This week’s MLB rankings are heavily tilted toward the National League for the first time since May 5, the top four spots belong to NL teams. That makes playoff seeding more critical than ever, with one of those top four still destined for a short Wild Card series, possibly on the road. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who led for six weeks, are now struggling.
The rankings come from MLB.com contributors, though the commentary is from the author so complaints about the rankings go to everyone, but gripes about the words go to him.
1. Brewers (last week: 1)
The Brewers are enjoying their best season in franchise history. They’re on pace for 100 wins for the first time and could surpass their 2011 record of 96 wins.
2. Dodgers (last week: 5)
Shohei Ohtani has hit 95 homers in two seasons with L.A., tying Cecil Fielder for fourth all-time for a player’s first two seasons with a new team. Only Babe Ruth, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Maris have more.
3. Phillies (last week: 6)
Zack Wheeler’s start was delayed due to shoulder soreness, and though he pitched five innings in a win over Texas, his velocity was down across the board. His next start will be closely watched.
4. Cubs (last week: 2)
The Cubs’ huge upcoming series with the Brewers five games starting Aug. 18 could define their season. They face the Pirates before then, avoiding Paul Skenes.
5. Blue Jays (last week: 3)
Addison Barger’s clutch homer Sunday helped Toronto avoid a sweep in L.A. They now face the Cubs in interleague play.
6. Tigers (last week: 4)
Detroit is 9-17 since July 9, with pitching woes leading to the AL’s fourth worst ERA in that span.
7. Padres (last week: 9)
San Diego’s strong play makes GM A.J. Preller’s trade deadline moves look shrewd. The battle with the Dodgers for the NL West crown could mean the difference between a bye and a Wild Card.
8. Red Sox (last week: 11)
Alex Bregman is heating up, hitting .364 over his last 12 games, but his looming opt-out could make this his only season in Boston.
9. Mariners (last week: 10)
Seattle has won seven straight, capped by a celebratory weekend featuring Ichiro’s jersey retirement and Julio RodrÃguez’s hot streak.
10. Astros (last week: 8)
Houston remains barely ahead of Seattle in the AL West but faces a crucial series against Boston.
11. Mets (last week: 7)
Pete Alonso tied Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record, but it came during a brutal team slump.
12. Yankees (last week: 12)
Trent Grisham has emerged as an unexpected offensive leader, with clutch late-game homers.
13. Guardians (last week: 16)
After a 10-game skid, Cleveland has gone 22-7 since July 7, the AL’s best record in that stretch.
14. Reds (last week: 14)
Cincinnati’s offense came alive Sunday with 14 runs, boosting their Wild Card hopes.
15. Rangers (last week: 13)
Texas followed a six-game win streak by losing nine of their next 13, stalling their Wild Card push.
16. Royals (last week: 18)
Bobby Witt Jr. is on the verge of joining an elite 100-homer/100-steal club.
17. Rays (last week: 15)
Tampa Bay is enduring its longest road trip in 20 years to avoid Florida’s rainy season.
18. Giants (last week: 17)
San Francisco has played better since selling at the deadline, seeing it as a wake-up call.
19. Cardinals (last week: 20)
Yadier Molina returned to the dugout, boosting team morale.
20. Marlins (last week: 19)
Miami leads MLB in rookie at-bats this year, fueling their recent surge.
21. Diamondbacks (last week: 21)
With postseason hopes fading, Arizona is focusing on developing prospects Jordan Lawlar and Tyler Locklear.
22. Angels (last week: 22)
Mike Trout remains productive, holding a 127 OPS+ despite chasing career homer No. 400.
23. Orioles (last week: 23)
Adam Jones entered the Orioles Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of five-time All-Stars in team history.
24. A’s (last week: 25)
Oakland has four players with 20+ homers, with a fifth close behind.
25. Braves (last week: 24)
Andruw Jones will manage the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Ozzie Albies on the roster.
26. Twins (last week: 26)
Minnesota’s roster overhaul has sparked a surprising upswing.
27. Pirates (last week: 27)
Rookie ace Paul Skenes continues to dominate.
28. Nationals (last week: 28)
Top prospect Jarlin Susana is progressing well in his rehab, striking out 60 in 39 2/3 innings.
29. White Sox (last week: 29)
Chicago’s struggles against Cleveland have helped keep the Guardians in the Wild Card race.
30. Rockies (last week: 30)
Colorado’s pitching has collapsed, posting a 10.57 ERA over a 12-game stretch the worst since ERAs were first recorded in 1912.
