MLB First Week Power Rankings
Ranking all 30 MLB teams as the season gets underway
NOTE: These rankings were created prior to the season starting and the opening day games have not caused any changes to the rankings.
These are how I think all the MLB teams rank against each other as the season starts, these might be different than my division predictions in my season prediction article, because this is how the year starts, and I was predicting how the year will end. If you want to see more in depth information about the teams though check out that article.
We all know what power rankings are, so let’s just get into it:
1. Houston Astros
They have some injuries entering the year, but they’re the reigning World Series champs.
2. New York Mets
The Mets could slide down these rankings a little bit in the weeks to come due to some injuries, but they might be the deepest lineup in baseball and they have a really good staff.
3. Atlanta Braves
The Mets are ahead of the Braves to me, but Atlanta is still an amazing team.
4. New York Yankees
Carlos Rodon starting the season on the IL is obviously not ideal but the Yankees still have great arms and the lineup is still led by Aaron Judge
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are always great, this roster is the least elite in some time though. That feels weird to say about a team that still has Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith but it’s true. They’re obviously still elite, just a little less elite.
6. San Diego Padres
This is where I disagree with most people as most people think the Padres should be higher. They just don’t have the pitching for me.
7. Philadelphia Phillies
This team made it to the World Series last year and only got better. They’re missing Bryce Harper to start the year and Rhys Hoskins is out for the entire season though.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
If you saw my season predictions you know I’m high on this team. They have a talented offense, good pitching, and an improved defense.
9. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners broke their postseason drought last year and made some moves over the offseason that shake things up, but I’m not sure how much they improve this year. They have Luis Castillo for the whole season now though and Julio Rodriguez is a top player in only his second year.
10. Cleveland Guardians
This Guardians team surprised people last year and I think they can be even better this year when people are betting against them again. Triston McKenzie’s injury will test their pitching depth early.
11. St. Louis Cardinals
Their starting pitching keeps a great lineup and defense out of the top 10.
12. Tampa Bay Rays
You can’t bet against the Rays, you just can’t, they always work their magic.
13. Minnesota Twins
They have star power and a better rotation. This could be one of the most improved teams this year.
14. Milwaukee Brewers
I had some out there predictions for the Brewers, but until they happen (if they even do), I have to rate them properly.
15. Baltimore Orioles
Maybe I’m higher than I should be on this team, but there are even more prospects joining this exciting young roster. The pitching will overall be pretty bad, but the lineup can hopefully keep them in games.
16. San Francisco Giants
The 2023 San Francisco Giants might just be the embodiment of mid.
17. Arizona Diamondbacks
This is an exciting up and coming team with a mix of young guys and veterans, and they’re probably better than you think.
18. Chicago White Sox
Elvis Andrus is trotting out there every day. They have Dylan Cease, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Andrew Benintendi, and more though. Who knows?
19. Texas Rangers
This team has star power, but not the overall roster to take the next step.
20. Los Angeles Angels
See “19. Texas Rangers”.
21. Chicago Cubs
They lost their best player to their biggest rival this offseason, but I think things in Wrigleyville could be better than what others think. The pieces are there, they just need to click together.
22. Miami Marlins
The Marlins won’t be that bad if everything falls into place for them, but they’re just a weird roster that you can’t get too excited for despite a few really exciting players.
23. Boston Red Sox
Some would say I’m being too harsh, but I just don’t see the light.
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
Things are certainly trending upward in the steel city, it’ll still be a while though until some real noise is made.
25. Kansas City Royals
A good season for this team this year would be noticeable steps forward for their young bats instead of what the W’s and L’s are.
26. Detroit Tigers
This team is pretty much in the same boat as the Royals but they also better hope the big names they have bounce back.
27. Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are worth watching.
28. Colorado Rockies
Kris Bryant will look nice on the All-Star red carpet.
29. Oakland A’s
Oh god, this lineup.
30. Washington Nationals
Oh god, this pitching
Check back soon for an updated power ranking!
