The final week of the regular season is here, and the MLB playoff picture is still far from clear. While some teams have already clinched their spots in the postseason, others are fighting for their lives in the wild card race. Here are the power rankings for Week 25, based on the current standings and recent performance of each team.
American League
1. Baltimore Orioles (93-56)
The Orioles have been the best team in the AL all season long, and they are close to securing the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They have a balanced offense led by Cedric Mullins, Trey Mancini and Ryan Mountcastle, and a solid rotation anchored by John Means and Keegan Akin. Their bullpen has also been reliable, with Cole Sulser emerging as a dominant closer.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (92-59)
The Rays are the only team that can challenge the Orioles for the AL East title, but they are also comfortably ahead of the wild card pack. They have a deep and versatile roster that can adapt to any situation, and a creative manager in Kevin Cash who knows how to use it. Their pitching staff has been excellent, especially their relievers, who have posted a league-best 2.93 ERA.
3. Minnesota Twins (79-71)
The Twins have clinched the AL Central for the third straight year, but they have not been as dominant as they were in the past two seasons. They have dealt with injuries and inconsistency from some of their key players, such as Byron Buxton, Josh Donaldson and Kenta Maeda. However, they still have a potent lineup that features Nelson Cruz, Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco, and a decent rotation led by Jose Berrios and Bailey Ober.
4. Texas Rangers (82-67)
The Rangers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, as they have gone from last place in 2022 to a wild card contender in 2023. They have a young and exciting core of players, such as Adolis Garcia, Nate Lowe and Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, who have performed well above expectations. Their pitching staff has also been solid, with Dane Dunning, Taylor Hearn and Spencer Howard leading the way.
5. Toronto Blue Jays (83-67)
The Blue Jays have been on fire lately, winning nine of their last 12 games to move into the second wild card spot. They have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien forming a formidable trio. Their pitching has also improved, with Robbie Ray having a Cy Young-worthy season and Hyun Jin Ryu bouncing back from a rough stretch.
6. Seattle Mariners (81-68)
The Mariners are still alive in the wild card race, but they have a tough schedule ahead of them, facing the Astros, Rangers and Angels in their final nine games. They have been relying on their clutch hitting and late-inning magic, as they lead the majors with 33 comeback wins and 13 walk-off wins. Their pitching has also been solid, with Logan Gilbert, Chris Flexen and Yusei Kikuchi leading the rotation.
| Rank | Team | Record | GB |
| 1 | Orioles | 93-56 | – |
| 2 | Rays | 92-59 | 2 |
| 3 | Twins | 79-71 | – |
| 4 | Rangers | 82-67 | – |
| 5 | Blue Jays | 83-67 | – |
| 6 | Mariners | 81-68 | – |
National League
1. Atlanta Braves (90-60)
The Braves have clinched their fourth consecutive NL East title, thanks to their strong second half performance. They have overcome several injuries and setbacks, such as losing Ronald Acuna Jr., Marcell Ozuna and Mike Soroka for the season. They have bolstered their lineup with midseason acquisitions like Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario, and their pitching staff has been steady, with Max Fried, Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson leading the way.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (88-62)
The Dodgers are still chasing the Giants for the NL West title, but they have also secured a playoff spot for the ninth straight year. They have a loaded roster that features several MVP and Cy Young candidates, such as Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Walker Buehler. They have also added some star power at the trade deadline, acquiring Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Nationals.
3. Milwaukee Brewers (84-65)
The Brewers have clinched their fourth straight postseason appearance, and they are on the verge of winning their second NL Central title in three years. They have a dominant pitching staff that boasts three Cy Young contenders, in Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta. Their offense has also been productive, with Christian Yelich, Willy Adames and Omar Narvaez leading the charge.
4. Philadelphia Phillies (82-67)
The Phillies are the current leaders of the NL wild card race, and they are also within striking distance of the Braves in the NL East. They have a balanced offense that features Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura, and a solid rotation that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Kyle Gibson. Their bullpen has also been better than expected, with Ian Kennedy, Hector Neris and Archie Bradley providing some stability.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks (81-68)
The Diamondbacks have been one of the most resilient teams in the league, as they have overcome a dismal start to the season and several injuries to key players, such as Ketel Marte, Zac Gallen and Madison Bumgarner. They have a young and talented core of players, such as Josh Rojas, Daulton Varsho and Carson Kelly, who have stepped up in big moments. Their pitching staff has also been solid, with Merrill Kelly, Caleb Smith and Tyler Gilbert leading the way.
6. Miami Marlins (78-72)
The Marlins are still hanging on in the wild card race, but they have a tough road ahead of them, facing the Braves, Phillies and Mets in their final nine games. They have a young and talented roster that features several breakout stars, such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jesus Sanchez and Trevor Rogers. Their pitching staff has also been impressive, with Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez and Edward Cabrera leading the way.
| Rank | Team | Record | GB |
| 1 | Braves | 90-60 | – |
| 2 | Dodgers | 88-62 | – |
| 3 | Brewers | 84-65 | – |
| 4 | Phillies | 82-67 | – |
| 5 | D-backs | 81-68 | – |
| 6 | Marlins | 78-72 | – |
