The Los Angeles Dodgers have been ranked No. 1 in the way-too-early 2026 MLB power rankings, cementing their status as favorites after winning the 2025 World Series, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners following closely in the projections.
The Dodgers’ top ranking is bolstered by a formidable rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow, which is expected to lead them to another strong season. However, concerns about an aging lineup, with key players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts getting older, could pose challenges for their quest for a third consecutive championship. The bullpen may improve if Roki Sasaki joins, but the team’s motivation for a three-peat remains a driving force.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who fell just short in the 2025 World Series, are ranked second. Their offense was among the best in contact rate, but they face significant offseason decisions, particularly in re-signing Bo Bichette and addressing rotation vacancies left by free agents like Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. Rookie Trey Yesavage is expected to join the rotation, potentially forming a dynamic duo with Kevin Gausman, but filling out the pitching staff will be crucial for another postseason run.
The Seattle Mariners hold the third spot after a deep playoff run that ended in the ALCS. Most of their core returns, but they must address free agency losses such as Josh Naylor and bolster their bullpen to build on their success and aim for their first back-to-back division titles. Prospects like Colt Emerson could step into larger roles, and the rotation’s projected improvement makes them favorites in the AL West.
The New York Yankees are fourth, with a potentially elite rotation including returning ace Gerrit Cole and additions like Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil. Offensive questions remain, especially with Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham entering free agency, requiring adjustments in the outfield and infield to support stars like Aaron Judge. The team’s depth and health will be key factors in challenging for the top spot.
Other teams in the top 10 include the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Milwaukee Brewers, each with unique strengths and offseason needs. The Red Sox are built around young talent like Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet, while the Cubs focus on defense and offense depth, and the Brewers must decide on key pitchers like Freddy Peralta amid their consistent performance. These rankings reflect current rosters minus free agents, with an eye on prospects and second-half performances.
Across the league, common themes include addressing free agency, integrating prospects, and managing aging rosters. Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves face challenges with multiple key players hitting free agency, necessitating strategic moves to remain competitive in a dynamic landscape. The offseason will involve contract options, trade rumors, and rookie integrations that could shift these early projections.
As the offseason unfolds, these rankings set the stage for 2026, with trades, signings, and developments likely to alter the competitive balance before Opening Day. The Dodgers’ pursuit of a three-peat and the emergence of new contenders will be key storylines, highlighting baseball’s ever-evolving nature and the excitement of early speculation.