The 2025 MLB Preseason Power Rankings - The Ringer

Byline: Taylor Morgan

As Major League Baseball gears up for its 2025 season, the preseason power rankings are already painting a vivid picture of the anticipated competitive landscape. The National League, in a commanding display, has clinched each of the top five spots, leaving observers to wonder about the American League's potential response. Can anyone in the American League separate from the second tier, or will the National League's dominance continue unabated?

This article will delve into the preseason power rankings, shedding light on each team's prospects and potential challenges. With the dust from the offseason trades and acquisitions still settling, the rankings provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and ambitions of baseball clubs across the nation. The preseason power rankings, after all, are more than mere speculation; they serve as a barometer of the shifting sands of baseball prowess and a predictor of the drama to come.

The National League (NL) has dominated the 2025 MLB preseason power rankings, securing each of the top five spots. The Los Angeles Dodgers, last year's World Series champions, unsurprisingly lead the pack. Blending a mixture of experienced champions and promising rookies, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a formidable roster. With a winning strategy and a well-balanced team, the Dodgers remain the top contender for the upcoming season.

Hot on the Dodgers' tail are the San Diego Padres, who have invested heavily in their roster over the offseason. Their strategic acquisitions, combined with the development of their young, talented core, have skyrocketed the Padres to the second spot in the power rankings. Their rivalry with the Dodgers is set to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season.

Securing the third, fourth, and fifth spots are the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively. Each team has its unique strengths. The Braves are known for their powerful offense, the Mets have a top-notch starting rotation, while the Cardinals boast a meticulously crafted defense. These teams have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and this season is expected to be no different.

With each team in the top five displaying a high level of competitiveness and talent, the National League is setting the stage for an intense and thrilling MLB season.

In contrast to the National League's dominance, the American League paints a picture of intense competition. The top five teams in the American League are separated by mere percentage points, indicating a fierce battle ahead for the top spot. These teams, while not as formidable as their National League counterparts, have immense potential that could see them rise in the rankings as the season progresses.

At the forefront is the New York Yankees, a team known for its resilience and fighting spirit. With a revamped roster and a renewed sense of purpose, the Yankees are eager to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. However, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are not far behind and are ready to challenge the Yankees' supremacy.

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros round up the top five, but they too harbor ambitions of topping the league. The Blue Jays have a potent mix of youth and experience, while the Astros are looking to bounce back after a couple of relatively underwhelming seasons. It's a tight race, and it's anyone's guess who will come out on top.

This unpredictability and intense competition within the American League serve to make the upcoming season even more exciting. As each team strives to separate from the pack, the baseball world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this thrilling chapter in Major League Baseball unfolds.

While the National League may be dominating the top spots, the American League isn't without its share of contenders. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, traditional powerhouses, are projected to make strong runs this season. However, their dominance isn't as absolute as it once was, with teams like the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros showing significant improvement in their preseason performances.

According to Brad Stevens, a seasoned baseball analyst and former MLB player, "The dynamics within the American League are changing. The gap between the traditional big clubs and the others is closing. Teams like the Athletics and the Astros have made significant strides in player development and recruitment. They're not just underdogs anymore, they're serious competitors."

Stevens' observations highlight the evolving landscape of the American League. If the preseason is any indication, this season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. As the power shifts and new contenders emerge, it will be interesting to see if the American League can challenge the National League's dominance.

As the curtain rises on the 2025 Major League Baseball season, we find a clear dominance from the National League in the preseason power rankings. The American League, while not to be underestimated, has some ground to cover if they wish to separate from the second tier and challenge the supremacy of their National counterparts.

The rankings reflect the current dynamics of the sport, but as every seasoned fan knows, baseball is a game of unpredictability and surprises. The course of the season can be shaped by a myriad of factors, from injuries and trades to breakout performances and unexpected slumps.

So, as we look forward to a new season of baseball, these rankings should serve as a compass, not a map, guiding us through the possibilities and potential of the season to come. Game on.

Source: https://www.theringer.com/2025/03/26/mlb/2025-mlb-preseason-power-rankings-dodgers-braves-phillies-standings