MLB 2026: Way-Too-Early Power Rankings and Team Outlooks
As we approach the dawn of the 2026 MLB season, the anticipation is palpable. The first MLB teams are set to report to spring training in just a month, yet many high-profile free agents remain unsigned. With all eyes on the field, let’s take a closer look at where every team stands heading into spring training, what’s changed in the offseason, and the looming question: can anyone catch the reigning back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot?
Power Rankings Overview
Our expert panel, featuring esteemed ESPN MLB analysts, has ranked all 30 teams. The rankings are based on a combination of offseason activities and insights drawn from last season. Here’s how the teams stack up heading into 2026.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
- Final 2025 Ranking: 3
- 2026 Ranking: 1
The Dodgers have made significant moves to solidify their roster, most notably signing closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract. This addition is expected to make L.A. even more formidable, especially as they seek to land another impact bat, likely in the outfield. Options like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker are still in the mix. If the Dodgers can fill that gap, they will be difficult to dethrone.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
- Final 2025 Ranking: 4
- 2026 Ranking: 2
Toronto has transformed itself this offseason into a landing spot for top free agents, committing $337 million to new contracts. With key players like Dylan Cease and Shane Bieber on board, the Blue Jays are not just aiming for contention; they’re gunning for it. Furthermore, they are still pursuing Kyle Tucker or possibly looking at re-signing Bo Bichette, making them a team to watch as the season approaches.
3. Seattle Mariners
- Final 2025 Ranking: 5
- 2026 Ranking: 3
The Mariners are making waves by re-signing key contributors like Josh Naylor and adding complementary pieces like Rob Refsnyder. While speculation about trading for another bat persists, their pitching rotation remains largely intact, making them a strong contender in the American League West.
4. New York Yankees
- Final 2025 Ranking: 6
- 2026 Ranking: 4
The Yankees’ offseason has been characterized by retaining rather than acquiring. They’ve kept players like Trent Grisham and added depth with minor signings. However, with some heavyweights like Carlos Rodon not returning, the Yankees may need to make more aggressive moves before spring training begins.
5. Boston Red Sox
- Final 2025 Ranking: 9
- 2026 Ranking: 5
Despite not having signed a major free agent yet, the Red Sox have been active, trading for several players, including Sonny Gray. They aim to add power to their lineup and bolster their pitching staff, as they explore re-signing Alex Bregman and possibly making a trade for Freddy Peralta.
6. Milwaukee Brewers
- Final 2025 Ranking: 1
- 2026 Ranking: 7
Even with some offseason departures, the Brewers maintain a competitive roster. Their pitching duo, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, is poised to lead the way, assuming they remain healthy. As they aim to reclaim the top of the NL Central, keeping the core intact will be essential.
7. Philadelphia Phillies
- Final 2025 Ranking: 2
- 2026 Ranking: 9
The Phillies have yet to finalize their catching situation and are still awaiting news on J.T. Realmuto. However, with the potential return of Zack Wheeler, their rotation looks solid, putting them in a strong position to contend again.
8. San Diego Padres
- Final 2025 Ranking: 8
- 2026 Ranking: 15
Flowing from a tumultuous offseason, the Padres are navigating financial constraints while addressing existing roster holes. Their approach appears to be strategic; however, they still need to find additional batting support to remain competitive.
9. Chicago Cubs
- Final 2025 Ranking: 7
- 2026 Ranking: 6
The Cubs are piecing together a new bullpen but lack a significant impact signing thus far. Their recent acquisition of Edward Cabrera improves their rotation, but they will need to add more offensive firepower moving forward.
10. Detroit Tigers
- Final 2025 Ranking: 11
- 2026 Ranking: 10
With notable free-agent signings to improve their bullpen, the Tigers are enhancing their postseason potential. The retention of strong performances from young talent is crucial as they aim for a more substantial role in contention.
11. Kansas City Royals
- Final 2025 Ranking: 18
- 2026 Ranking: 11
The Royals have also made strides this offseason, welcoming new faces like Matt Strahm and Isaac Collins while locking up their core. Their ability to explore potential trades could significantly influence their upcoming season.
12. New York Mets
- Final 2025 Ranking: 14
- 2026 Ranking: 12
The Mets are facing a crucial transitional offseason. While they’ve added some depth, they still must address key issues, including decisions surrounding Steve Cohen’s financial flexibility.
13. Atlanta Braves
- Final 2025 Ranking: 21
- 2026 Ranking: 14
The Braves have retained key players and added necessary pieces but must monitor the health of their stars as they look to bounce back from a down year.
14. Cincinnati Reds
- Final 2025 Ranking: 13
- 2026 Ranking: 8
The Reds are looking to improve their offensive output after staying relatively quiet this offseason. They have retained essential talent while looking to enhance their lineup.
15. Houston Astros
- Final 2025 Ranking: 12
- 2026 Ranking: 23
Injuries hampered the Astros last season, and the front office’s moves haven’t significantly bolstered their lineup, leaving an air of uncertainty as they enter 2026.
16. Cleveland Guardians
- Final 2025 Ranking: 10
- 2026 Ranking: 16
After an unexpected 2025 run in the AL Central, the Guardians are focusing on improving their offense, which significantly lagged last season. They’ll need more than just pitching to remain competitive.
17. Texas Rangers
- Final 2025 Ranking: 16
- 2026 Ranking: 18
The Rangers have been active in restructuring but face challenges in building a competitive team this season, particularly with offensive depth being a concern.
18. Tampa Bay Rays
- Final 2025 Ranking: 19
- 2026 Ranking: 13
Tampa Bay navigates their course by focusing on cost-effective strategies while not shying away from aggressive trades in their active offseason.
19. Oakland Athletics
- Final 2025 Ranking: 23
- 2026 Ranking: 19
The A’s are balancing young talent and veteran experience but have notable gaps in their pitching rotation that necessitate further improvement.
20. Baltimore Orioles
- Final 2025 Ranking: 24
- 2026 Ranking: 20
After a tough last season, the Orioles have made several moves to reinvigorate their roster, including bringing in young stars and focusing on adding depth in vital positions.
21. Miami Marlins
- Final 2025 Ranking: 22
- 2026 Ranking: 21
With a rotation anchored by Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins have potential but need more consistency across the board to make a real push toward contention.
22. Minnesota Twins
- Final 2025 Ranking: 27
- 2026 Ranking: 27
The Twins remain quiet in the offseason, focusing on minor additions while their starting rotation and lineup face looming questions.
23. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Final 2025 Ranking: 25
- 2026 Ranking: 25
The Pirates have been active in addressing their offensive struggles but still face considerable challenges limiting their expectations for the coming year.
24. Chicago White Sox
- Final 2025 Ranking: 28
- 2026 Ranking: 24
With fresh acquisitions and a strategic rebuilding, the White Sox show promise to emerge from their challenging season, making compelling moves to improve their roster.
25. Washington Nationals
- Final 2025 Ranking: 29
- 2026 Ranking: 29
Navigating a retooling phase, the Nationals face an uphill battle as they ground themselves in developing young talent and building a stronger foundation moving forward.
26. St. Louis Cardinals
- Final 2025 Ranking: 20
- 2026 Ranking: 26
With a shift in management and an aim to reshape their future, the Cardinals are undertaking a significant roster re-evaluation as they look to rebuild.
27. Arizona Diamondbacks
- Final 2025 Ranking: 15
- 2026 Ranking: 22
With offseason uncertainties and key personnel decisions hanging in the balance, the Diamondbacks need to focus on developing a competitive core for future seasons.
28. Los Angeles Angels
- Final 2025 Ranking: 26
- 2026 Ranking: 28
With an unclear strategic direction, the Angels remain in a precarious position as they juggle several ongoing issues while trying to improve their squad.
29. Detroit Tigers
- Final 2025 Ranking: 28
- 2026 Ranking: 24
Despite promising early moves, the Tigers still have significant hurdles to overcome if they hope to rejuvenate their standing in the league.
30. Colorado Rockies
- Final 2025 Ranking: 30
- 2026 Ranking: 30
The Rockies are in a steep rebuilding phase, aiming to develop a competitive roster while keeping focused on improving their infrastructure.
As reigning champions, the Dodgers will certainly be the team to watch, but with so many moving parts throughout the league, the race for the 2026 title is wide open. It’s a thrilling time for baseball fans as the offseason begins to take shape and teams set their sights on spring training!