Overview of the MLB Power Rankings
By Grant Brisbee, Chad Jennings, and Levi Weaver
Each week, our team of baseball writers, both local and national, rank the MLB teams from first to last. As of August 5, the trade deadline discussions are finally behind us, but we want to reflect briefly on the whirlwind of trades that took place.
This year’s trade deadline was historic, with a record-breaking 36 trades completed on Thursday. Some moves, like the Royals trading for Mike Yastrzemski, were easy to overlook initially. To simplify the conversation, we’ll sum up each team’s trade deadline experience in just one word, followed by a brief explanation.
Power Rankings and Trade Deadlines by Team
1. Milwaukee Brewers
- Record: 68-44
- Last Power Ranking: 4
- Deadline in a word: Icing
The Brewers made significant upgrades by adding quality starters Jacob Misiorowski and Brandon Woodruff, without sacrificing any prospects. While there were discussions about adding Eugenio Suárez for power, the focus remains on building a playoff-ready roster.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
- Record: 65-48
- Last Power Ranking: 1
- Deadline in a word: Underwhelming
The Dodgers made modest acquisitions despite earlier expectations of a big splash, adding extra depth rather than addressing significant roster flaws.
3. Chicago Cubs
- Record: 65-47
- Last Power Ranking: 3
- Deadline in a word: Timid
After leading the NL Central, the Cubs made minor moves, acquiring solid players but failing to secure a starting pitcher, which could impact their postseason ambitions.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
- Record: 64-48
- Last Power Ranking: 5
- Deadline in a word: Dombrowski
Dave Dombrowski’s aggressive trading strategy yielded an outfielder and bullpen help, mirroring his successful previous tenure with the Red Sox.
5. Detroit Tigers
- Record: 66-48
- Last Power Ranking: 7
- Deadline in a word: Quantity
Recognizing their bullpen’s struggles, the Tigers made several acquisitions to bolster their relief pitching, but the impact remains questionable.
6. Toronto Blue Jays
- Record: 66-48
- Last Power Ranking: 6
- Deadline in a word: Hack
The Blue Jays made bold moves by trading top prospects for a starter and relievers but are facing uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of their acquisitions.
7. New York Mets
- Record: 63-50
- Last Power Ranking: 2
- Deadline in a word: Check
The Mets actively filled their roster gaps by trading for key positions, managing to do so while keeping their top minor league talent intact.
8. San Diego Padres
- Record: 62-51
- Last Power Ranking: 12
- Deadline in a word: Classic
A.J. Preller continued his strategy of trading prospects for proven talent, aimed at maximizing the Padres’ chances to compete now.
9. Houston Astros
- Record: 63-50
- Last Power Ranking: T-9
- Deadline in a word: Snuggly
The return of Carlos Correa brings a sense of comfort to the Astros’ lineup despite lingering questions about his performance.
10. New York Yankees
- Record: 60-53
- Last Power Ranking: 8
- Deadline in a word: Relief
The Yankees secured much-needed third base help and brought in strong relief pitchers, but translating these moves into wins has proven challenging.
11. Boston Red Sox
- Record: 63-51
- Last Power Ranking: 11
- Deadline in a word: Faith
Despite not making significant trade moves, outfielder Jarren Duran emphasized the front office’s confidence in the current roster.
12. Seattle Mariners
- Record: 60-53
- Last Power Ranking: 10
- Deadline in a word: Streamlined
In an effort to address corner infield weaknesses, the Mariners made moves to streamline their roster, with an eye on improving their playoff chances.
13. Texas Rangers
- Record: 59-55
- Last Power Ranking: 14
- Deadline in a word: Pitching?
Miscalculated priorities led the Rangers to bolster their pitching staff while neglecting to add needed offensive support.
14. Cincinnati Reds
- Record: 59-54
- Last Power Ranking: 15
- Deadline in a word: Shrewd
The Reds made strategic moves to reinforce their team without sacrificing critical prospects for the future.
15. San Francisco Giants
- Record: 56-57
- Last Power Ranking: 18
- Deadline in a word: Sheesh
The Giants faced tough realities and ultimately decided to sell, recognizing that they lacked the depth needed to compete effectively.
16. Tampa Bay Rays
- Record: 55-59
- Last Power Ranking: 19
- Deadline in a word: Unique
The Rays executed a series of unconventional trades that reflected their dual approach of buying and selling, leaving many puzzled.
17. Minnesota Twins
- Record: 54-59
- Last Power Ranking: 21
- Deadline in a word: Bittersweet
The Twins faced difficult choices at the deadline, ultimately opting to part with impending free agents while retaining their young core.
18. Miami Marlins
- Record: 55-56
- Last Power Ranking: 22
- Deadline in a word: Hold
The Marlins chose not to trade their promising pitchers despite market interest, indicating a commitment to building for the future.
19. Kansas City Royals
- Record: 57-57
- Last Power Ranking: 17
- Deadline in a word: Surprise!
In a notable turn, the Royals acquired several players to strengthen their roster despite initially appearing set to sell off assets.
20. St. Louis Cardinals
- Record: 55-56
- Last Power Ranking: 25
- Deadline in a word: Sure
The Cardinals made logical trade decisions yet lacked ambition, leading to a subdued selling-off of less impactful players.
21. Baltimore Orioles
- Record: 54-59
- Last Power Ranking: 29
- Deadline in a word: Obligation
The Orioles’ trades reflected a need to react to a disappointing season, parting ways with rentals while holding onto their core.
22. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Record: 49-64
- Last Power Ranking: 27
- Deadline in a word: Perplexing
The Pirates opted to retain several players rather than sell, creating uncertainty about their future direction.
23. Oakland Athletics
- Record: 42-70
- Last Power Ranking: 28
- Deadline in a word: Limited
The Athletics made minor moves to maximize returns on assets, but their overall strategy remained cautious.
24. Colorado Rockies
- Record: 30-82
- Last Power Ranking: 30
- Deadline in a word: Finally
The Rockies took necessary steps to trade away valuable relievers, signaling a long-awaited shift in strategy.
