2026 MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays for Top Spot
The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season concluded with the Los Angeles Dodgers securing their second consecutive World Series title. This victory placed them in elite company, as they became the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to achieve back-to-back championships. The Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling Game 7 that extended into extra innings.
2026 MLB Power Rankings Overview
As the offseason begins, teams are starting to evaluate their rosters. Key factors include free agency, trades, and the potential impact of rookie players. The 2026 MLB Power Rankings consider these elements while reflecting on the performances of the previous season.
Top Teams in 2026 Rankings
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2025 Record: 93-69
- Key Pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow
- Lineup Concerns: Aging players include Freddie Freeman (36) and Mookie Betts (33)
- Motivation: Aiming for a three-peat in 2026
- Toronto Blue Jays
- 2025 Record: 94-68
- Challenges: Need to fill rotation gaps and resign key free agents like Bo Bichette
- Key Players: Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Milwaukee Brewers
- 2025 Record: 97-65
- Key Players Returning: Free agency decisions on Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana
- Philadelphia Phillies
- 2025 Record: 96-66
- Key Free Agents: Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suarez, J.T. Realmuto
- Concerns: Age-related decline in star players like Bryce Harper (33)
- New York Yankees
- 2025 Record: 90-72
- Rotation Additions: Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Gerrit Cole
- Free Agency: Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are likely to leave
Key Challenges for MLB Teams
As teams prepare for the 2026 season, they face several challenges:
- Filling gaps from departing free agents.
- Managing aging rosters with key players nearing the end of their peak performance.
- Improving pitching rotations that saw underwhelming performances last year.
The offseason presents opportunities for trades and acquisitions that could reshape teams significantly. The Dodgers seek to maintain their championship prowess, while the Blue Jays aim to rebound from their World Series loss and bolster their rotation.
Anticipation builds around the unfolding offseason, as teams strategize to position themselves favorably for the upcoming season. With significant player movements expected, the 2026 Power Rankings promise to evolve as teams solidify their rosters.
