MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Orioles Battle for No. 1 Spot After Braves Struggle

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MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Orioles Battle for No. 1 Spot After Braves Struggle

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After a pair of series losses by the Atlanta Braves, there is a new No. 1 team in our MLB power rankings for the first time in three weeks.

The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Braves over the weekend, while the Baltimore Orioles took three of four from the New York Yankees last week before sweeping the Cincinnati Reds, leaving those two clubs as the top contenders for the No. 1 spot.

A bit further down the rankings, the San Diego Padres made a nice climb with a pair of series wins on the field and a blockbuster deal to acquire reigning NL batting champion Luis Arraez from the Miami Marlins.

We are already closing on the first quarter mark of the 2024 season, and while a few teams have separated themselves from the pack at the top and bottom of the rankings, there are still a dozen clubs with between 15 and 18 wins on the year entering play Monday.

That means there will be plenty more shuffling in the coming weeks, but for now, here's a rundown of where all 30 teams stand.

Nos. 30-28

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Jordan BeckMegan Briggs/Getty Images

30. Colorado Rockies (8-26)

Previous Rank: 28

Last Week: 0-3 @ MIA, 1-2 @ PIT

The Rockies fall to the bottom of the heap after getting swept by the Marlins last week, and it's getting increasingly difficult to find bright spots in a season that has the potential to be an all-time worst for the franchise. Top prospect Jordan Beck made his MLB debut on Tuesday, and while he is 3-for-21 with 11 strikeouts in his first six games, he has huge offensive upside.

29. Chicago White Sox (8-26)

Previous Rank: 29

Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIN, 2-1 @ STL

After welcoming veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to the roster a few weeks ago, another late signing is set to make his 2024 debut for the White Sox as Mike Clevinger will take the ball on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Starting pitcher Erick Fedde has a 3.46 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 39 innings over his first seven starts, and he looks like the team's best early All-Star candidate.

28. Miami Marlins (10-26)

Previous Rank: 30

Last Week: 0-1 vs. WAS, 3-0 vs. COL, 1-2 @ OAK

Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix had the following to say after 2023 NL batting title winner Luis Arraez was traded to the San Diego Padres over the weekend:

Craig Mish @CraigMish

Bendix "We are unlikely to make the playoffs this year."

Nothing like publicly waving the white flag less than 25 percent of the way into a season to all but clinch a spot on this first slide the rest of the way.

Nos. 27-25

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Kevin GausmanMark Blinch/Getty Images

27. Los Angeles Angels (12-22)

Previous Rank: 27

Last Week: 1-2 vs. PHI, 1-2 @ CLE

The only series win over the Angels this year came at the beginning of April when they swept the Marlins on the road. With Mike Trout now sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee, all signs point to a ninth straight losing season for the Halos.

26. Houston Astros (12-22)

Previous Rank: 26

Last Week: 2-1 vs. CLE, 1-2 vs. SEA

Can the Astros steadily climb back up the standings after their dreadful start? A series win over a good Guardians team was a nice start, and a 5-3 record over their last eight games is at least a step in the right direction. However, All-Star closer Josh Hader suffered his third loss of the season on Sunday, and he now has a 6.14 ERA in 15 appearances.

25. Toronto Blue Jays (16-19)

Previous Rank: 22

Last Week: 1-2 vs. KC, 1-2 @ WAS

The Blue Jays have slid down the rankings in recent weeks, suffering four straight series losses and going 4-9 overall during that stretch. After a rocky start, ace Kevin Gausman has a 0.75 ERA in his last four starts, and he tossed 5.1 scoreless innings while racking up eight strikeouts against the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

Nos. 24-22

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Joey BartJustin Berl/Getty Images

24. Arizona Diamondbacks (15-20)



Previous Rank: 19

Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAD, 1-2 vs. SD

The D-backs avoided getting swept by the Padres with an 11-3 victory on Sunday, but they have stumbled to a 3-7 record in their last 10 games. The bullpen has been a major issue with a 4.57 ERA that ranks 23rd in the majors and seven blown saves in 13 chances, but closer Paul Sewald is finally expected to make his 2024 debut on Tuesday after nursing an oblique injury.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates (16-19)

Previous Rank: 21

Last Week: 0-3 @ OAK, 2-1 vs. COL

The Pirates picked up their first series win since starting the year 8-2 when they took two of three from the Rockies at home over the weekend. With the emergence of Joey Bart since he was acquired from the Giants, former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis was optioned to the minors on Friday when veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal was activated from the injured list.

22. St. Louis Cardinals (15-19)

Previous Rank: 17

Last Week: 1-2 @ DET, 1-2 vs. CWS

The Cardinals were trending up in the rankings last week following a pair of series wins, but they tumble back outside the Top 20 this week after a pair of series losses, including dropping two of three to a terrible White Sox team at home. Slumping third baseman Nolan Arenado finally showed some signs of life at the plate last week, going 8-for-22 with two doubles, one home run and six RBI.

Nos. 21-19

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Christian ScottJulio Aguilar/Getty Images

21. San Francisco Giants (15-20)

Previous Rank: 16

Last Week: 1-2 @ BOS, 0-3 @ PHI

It was a rough week for the Giants who now have the third-worst run differential in the National League at minus-36 after getting outscored by 19 runs on the road against the Red Sox and Phillies. Right-hander Mason Black is expected to make his MLB debut on Monday, and he currently ranks No. 8 on the B/R's Top 10 prospect list for the Giants.

20. New York Mets (16-18)

Previous Rank: 18

Last Week: 2-2 vs. CHC, 0-3 @ TB

With a loss on Saturday, the Mets slipped below .500 for the first time since they were 7-8 on April 14, and they also squandered a terrific MLB debut from Christian Scott. The 24-year-old allowed five hits and one earned run over 6.2 innings, but exited with the game tied 1-1 before the bullpen surrendered two runs in the eighth inning.

19. Cincinnati Reds (16-18)

Previous Rank: 15

Last Week: 1-2 @ SD, 0-3 vs. BAL

The Reds have scored one or zero runs in five of their last 10 games, including all three against the Orioles over the weekend as they were outscored 16-2 in the series. Getting outfielder TJ Friedl back would be a nice boon to their offensive attack, and he is currently rehabbing a fractured wrist at Triple-A Louisville.

Nos. 18-16

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Mason MillerThearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

18. Washington Nationals (17-17)

Previous Rank: 20

Last Week: 1-0 @ MIA, 1-2 @ TEX, 2-1 vs. TOR

The biggest story for the Nationals so far this season has been the emergence of CJ Abrams as a bona fide star. The 23-year-old is hitting .283/.348/.567 with seven doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 19 RBI and eight steals. Nick Senzel (.835 OPS, 5 HR, 11 RBI) and Jesse Winker (.793 OPS, 11 XBH, 18 RBI) have also proven to be nice low-cost additions.

17. Tampa Bay Rays (17-18)

Previous Rank: 24

Last Week: 1-2 @ MIL, 3-0 vs. NYM

There are a lot of teams hovering around the .500 mark right now trying to sort out which side of the contender vs. non-contender line they will fall on, and the Rays might have turned a corner over the weekend with a three-game sweep of the Mets. The bullpen has found some stability with Jason Adam in the closer's role, while Ryan Pepiot continues to look like a breakout star with a 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 36.2 innings while allowing a .180 opponents' batting average.

16. Oakland Athletics (17-18)

Previous Rank: 25

Last Week: 3-0 vs. PIT, 2-1 vs. MIA

Who would have guessed the Athletics would be threatening for a spot in the top half of the rankings at any point in 2024? Outfielder JJ Bleday, corner infielder/outfielder Tyler Nevin and the duo of Lucas Erceg and Mason Miller at the back of the bullpen are among the unexpected players contributing to the club's solid start. It took them 67 games to get to 17 wins in 2023.

Nos. 15-13

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Luis ArraezNorm Hall/Getty Images

15. San Diego Padres (18-19)

Previous Rank: 23

Last Week: 2-1 vs. CIN, 2-1 @ ARI

Despite a sub-.500 record, the Padres showed they are serious about making a push to contend in 2024 when they swung a deal to acquire Luis Arraez from the Miami Marlins. The three prospects that went the other way in that deal—Dillon Head (No. 6), Jakob Marsee (No. 7) and Nathan Martorella (No. 9)—all had a spot on B/R's Top 10 prospect list for the Padres, but Arraez is controllable through 2025 and coming off back-to-back batting titles.

14. Detroit Tigers (18-16)

Previous Rank: 11

Last Week: 2-1 vs. STL, 0-3 @ NYY

The Tigers were challenging for a spot inside the Top 10 before getting swept by the Yankees over the weekend, but it has still been a promising start for a team that finished 78-84 a year ago. With a 3.47 ERA that ranks ninth in the majors, the starting rotation has been a clear strength, and Jack Flaherty is shaping up to be one of the best signings of the offseason.

13. Boston Red Sox (19-16)

Previous Rank: 10

Last Week: 2-1 vs. SF, 1-2 @ MIN

The Red Sox are dealing with a ton of injuries right now, but they did welcome second baseman Vaughn Grissom back from the injured list for his Boston debut on Friday. The club ranks dead last in the majors with a .455 OPS from the second base position this year, so his offensive game should be a massive upgrade. Scheduled off days on Monday and Thursday will give them a chance to reset this week.

Nos. 12-10

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Willi CastroBrace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

12. Kansas City Royals (20-15)

Previous Rank: 12

Last Week: 2-1 @ TOR, 1-2 vs. TEX

Even with a series loss to the Rangers over the weekend, the Royals are still 13-7 with a plus-32 run differential at home to start the year. The pitching staff has been great, particularly the new-look rotation, but they need to find some consistent offensive production outside of Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Pérez to remain in the contender picture.

11. Texas Rangers (19-16)

Previous Rank: 13

Last Week: 2-1 vs. WAS, 2-1 @ KC

The already short-handed Rangers rotation was dealt another blow last week when Nathan Eovaldi landed on the injured list with a groin strain. Between the patchwork rotation they've been using while Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle work their way back from injury and the fact that Corey Seager (.228 BA, .594 OPS) has been a non-factor offensively, it's amazing that they have a winning record.

10. Minnesota Twins (19-14)

Previous Rank: 14

Last Week: 3-0 @ CWS, 2-1 vs. BOS

The Twins were all the way down at No. 25 in these rankings just a few weeks ago, but they vaulted into the Top 10 following a 12-game winning streak that was finally halted with a loss to the Red Sox on Sunday. The unlikely trio of Edouard Julien, Willi Castro and Ryan Jeffers has led the way offensively, the rotation has gotten a nice boost from Simeon Woods Richardson and the bullpen was bolstered by the return of closer Jhoan Duran last Tuesday.

Nos. 9-7

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William ContrerasNuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

9. Milwaukee Brewers (20-13)

Previous Rank: 7

Last Week: 2-1 vs. TB, 1-2 @ CHC

The Brewers are currently operating with a rotation of Bryse Wilson, Colin Rea, Joe Ross and Tobias Myers behind ace Freddy Peralta, and they still rank 19th in the majors with a 4.30 ERA from the starting staff. A vastly improved offense has given their pitching plenty of support, averaging 5.00 runs per game, up from 4.49 in 2023. Catcher William Contreras (.336/.411/.519, 9 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBI) is having a huge season.

8. Chicago Cubs (21-14)

Previous Rank: 8

Last Week: 2-2 @ NYM, 2-1 vs. MIL

The Cubs have done a great job navigating injuries to the starting rotation, and now ace Justin Steele is set to return to the mound on Monday after suffering a hamstring injury on Opening Day. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki is also on the mend from an oblique strain and could start a minor league rehab assignment soon. The bullpen remains the biggest question mark, and it accounted for two blown saves and three losses last week alone.

7. Seattle Mariners (19-15)

Previous Rank: 9

Last Week: 2-1 vs. ATL, 2-1 @ HOU

With two more series wins, the Mariners are now 13-5 in their last 18 games, and they enter the new week in sole possession of first place in what is shaping up to be a wide open AL West. They rank second in the majors in team ERA (2.98) and first in team WHIP (1.04), and the foursome of Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Bryce Miller might be the best starting rotation in the AL right now.

Nos. 6-4

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Steven KwanJoe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

6. Atlanta Braves (20-12)

Previous Rank: 1

Last Week: 1-2 @ SEA, 0-3 @ LAD

The Braves had lost just one series all season heading into last week, but after getting swept by Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers on Sunday they are now smack dab in the middle of their first real bad stretch of the year. The high-powered Atlanta offense managed just 14 runs over six games against the Mariners and Dodgers, so getting back on track at the plate will be the key to a quick turnaround.

5. Cleveland Guardians (22-12)

Previous Rank: 3

Last Week: 1-2 @ HOU, 2-1 vs. LAA

Who would have guessed a series loss on the road against Houston would be a black eye on a team's resume? The Guardians are still off to a great start, and they quickly got back in the win column by taking two of three from the Angels over the weekend. Losing leadoff hitter Steven Kwan to a hamstring strain is a major blow for the offense, so someone will need to step up in his absence.

4. New York Yankees (23-13)

Previous Rank: 2

Last Week: 1-3 @ BAL, 3-0 vs. DET

The Yankees went 6-7 with a minus-nine run differential against the Orioles a year ago, and those struggles continued last week when they dropped three of four at Camden Yards. Left-hander Carlos Rodón had an ugly start on Thursday (4.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 HR) after consecutive quality starts, so he has something to prove when he takes the ball next on Wednesday against the Astros.

Nos. 3-1

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John MeansDylan Buell/Getty Images

3. Philadelphia Phillies (24-11)

Previous Rank: 5

Last Week: 2-1 @ LAA, 3-0 vs. SF

The Phillies lead the NL with a 2.65 ERA from the starting rotation, and with Taijuan Walker back healthy they now have an embarrassment of riches, pushing Spencer Turnbull (6 GS, 1.67 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 32.1 IP) to the bullpen. Offensively, Alec Bohm has been one of baseball's best hitters over the first month of the season, posting a .360/.430/.576 line to join Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts as the only qualified hitters with a 1.000 OPS or higher.

2. Baltimore Orioles (23-11)

Previous Rank: 6

Last Week: 3-1 vs. NYY, 3-0 @ CIN

The Orioles flexed their muscles in the AL East by taking three of four from the Yankees to move into first place in the standings, then kept things rolling with a sweep of the Reds in Cincinnati. Starting pitchers Kyle Bradish (4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K on Thursday) and John Means (7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 8 K on Saturday) both returned from the injured list to make their season debuts with strong outings last week.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (23-13)

Previous Rank: 4

Last Week: 2-1 @ ARI, 3-0 vs. ATL

The Dodgers return to the No. 1 spot for the first time in five weeks after sweeping the Braves, and there is a strong case to be made that they have the two best players on the planet right now in Shohei Ohtani (1.111 OPS, 25 XBH, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 30 R) and Mookie Betts (1.036 OPS, 18 XBH, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 31 R). The emergence of rookie Andy Pages (74 PA, .319/.338/.565, 5 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI) has given an already loaded offense one more weapon.

Complete Rankings

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Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Complete Rankings

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Baltimore Orioles

3. Philadelphia Phillies

4. New York Yankees

5. Cleveland Guardians

6. Atlanta Braves

7. Seattle Mariners

8. Chicago Cubs

9. Milwaukee Brewers

10. Minnesota Twins

11. Texas Rangers

12. Kansas City Royals

13. Boston Red Sox

14. Detroit Tigers

15. San Diego Padres

16. Oakland Athletics

17. Tampa Bay Rays

18. Washington Nationals

19. Cincinnati Reds

20. New York Mets

21. San Francisco Giants

22. St. Louis Cardinals

23. Pittsburgh Pirates

24. Arizona Diamondbacks

25. Toronto Blue Jays

26. Houston Astros

27. Los Angeles Angels

28. Miami Marlins

29. Chicago White Sox

30. Colorado Rockies

Stars of the Week

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Jack FlahertyDuane Burleson/Getty Images

Hitter of the Week: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

Stats: 5 G, 11-for-21, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB

After going 4-for-4 with two home runs on Sunday, Ohtani now leads all qualified hitters with a 1.111 OPS, overtaking his teammate Mookie Betts (1.036) in that category. The reigning AL MVP is now hitting .364/.426/.685 with 14 doubles, 10 home runs and 25 RBI over his first 35 games in a Dodgers uniform.

Pitcher of the Week: Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers

Stats: 1 GS, ND, 6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 14 K

Flaherty has dealt with injuries and command issues the past few years since finishing fourth in NL Cy Young during the 2019 season, but he is off to a strong start pitching on a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers. He has a 50-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 innings with a 4.00 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over his first six starts.

Rookie of the Week: Jared Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates

Stats: 1 GS, ND, 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

With another quality start, Jones now sports a 2.63 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 52-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings over his first seven outings in the big leagues. The 22-year-old is limiting opposing hitters to a .184 average and looks like a serious contender in the NL Rookie of the Year races.