Here are several ways to rewrite the title “MLB Power Rankings: Blue Jays, Red Sox climbing; playoff odds then and now” while preserving the key elements (MLB, Power Rankings, Blue Jays/Red Sox rising, playoff odds comparison):

Focusing on the Movement & Comparison:

1. MLB Power Rankings: Jays, Sox Rise While Playoff Projections Shift
2. Power Rankings Watch: Toronto, Boston Ascend with Evolving Playoff Chances
3. Tracking MLB’s Climbers: Blue Jays, Red Sox Upward; Playoff Odds Trajectory
4. MLB Rankings Update: Surging Jays & Sox See Changed Postseason Outlook
5. Power Rankings Shifts: Toronto, Boston Climb as Playoff Probabilities Evolve

Emphasizing the “Then vs. Now” Aspect:

6. MLB Power Rankings: Jays’ & Sox’ Rise and How Playoff Odds Have Shifted
7. Blue Jays, Red Sox Climbing MLB Ranks: Comparing Past & Present Playoff Odds
8. Power Rankings Movement & Progress: Toronto, Boston Up, Playoff Odds Revisited
9. MLB Climb & Outlook: Blue Jays, Red Sox Gain Ground, Playoff Forecast Adjusted

Slightly More Concise:

10. MLB Power Trends: Jays, Sox Ascend; Playoff Odds Then vs. Now
11. Ranking MLB’s Risers: Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Their Shifting Postseason Path

Key changes made & why:

• “Climbing” alternatives: Rising, Ascend(ing), Surging, Gain Ground, Upward, Up
• “Playoff odds then and now” alternatives: Playoff Projections Shift, Evolving Playoff Chances, Playoff Odds Trajectory, Changed Postseason Outlook, Playoff Probabilities Evolve, Playoff Odds Have Shifted, Comparing Past & Present Playoff Odds, Playoff Forecast Adjusted, Playoff Odds Then vs. Now, Shifting Postseason Path
• Structure: Various ways to combine the team movements and the odds comparison concisely.
• Slight abbreviation: Using “Jays”, “Sox”, or even “Toronto/Boston” for brevity where context is clear.
• Synonyms for Power Rankings: Power Rankings Watch, Ranking MLB’s Movers, Power Trends (implies movement in rankings).

Choose the one that best fits the tone and emphasis you prefer for your context!

Baseball’s Unpredictable 2025 Season: Playoff Hopes Rise and Fall as Midseason Drama Unfolds
By Tim Britton, Johnny Flores Jr., and Andy McCullough

In a sport where projections often crumble under the weight of reality, the 2025 MLB season has been a masterclass in turmoil and triumph. The Atlanta Braves, once a near-lock for October with 93.4% playoff odds, now teeter at 6.3% after a cascading collapse. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have defied expectations, doubling their postseason chances since Opening Day. As teams pivot toward the trade deadline, we revisit preseason forecasts versus current realities, using FanGraphs’ playoff odds to chart their journeys.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (56-36)

Preseason/Current Odds: 98.0% → 99.7%
Despite leading the NL West, the Dodgers grapple with a mounting injury crisis. Ace Tyler Glasnow (out since April) and closer Blake Treinen (absent since mid-April) headline a disabled list that also includes Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Even Mookie Betts’ slump and a 29-6 drubbing by Houston haven’t derailed their division dominance—yet their October readiness hinges on a healing roster. (McCullough)

2. Detroit Tigers (58-34)

Preseason/Current Odds: 46.0% → 99.6%
Baseball’s surprise juggernaut, Detroit rides Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young-caliber arm and Javier Báez’s resurgent bat. Trey Sweeney’s unexpected power surge and Casey Mize’s breakout season underscore a roster thriving beyond projections. The Tigers now own MLB’s best record, leaving preseason skepticism in the dust. (Flores)

3. Philadelphia Phillies (53-38)

Preseason/Current Odds: 72.4% → 95.8%
Zack Wheeler anchors an inconsistent squad, boasting a 0.53 ERA over his last five starts. Philadelphia’s bullpen and lineup inconsistencies persist, but Wheeler’s dominance—47 strikeouts in 34 innings since June—gives them a puncher’s chance any night. (Britton)

4. Chicago Cubs (54-36)

Preseason/Current Odds: 48.3% → 94.8%
Fueled by Kyle Tucker’s bat and a resurgent Matthew Boyd (2.52 ERA), the Cubs have surged despite minimal contributions from Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. Their top-three offense and fourth-ranked bullpen make them legitimate NL contenders. (Flores)

5. Houston Astros (55-36)

Preseason/Current Odds: 52.3% → 98.1%
The Astros’ midsummer sweep of Los Angeles—outscoring the Dodgers 29-6—signaled their return to form. Veterans like José Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, paired with deadline acquisitions Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith, have reignited their AL West reign. (McCullough)

Notable Climbers & Stumblers

• New York Mets (52-39): Survived a 3-14 skid, buoyed by Juan Soto’s All-Star snub campaign and Brandon Nimmo’s 30-HR pace. Odds: 62.4% → 86.6%. (Britton)
• New York Yankees (49-41): Plummeting from 90% division odds to 36%, their 4-12 AL East record since May exposes deepening cracks. (Britton)
• Toronto Blue Jays (53-38): An eight-game win streak propelled them atop the AL East, fueled by resurgent stars Alejandro Kirk and Bo Bichette. Odds: 43.6% → 87.7%. (Britton)

Bubble Watch

• Tampa Bay Rays (49-42): A soft schedule ahead offers hope, but three straight series losses to sub-.500 teams loom large. Odds: 37.7% → 68.8%. (Britton)
• San Diego Padres (48-42): Yu Darvish’s return stabilizes a rotation eyeing Wild Card contention. Odds: 32.9% → 44.7%. (McCullough)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (45-46): A league-worst pitching staff (despite Corbin Burnes’ costly flop) leaves GM Mike Hazen torn between buying or selling. Odds: 60.4% → 18.8%. (McCullough)

Long Shots & Lost Causes

• Atlanta Braves (39-50): Once a 93.4% lock, their 6.3% odds echo 2021’s miracle run—but time is scarce. (Britton)
• Oakland Athletics (37-55): A 16-29 home record in Sacramento’s temporary digs epitomizes a rudderless season. Odds: 12.1% → 0.1%. (McCullough)
• Colorado Rockies (21-70): On pace for historic futility, their 0.0% odds invite gallows humor: “At least we’re not the Rockies.” (Flores)

Featured Photo: Geoff Stellfox / Getty Images

Methodology: Rankings reflect aggregated writer votes. Odds via FanGraphs as of July 7.

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