MLB Power Rankings: A Year in Review
The 2025 MLB season has been a whirlwind, with teams rising and falling like a rollercoaster. As we look back at where teams stood a year ago, it's fascinating to see how much can change in a single season. Here's a deep dive into the power rankings, with a focus on the past year's events and their implications for the future.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Overqualified Opener
Last year, the Dodgers were on top of the world, with Shohei Ohtani making his pitching debut and showcasing his two-way talent. Fast forward to 2026, and they've deployed the most overqualified opener in history. Ohtani's 1.81 ERA and MVP-worthy performance have solidified his status as a two-way phenomenon. What makes this particularly fascinating is the sheer dominance of Ohtani, who has claimed his fourth MVP award and won his second World Series ring. In my opinion, Ohtani's impact on the Dodgers is a game-changer, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively is a rare and exciting development.
New York Yankees: Internal Improvement
The Yankees were on a 94-win team last year, but this season, they've emerged as a force through internal improvement. Ben Rice has become one of the best hitters in the American League, and Cam Schlittler is the Cy Young Award front-runner. This time last year, Schlittler's last start was below-average for his 2026 season. However, his performance this year has been nothing short of remarkable. What many people don't realize is that the Yankees' success this year is a testament to the power of internal development, and their ability to identify and nurture talent is a key factor in their success.
Atlanta Braves: The Mets' Tale
The Braves were essentially this year's Mets, struggling to get out of their own way during a brutal start to the season. However, just when it looked like Atlanta might turn it around, Chris Sale suffered a fractured rib cage, derailing their momentum. This raises a deeper question: How much can a single injury impact a team's season? In my perspective, the Braves' struggles highlight the importance of depth and resilience, and their inability to overcome adversity is a lesson for other teams to learn from.
Milwaukee Brewers: The Rise of The Miz
The Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski, or 'The Miz', has been a revelation this year. His debut on June 12, 2025, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Misiorowski's first pitch registered at 100.5 mph, and he went on to pitch five no-hit innings. A year later, he pitched arguably the finest game since Roki Sasaki's perfect game for NPB's Chiba Lotte Marines in 2022. What makes this especially interesting is the rapid development of Misiorowski, who has become a key player for the Brewers. His story is a testament to the power of early identification and nurturing of talent.
Tampa Bay Rays: A Reminder of Fluidity
The Rays' story is a reminder that what feels solid right now might be totally different in 45 days. Last year, they were comfortably above .500 with postseason odds surpassing 50 percent. However, a 7-21 stretch across July wrecked those odds, and they finished a distant fourth in the AL East. This raises a deeper question: How do teams recover from sudden slumps, and what can be learned from the Rays' experience?
Seattle Mariners: Hanging in There
The Mariners' story is one of resilience and determination. They were hanging in there, out front in the AL West, but not yet comfortably ahead. Perhaps they can pull away once Cal Raleigh and Brendan Donovan return. This raises a deeper question: How do teams maintain momentum and consistency throughout the season, and what can be learned from the Mariners' experience?
St. Louis Cardinals: The Rise and Fall of Walker
Jordan Walker's journey from a minus-bWAR season to an All-Star nomination is a remarkable turnaround. His .587 OPS has now skyrocketed to .902, and he's in the top 10 in homers. This raises a deeper question: How do teams identify and nurture hidden gems, and what can be learned from the Cardinals' experience?
Chicago White Sox: A Youth Movement
The White Sox's youth movement has been a breath of fresh air. They've shared first place in the AL Central and are pacing towards their first playoff berth since 2021. This raises a deeper question: How do teams build a sustainable winning culture, and what can be learned from the White Sox's experience?
Pittsburgh Pirates: A New Era
The Pirates have improved on their win total, sitting at 36-36 and just two games out of the NL's final wild-card spot. This raises a deeper question: How do teams rebuild and turn things around, and what can be learned from the Pirates' experience?
Philadelphia Phillies: Turner's Question Marks
Trea Turner's contract and defensive struggles have become one of the biggest short- and long-term question marks for the Phillies. His OPS+ is half what it was a year ago, and his defense is at or below league average at short. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player expectations and contract negotiations, and what can be learned from the Phillies' experience?
Cleveland Guardians: The Comeback of a Century
The Guardians' comeback from a 9 1/2 game deficit in the AL Central is a testament to their resilience and determination. A year later, they're about to weather significant time without José Ramírez or Chase DeLauter. This raises a deeper question: How do teams overcome adversity and maintain momentum, and what can be learned from the Guardians' experience?
Chicago Cubs: History Repeating Itself
The Cubs' struggles this year mirror their past, as they find themselves in a familiar spot: looking up at Milwaukee. This raises a deeper question: How do teams break free from cycles of success and failure, and what can be learned from the Cubs' experience?
Miami Marlins: A Turnaround in Progress
The Marlins' turnaround from 16 games below .500 to 10 games over .500 is a testament to their resilience and determination. They're 10-2 in June and own the sixth-best third-order winning percentage in the NL for the season. This raises a deeper question: How do teams turn things around and sustain their success, and what can be learned from the Marlins' experience?
Washington Nationals: A Drastic Overhaul
The Nationals' firing of their long-time GM and manager, and the subsequent organizational overhaul, has righted the ship faster than anyone could have imagined. This raises a deeper question: How do teams adapt and evolve in the face of change, and what can be learned from the Nationals' experience?
Texas Rangers: The Power of Lineup Talent
The Rangers' offense ranks slightly below the middle of the major-league pack, but there's reason to believe the arrow is pointing up. Corey Seager can't hit .186 forever, and Wyatt Langford is healthy and hitting again. This raises a deeper question: How do teams maximize their lineup talent, and what can be learned from the Rangers' experience?
San Diego Padres: Machado's Struggle
Manny Machado's struggle this year is a stark contrast to his performance a year ago. His .175 batting average and frustration are a far cry from his All-Star first half. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player expectations and performance, and what can be learned from the Padres' experience?
Arizona Diamondbacks: Burnes' Injury
The Diamondbacks' Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, is expected to return in September after a teres major strain. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player injuries and maintain momentum, and what can be learned from the Diamondbacks' experience?
Toronto Blue Jays: Guerrero's Slow Start
The Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a slow start to the season, with just three long balls and 15 extra-base hits in close to 300 plate appearances. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player expectations and performance, and what can be learned from the Blue Jays' experience?
New York Mets: A Season of Disappointment
The Mets' season has been a disappointment, with the fifth-worst record in baseball at 69-93. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage expectations and turn things around, and what can be learned from the Mets' experience?
Boston Red Sox: The Devers Trade
The Devers trade has become a rare big-time lose/lose deal, with the Red Sox failing to wisely reinvest the money into the team. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage trades and player acquisitions, and what can be learned from the Red Sox's experience?
Baltimore Orioles: Big Moves, Big Questions
The Orioles' big moves in signing Pete Alonso and trading for and extending Shane Baz have left them waiting on consistency from Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, and Coby Mayo. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player development and consistency, and what can be learned from the Orioles' experience?
Athletics: Nick Kurtz's Rise
Nick Kurtz's rise from a .225 batting average to an AL Rookie of the Year contender is a remarkable story. His on-base streak, 16 homers, and leadership have transformed the Athletics. This raises a deeper question: How do teams identify and nurture hidden gems, and what can be learned from the Athletics' experience?
Houston Astros: Alvarez's Health
Yordan Alvarez's return to full health has been a game-changer for the Astros. His performance this season has been a relief for fans, who were concerned about his previous injuries. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage player health and performance, and what can be learned from the Astros' experience?
Detroit Tigers: A Year of Change
The Tigers' struggles this year highlight the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of depth and resilience. Their current predicament serves as a lesson for other teams to learn from.
Minnesota Twins: A Fire Sale's Impact
The Twins' massive fire sale at the trade deadline has left them in an almost familiar spot. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage trades and player acquisitions, and what can be learned from the Twins' experience?
Cincinnati Reds: A Late Run's Lessons
The Reds' late run last year offers valuable lessons for teams facing adversity. Their ability to turn things around and make the playoffs is a testament to their resilience and determination.
San Francisco Giants: The Devers Deal's Impact
The Devers deal has been a dud for both the Giants and the Red Sox. This raises a deeper question: How do teams manage trades and player acquisitions, and what can be learned from the Giants' experience?
Los Angeles Angels: Washington's Return
Ron Washington's return to the Angels as an infield coach is a heartwarming development. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team.
Kansas City Royals: Witt's MVP Race
Bobby Witt Jr.'s MVP race with Yordan Alvarez is a testament to his remarkable performance. His third-straight All-Star appearance is a significant achievement.
Colorado Rockies: A Year of Struggles
The Rockies' struggles this year serve as a reminder of the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of patience. Their 2025 season was a tough one, but there's hope for the future.
In conclusion, the 2025 MLB season has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. As we look back at where teams stood a year ago, it's fascinating to see how much can change in a single season. The power rankings offer valuable lessons and insights for teams and fans alike, and the future of MLB looks bright with so many talented players and teams on the rise.
