crochet for prospects. With no postseason runs in their near future, maximizing Crochet's short but stellar career and two years of team control to receive valuable long-term pieces was essential.

The team's worst move this offseason has been their inability to trade Luis Robert Jr. He is in his prime (27) and signed through the 2027 season, so with the White Sox in rebuild mode, a trade of Robert could bring the assets to substantially speed up the rebuild.

29. Colorado Rockies

The bright spot looking to this season is that the Rockies have 12 of their 14 salary-eligible players locked up through the 2026 season and beyond. Of the 21 arbitration-eligible players, only Austin Gomber is eligible for free agency in 2026, so the Rockies have plenty of space to continue rebuilding.

Adding Kyle Farmer to replace Brendan Rodgers was the team's best offseason move (there were few options). Farmer does not offer much upside offensively, but he is a viable stopgap second baseman until rookies Aaron Schunk and Adael Amador show they can perform in the major leagues.

Not re-signing Brendan Rodgers was the Rockies' most significant offseason loss. Rodgers was a consistent asset in the middle infield in three of the last four seasons (he missed 134 games in 2023, needing surgery on a left-shoulder labrum injury).

28. Miami Marlins

The Marlins' bright spots going into the upcoming season include getting 2022 Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara back after missing last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and seeing if Xavier Edwards can repeat a stellar rookie season.

The Marlins' enormous win this offseason was acquiring Max Acosta and Brayan Mendoza in the Jake Burger trade with the Texas Rangers. Both have shown outstanding success in the minors, and we may soon find out if their success will translate to the big leagues.

The worst move the Marlins made was signing Cal Quantril as the fifth starting pitcher. The front office knew they needed to fill the role but waited until early February to sign Quantril. Better options were available earlier in the offseason, and the Marlins have the most available Competitive Balance Tax Space to build a competitive roster.

27. St. Louis Cardinals

This section will not make St. Louis Cardinals fans feel better about the upcoming season. A team that made four straight postseason trips during the 2019-2022 seasons is now in full rebuild mode.

They have done nothing to improve the team, and Nolan Arenado used his no-trade clause to nix a deal with the Houston Astros, meaning Nolan Gorman is stuck coming off the bench or serving in spot-start duty. Arenado is reported to only be willing to drop the clause if he goes to one of five teams on his preferred destinations list.

If that is not their most notable offseason loss, it is losing Andrew Kittredge, who had a 2.80 ERA over 70.2 innings in his lone season in St. Louis. Although emotionally speaking for fans, it would be losing Paul Goldschmidt, who was integral to the Cardinals' success in his six seasons there.

26. Athletics

The Athletics' future is bright as they move to Sacramento for the upcoming season. Team Owner John Fisher refused to spend money on free agency while in Oakland, but he has changed that course by adding key veteran players.

Their most significant offseason moves were extending Brent Rooker and acquiring Luis Severino (free agents) and Jeffrey Springs (trade from Tampa Bay Rays).  

There were no notable negative moves, so fans can be comforted knowing the future is looking good.

25. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels were aggressive this offseason, adding veteran talent to complement their young roster, which showed bright spots in 2024. They could be competitive in 2025, but the real questions are: can Mike Trout stay healthy, and if the Angels struggle early, do they do their 33-year-old homegrown star justice by trading him to a contender?

The team's notable offseason moves were trading for Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves and signing free agents Yusei Kikuchi and Kenley Jansen.

There have been more positive moves than negative, but losing Anthony Rendon (again) for potentially the entire season will only continue the narrative that he has the worst contract in baseball history.

24. Washington Nationals

The Nationals are incredibly young, with only four players over 30 on the 26-man roster, but they have shown that they can handle themselves well in the majors, and we will see if that carries over to 2025.

The Nationals made a significant move this offseason by trading for Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers. This move added a power hitter to the order behind Dylan Crews and James Wood.

The only impactful loss will be closer Kyle Finnegan's departure from the bullpen. He pitched 63.2 innings, posting a 3.68 ERA and converting 38 saves; however, free agent addition Jorge López should quickly fill the closer role.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates

The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, is a must-watch on the mound. He experienced one of the best rookie seasons in MLB history, and it will be exciting to see how he pitches in the upcoming season.

There were no impactful additions, but re-signing Andrew McCutchen and signing Tommy Pham will bring experience to a young lineup that must score runs behind a young but impressive starting rotation.

Although the Pirates have their outfield positions set, letting Bryan De La Cruz enter free agency looks like a bad choice. At 28, he would have been an upgrade over McCutchen in the designated hitter role and an injury safety blanket.

22. Tampa Bay Rays

Rays fans can get excited because sensational pitchers Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen are back after missing substantial time last season.

Re-signing Rasmussen to a two-year $8.5 million contract was the most impactful addition to a young rotation that could rank at the top of MLB.

Although the Rays have six qualified starting pitchers, trading away proven veteran Jeffrey Springs to the Athletics could hurt them if their young pitchers struggle or cannot stay healthy.

21. Minnesota Twins

The Twins were thought to be contenders for the AL Central last season but fell four games out of a Wild Card berth.

Adding reliever Danny Coulombe is not the sexiest free agent name for fans, but it was a smart move because he brings his 2.12 ERA in 29.2 innings to a bullpen that ranked 21st in the former department last season.

Losing Carlos Santana and his much-needed power leaves an offense that needs to put up runs with its starting rotation, which has a viable top three but plenty of question marks after Pablo Lopez, Bailey Ober, and Joe Ryan.

20. Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays fans will be stressed out all season as they watch the team's contract talks with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. play out, as both sides seem nowhere close to an agreement.

Adding Anthony Santander is the best move for the Blue Jays to gain much-needed power after ranking 26th in home runs last season.

The worst move this offseason is not getting Guerrero Jr. signed to an extension.

19. San Francisco Giants

The Giants have made impactful moves this offseason, paving the way to what could lead to a competitive upcoming season.

Five-tool superstar Willy Adames was a massive offensive and defensive addition to a lineup that ranked in the middle of the league in home runs, runs batted in, and batting average.  

Taylor Rogers was a key player in the bullpen last season, and trading him to the Reds could negatively affect the pen's success in 2025. No one was added who can be expected to match Rogers's production (2.40 ERA in 2024).

18. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are my sleeper pick to win the NL Central this season. With many young players who have shown success in the big leagues, they should be contenders in 2025. Getting Matt McLain back from missing all of 2024 boosts an impressive lineup. He got Rookie of the Year votes in his 2023 debut.

The team's best move was acquiring Brady Singer in the trade for Jonathan India. Singer has struggled some in his five-year career, but he brings a power arm that struck out 170 batters in 179.2 innings last season.

Trading away India is the most notable loss. Still, the team is well equipped to handle his departure, as McLain will fill the second baseman role on an everyday basis.

17. Kansas City Royals

The Royals were a big surprise when they made it into the postseason last season and look poised to repeat that. The reason they rank so low is that they failed to attack the offseason with purpose.

Trading for Jonathan India brings much-needed stability to the top of the lineup and second base position beside superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Bringing in closer Carlos Estévez should also provide an anchor for the bullpen.

The notable loss is trading away Brady Singer. Although the Royals have five quality starting pitchers, an injury or two could change the need for a reliable option.

16. Boston Red Soxs

After their winter moves, the Boston Red Sox should compete with the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East title in 2025.

The Alex Bregman signing brings a power bat to an offense that ranked ninth in runs scored, home runs, and runs batted in in 2024. He's a massive boost to a lineup that will continue to light up the bullpen. The question is where he will play because Rafael Devers has said he is not changing positions.

The Red Sox bullpen took a hit with Kensley Jansen departing for free agency. In his 15-year career, the closer has never had an ERA over 3.80, which is impressive. We will have to see if Liam Hendriks (who missed all last season) can return to form after a cancer diagnosis (2022) and Tommy John surgery (2023). Free agent signing Aroldis Chapman is likely the favorite to handle closer duties.

15. Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians won the AL Central last season and are poised to repeat this upcoming season.

The Guardians' most significant win this offseason was Shane Bieber's re-signing and return from Tommy John surgery after he missed most of the 2024 season. He's been dominant when healthy, as he has posted under a 3.20 ERA in three of his past four seasons.

The team ranked first in bullpen ERA (2.57) last season but lost significant production, which led to that success. Eli Morgan (1.93 ERA) was traded to the Chicago Cubs, and James Karinchak (3.23 ERA; joined White Sox) were a few of the highlights from the bullpen that left this offseason. We will see if the Guardians did enough to fill the holes Morgan and Karinchak left.

14. Milwaukee Brewers

Like the Guardians, the Brewers want to repeat as division champions and have the roster to do it in the NL Central.

Getting Caleb Durbin in the Devin Williams trade could be the most valuable addition in the long-term. He has thrived in the minor leagues over his last four seasons, hitting .269/.374/.407 with 22 home runs, 153 runs batted in, and 110 stolen bases. He is projected to make the Opening Day roster.

Willy Adames's departure will be felt the most between Williams and him. Joey Ortiz is projected to start at shortstop, but he greatly lacks the offensive potential Adames offered to the middle of the Crew's lineup.

13. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners return all five starters who contributed heavily to the top ERA (3.38) in MLB among starting pitchers last season. As long as the rotation stays healthy, they should repeat that success in the upcoming season.

The Mariners have done little this offseason, so I cannot find one move that improved them in a significant way. I suppose Donovan Solano provides a nice bench option?

The worst move is not trading Luis Castillo. The Mariners had the 29th-ranked offense in batting average (.224) and finished last in strikeouts (1,625) last season, but they chose to add no one of note to the lineup. Trading Castillo would have likely brought some young talent that could have improved the offense.

12. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been busy in the trade market this offseason, and fans are excited to see their team become a strong contender for the NL Central title.

Getting Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros is a massive win this offseason. He brings a 180 wRC+ to a lineup that struggled in the power department last season, finishing 20th in home runs.

The worst move was letting Jorge López walk in free agency. He came over from the New York Mets after a locker room outburst and pitched outstandingly with a 2.03 ERA over 26.2 innings. In the long run, surrendering top prospect Cam Smith in the Tucker trade could sting a lot.

11. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers surprised everyone by going 39-26 over the second half of last season to make the postseason after missing out for nine straight seasons.

The most significant move by Detroit was avoiding arbitration with the 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal. He posted a 2.39 ERA with 228 strikeouts over 192 innings and has one more year of team control. In terms of pure additions, Gleyber Torres should add thump to the offense, while reuniting with Jack Flaherty gives Skubal a credible running mate atop the rotation.

The Tigers' worst move this offseason was probably what they didn't do. They couldn't move off Javier Baez's onerous contract, and they finished just short in the Bregman sweepstakes.

10. Texas Rangers

The 2023 World Series Champions struggled in 2024, failing to keep their players healthy. The Rangers ranked first for the number of days missed (2,062) while on the injured list. Players look healthy going into 2025, and the team is primed for a deep postseason run.

The Rangers improved their lineup by trading for Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins this offseason. The former Marlin brings more power to the Rangers after hitting 34 and 29 home runs in the last two seasons, respectively.

This trade took away two of the Rangers' top prospects, Max Acosta and Brayan Mendoza, who had bright futures and success in the minor leagues. The front office is risking their future to win now, so time will tell if the trade was smart.

9. Houston Astros

The Astros have won the AL Central seven of the last eight seasons and have all the pieces to continue their division dominance.

In the offseason, the team made a big splash by signing free-agent Christian Walker to a three-year $60 million contract. He and Yordan Alvarez make up a power punch in the middle of the lineup after hitting 26 and 35 home runs last season, respectively.

The Astros suffered two very notable losses this offseason. They traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and could not re-sign Alex Bregman after he left in free agency. Both were major contributors to the lineup's success last season.

8. San Diego Padres

The Padres missed making the NLCS by one game, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS. However, the front office has done almost nothing to improve the team, despite having a core that can compete for a World Series championship.

The Padres' few moves were highlighted by their acquisition of Nick Pivetta in free agency. He brings much-needed stability to a starting rotation that has been hit by the injury bug the last few seasons.

Losing Tanner Scott to free agency is a massive blow to a bullpen that ranked 11th in ERA (3.78). Robert Suarez is projected to fill the closer role, but he has experienced ups and downs in his three-year career. Watching Roki Sasaki pick the Dodgers over them also stung in the worst way imaginable.

7. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles were swept in the Wild Card round last season by the Kansas City Royals, but they made wise moves this offseason in hopes of making a third straight trip to the postseason.

Adding Tyler O'Neill will provide the needed power production that was voided after Anthony Santander left for free agency. O'Neill hit 31 home runs last season, although half his games were in hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Baseball Savant's park factor rankings have Fenway Park as the second-most favorable park, compared to Oriole Park at Camden Yard, which ranks 20th.

The Orioles will greatly miss four-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who the Arizona Diamondbacks signed in free agency. The projected Opening Day starting rotation has no one that authored a sub-3.70 ERA last season.

6. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks missed a second straight postseason berth by losing a three-team tiebreaker with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The front office has at least made significant moves that should improve a team that finished 89-73.

The most impactful addition was Corbin Burnes, who brings a stellar resume to Phoenix. He has pitched a 3.00 ERA or lower in five of his seven seasons in MLB, and his arrival gives Diamondback fans the true ace they were hoping Madison Bumgarner would be.

The Diamondbacks' worst move was letting Christian Walker leave for free agency to go to the Houston Astros. He is 36 but still offers a great deal of power and tremendous defense from the first base position.

5. Atlanta Braves

The Braves offense struggled to score runs after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. to a torn ACL last season. In the first half of last season, the offense scored 491 runs, but in the second half, which started four days after Acuña Jr.'s injury, the offense put up only 364 runs.

The Braves needed an offensive piece that gets on base while the team awaits Acuña Jr.'s likely midseason return. They got that by signing Jurrickson Profar, who had a breakout season in 2024, hitting 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and a 139 wRC+.

The starting rotation took a massive blow, losing Max Fried (Yankees) to free agency. The team is banking on Ian Anderson, who has not pitched in the big leagues since April 2023 due to recovering from Tommy John surgery, to return to the form of his rookie year (2021), where he threw a 3.58 ERA in 128.1 innings.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies earned the No. 2 seed in the NL last year and received a bye with the second-best win-loss record, but the New York Mets won the NLDS by a final tally of 3-1.

The Phillies lost their closer from last season, Carlos Estévez (Royals), to free agency. The Phillies' best move was to fill that void by signing Jordan Romano, who struggled in 2024 with a 6.59 ERA over only 13.2 innings due to right elbow surgery. The Phillies hope the former Toronto Blue Jay can replicate his stats from 2020-2023, where he pitched a 2.90 or lower ERA each season.

The team's worst move was letting Jeff Hoffman and Estévez leave for free agency, especially if Romano struggles. Both pitchers were integral parts of the bullpen's back-end, having pitched under a 2.50 ERA in 2024.

3. New York Mets

The New York Mets front office went on a spending spree this offseason to improve a team that lost to the Dodgers four games to two in the NLCS.

The team's best move comes as no surprise: they won the Juan Soto sweepstakes. Soto hit 41 home runs last season and brings his power to a Mets team that ranked sixth in homers with 207. His otherwordly on-base skills will lengthen the lineup a lot for the next 15 years.

I have liked most of the moves from the Mets; however, I do not understand signing Griffin Canning. The Mets did get a discount (one-year $4.25 million) on a starting pitcher with five years of MLB experience, but he has thrown under a 4.00 ERA in only one of those seasons. As pure rotation depth, he's fine, but the Mets really needed an ace this offseason to pair with Kodai Senga.

2. New York Yankees

The Yankees were outmatched in the World Series last season, losing to the Dodgers four games to one. They found ways to improve the roster in hopes of making a return trip to the World Series.

By signing free agent Max Fried, the team drastically improved its starting rotation, which ranked 11th in ERA (3.85). The lefty has pitched under a 3.30 ERA in seven of his last eight seasons. Getting closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger in separate trade should also make the team deeper than last year.

Getting outbid by their hated cross-town rivals for Soto will sting fans' hearts for as long as the outfielder plays in Queens. It's hard to envision Aaron Judge ever having another teammate of Soto's caliber again.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

It is hard to believe the defending World Series champions could get better, but they used the deferred money strategy and promise of championship contention to greatly improve their roster.

There are many great moves the Dodgers have made this offseason. They added Blake Snell and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki to a starting rotation that will get three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani back on the mound at some point in 2025. The bullpen also improved after getting Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, who both pitched under a 1.80 ERA in more than 60 innings last year.

The Dodgers have chosen to win now and pay big contracts in the future. Over $1 billion of deferred money is tied to eight players. Even though they do not have large salaries on the books now, when the deferred payments begin, the Dodgers may have to make tough decisions to build a competitive team.

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