Following the first week of play after the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Brewers have surged to the top of the MLB power rankings. Climbing from ninth place, the Brewers now lead the league as the end of July approaches. Their closest competitor is a familiar one: the division-rival Chicago Cubs, who claim the No. 2 spot and trail Milwaukee by just one game in the National League Central.
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers have been surpassed by the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays for the league’s best record. The New York Yankees, now four games behind Toronto in the AL East, have dropped to No. 9, their lowest ranking this season, and are expected to be active buyers ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
Below is an updated ranking of all 30 teams, analyzing their performance and biggest priorities for the second half of the season.
1. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 61-41
Previous ranking: 9
The Brewers’ greatest asset is their self-awareness; they excel by adhering to a proven formula. Their strategy centers on strong pitching (3.34 starters’ ERA, second in MLB), elite defense (23 outs above average, second), and superior baserunning (12 baserunning outs above average, first). Offensively, they focus on fundamentals like drawing walks and advancing runners. This disciplined approach has resulted in 30 wins in their last 43 games. A key second-half priority is for catcher William Contreras to return to his earlier offensive form.
2. Chicago Cubs
Record: 60-42
Previous ranking: 3
No contender has a more pressing need than the Cubs’ requirement for another starting pitcher. While Chicago’s offense is one of the best in baseball and the bullpen has been solid for most of the season, adding a reliable arm alongside Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd is crucial for a deep postseason run. Jameson Taillon is expected to return from a calf strain in mid-August, but the team will still need to acquire another impact arm for the rotation to fend off Milwaukee in the NL Central.
3. Detroit Tigers
Record: 60-43
Previous ranking: 1
Detroit’s recent swoon may be a blessing in disguise. Their lead in the AL Central remains a commanding double digits, and they will soon welcome Kerry Carpenter back to the lineup. However, the recent losses have underscored the team’s need for one or two power arms in the bullpen to support a potential World Series push. Should the Cardinals make closer Ryan Helsley available, the Tigers are expected to be among the primary bidders.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 60-43
Previous ranking: 2
The Dodgers’ bullpen issues were on full display Tuesday when four unexpected high-leverage relievers allowed six runs in two innings, turning a close game into a rout. The loss was the team’s 11th in 14 games, a stretch during which their bullpen has ranked 24th in the majors in ERA, WHIP, and opponents’ OPS. While the team has struggled in all facets recently, shoring up the relief corps is the clear focus as the trade deadline nears.
5. Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 60-42
Previous ranking: 6
Nearing August, the Blue Jays sit atop the only division with four teams over .500, despite a run differential suggesting a worse record. Their success is built on a distinct brand of baseball centered on avoiding strikeouts. Toronto’s 17.4% strikeout rate is the lowest in the majors by a significant margin and on pace to be the lowest since the 2017 Astros. By consistently putting the ball in play, the Blue Jays put constant pressure on opposing defenses.
6. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 58-44
Previous ranking: 5
The Phillies possess the starting pitching necessary for a World Series run, and their star-powered lineup is battle-tested. While an outfield upgrade is possible, the bullpen remains the most significant concern. Lefty José Alvarado can return from his PED suspension in mid-August but is ineligible for the postseason. This week, the team signed veteran David Robertson for a third stint, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to continue seeking relief help on the trade market.
7. Houston Astros
Record: 60-42
Previous ranking: 4
The Astros have demonstrated remarkable resilience this season. In the year after Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker departed, the team has continued to win despite significant injuries to stars like Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Peña, and now Isaac Paredes. Their priority for the remainder of the season is to maintain their winning ways while awaiting the return of their key players.
8. New York Mets
Record: 59-44
Previous ranking: 7
The Mets face questions about their pitching staff, from the lack of a true ace to the workload of Clay Holmes and the recent return of Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea from the injured list. However, president of baseball operations David Stearns stated this week that his top priority is acquiring help for a bullpen that is “operating on fumes.” If trades don’t materialize, Stearns may promote top starting prospects to serve as major league relievers.
9. New York Yankees
Record: 56-46
Previous ranking: 8
General manager Brian Cashman has openly stated his intent to fill holes on the pitching staff before the trade deadline. However, the most significant addition could come from within. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is slated to return from the injured list by early August. His presence could provide a major boost to the rotation or the bullpen, making him a critical piece for the Yankees’ championship ambitions.
10. Seattle Mariners
Record: 54-48
Previous ranking: 12
Seattle is emerging as a potential sleeper team in the American League. Their talented but injury-plagued rotation is set to get a boost with Bryce Miller’s expected return in early August. Offensively, the Mariners have been one of the most productive teams since late June, averaging nearly five runs per game. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto is also expected to add corner infield production before the deadline.
11. San Diego Padres
Record: 55-47
Previous ranking: 13
The Padres have built a reputation as a second-half team, but to replicate last year’s late-season success, they will need an offensive infusion. San Diego has scored the sixth-fewest runs in baseball, with the bottom third of their lineup posting a league-worst .580 OPS. While the health of Yu Darvish and the return of Michael King to the rotation are vital, the team’s most pressing need is one or two impactful bats.
12. Boston Red Sox
Record: 55-49
Previous ranking: 14
Walker Buehler has had a frustrating year, with his 5.72 ERA ranking among the highest for qualified pitchers. However, he delivered one of his best starts of the season on Monday, allowing just one earned run over seven innings against the Phillies. While his fastball velocity remains below its peak, Buehler getting back on track in his first full season after his second Tommy John surgery could significantly impact Boston’s postseason hopes.
13. Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 53-50
Previous ranking: 10
The Rays’ biggest challenge in the second half is their schedule. To avoid the harsh Florida summer weather, the team will play 37 of its remaining 59 games on the road, including a grueling two-week, 12-game West Coast trip in August. How they navigate this road-heavy slate, with home games at Steinbrenner Field, will likely determine their postseason fate.
14. San Francisco Giants
Record: 54-49
Previous ranking: 11
The trade for Rafael Devers was expected to elevate the Giants, but the team has gone just 13-18 since the move while its offense has slumped. Willy Adames has recovered his form, but key hitters like Mike Yastrzemski, Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, and Devers himself have struggled. With their major acquisition already made, the Giants’ success hinges on their current lineup stepping up.
15. Texas Rangers
Record: 53-50
Previous ranking: 18
An offensive turnaround just before the All-Star break has shifted the Rangers into a buyer’s mindset. With Jake Burger and Joc Pederson on the injured list, rival executives speculate that Texas will add a first baseman before the deadline, with potential targets including Josh Naylor of the Diamondbacks or Nathaniel Lowe of the Nationals.
16. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 53-50
Previous ranking: 16
The Reds have a talented roster with a strong group of starters and a dynamic offense, but they have yet to find consistent footing. One area for improvement is the outfield, where the group has collectively posted a .242/.326/.376 slash line. Acquiring an impact player like Luis Robert Jr., Jarren Duran, or Adolis Garcia could be the catalyst this team needs, though such a move seems unlikely.
17. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 52-51
Previous ranking: 15
After a strong May, the Cardinals have been inconsistent, placing them in the uncomfortable middle ground at the trade deadline. The team is expected to trade some of its best relievers but is not yet ready to give up on 2025. In what will be John Mozeliak’s final season as president of baseball operations, the focus should be on acquiring controllable starting pitching for the future.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 50-53
Previous ranking: 17
The Diamondbacks’ primary need ahead of the deadline is clarity. A weekend sweep of the Cardinals complicated their position, but given their injuries and distance from a playoff spot, selling appears to be the most prudent choice. General manager Mike Hazen will likely look to trade pending free agents for long-term assets without completely compromising the current team.
19. Cleveland Guardians
Record: 51-50
Previous ranking: 22
In a different position in the standings compared to last year, the Guardians are expected to explore trading some of their veterans for maximum return. Outfielder Steven Kwan is drawing the most interest due to his high-contact approach, speed, and defense. However, with multiple years of arbitration eligibility remaining, Cleveland can afford to wait for a team to meet its high asking price.
20. Kansas City Royals
Record: 50-53
Previous ranking: 19
The Royals’ primary focus is improving their struggling outfield. This involves giving top prospect Jac Caglianone consistent playing time to adjust to major league pitching and seeking trades for controllable hitters. While pitcher Seth Lugo is a trade candidate, the team’s long-term priority remains bolstering its offensive production.
21. Minnesota Twins
Record: 49-53
Previous ranking: 20
The Twins are expected to be sellers at the deadline, though the franchise’s pending sale limits their flexibility. Unable to take on significant payroll, the front office must target major-league-ready players or top prospects in any deals. Resolution of the ownership situation is needed before the team can fully execute a long-term roster-building strategy.
22. Los Angeles Angels
Record: 49-53
Previous ranking: 21
While the Angels sit on the fence between buying and selling, the development of their young players remains paramount. First baseman Nolan Schanuel is having a solid season, Zach Neto has been a valuable contributor, and Jo Adell has hit 21 home runs. Regardless of their deadline strategy, fostering this young core is the team’s most important objective.
23. Atlanta Braves
Record: 44-57
Previous ranking: 24
In another difficult season marred by injuries and underperformance, the struggles of Michael Harris II are particularly alarming. The 24-year-old center fielder is batting .214 with a league-worst .559 OPS among qualified hitters. While his defense and speed still provide value, a second-half turnaround at the plate is crucial to ease concerns about his long-term trajectory.
24. Miami Marlins
Record: 48-53
Previous ranking: 23
The Marlins have shown significant progress, posting a 23-13 record since June 10. Outfielder Kyle Stowers has emerged as a franchise player, Eury Perez has looked sharp returning from surgery, and Otto Lopez has been a valuable contributor. The remainder of the season is about continuing this development, identifying future contributors, and building positive momentum.
25. Baltimore Orioles
Record: 44-57
Previous ranking: 25
The Orioles’ second-half plan involves trading impending free agents for young talent and potentially promoting top prospect Samuel Basallo. The 20-year-old catcher, who would primarily play first base and DH, possesses immense power and has posted a .974 OPS at Triple-A. His promotion would give him valuable major league experience with an eye toward 2026.
26. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 42-61
Previous ranking: 26
Paul Skenes boasts a 1.91 ERA, the lowest among qualified starters, yet holds a 5-8 record—a testament to the Pirates’ anemic offense. To build around their young ace, the front office must leverage its trade assets, including Mitch Keller and David Bednar, to acquire the impactful hitters the organization has struggled to develop.
27. Oakland A’s
Record: 42-62
Previous ranking: 27
The A’s have assembled a formidable group of young position players, but their path forward depends on building a competent pitching staff. Their investment in Luis Severino has not paid off, and their temporary home park in Sacramento is not pitcher-friendly, contributing to the second-worst home ERA in the majors (5.36). Addressing the rotation and bullpen is a critical, long-term challenge.
28. Washington Nationals
Record: 41-61
Previous ranking: 28
The Nationals have an exciting core of young position players led by All-Star James Wood, but the focus must now shift to the pitching staff. Beyond MacKenzie Gore, no starter has an ERA under 4.80, and the bullpen ranks last in the majors. Discovering and developing the next wave of arms is paramount for the team’s rebuild.
29. Chicago White Sox
Record: 37-66
Previous ranking: 29
While another 100-loss season appears likely, the White Sox are seeing clear growth from their young roster. The focus for the remainder of the year is on gaining experience for players like Kyle Teel, Sean Burke, and Shane Smith. The team is also open to trading outfielder Luis Robert Jr. before the deadline if the right offer materializes.
30. Colorado Rockies
Record: 26-76
Previous ranking: 30
The Rockies have played better baseball in recent months, but they should not let minor improvements deter them from a crucial task. At this trade deadline, the franchise must aggressively unload veteran players to acquire as much young talent as possible. Early indications suggest they are open to this strategy, which is a positive step for their long-term future.
