MLB Power Rankings: Week 23 Update

The first week of September did not disappoint.

The Blue Jays took two of three against the Reds and a massive Game 1 in the Bronx to impact both leagues’ wild card races, the Giants swept the Rockies and took two of three from the Orioles, storming back in the National League wild card race, and the Rangers beat the Astros Friday night and have gone 10-3 in their last 13.

No one is safe in the final month of the season. Even in the divisional races. All eyes should be turned toward the American League wild card, where the Mariners continue to torpedo in the standings, giving other teams a chance to snatch the third spot.

The Rangers trail by half a game, the Royals by one, the Rays by two, and the Guardians by two and half. Plus, the Mets have straightened their course, taking two of three on the road in Detroit and winning a massive game Friday against the Reds. They trail the Phillies by six games for the NL East with four games remaining in Philadelphia. The NL West is also a tight race, with the Padres only trailing the Dodgers by two games.

The AL East and West are also within grasp. The Blue Jays have a four-game lead over the Yankees and four and a half over the Red Sox, and the Astros lead the Mariners by three and a half games and the Rangers by four.

1. Brewers

The Brew Crew took a tough series loss to the Phillies at home last week, but bounced by Friday with a win over the Pirates (who by the way just swept the Dodgers at home).

It’s nothing to boast about, but they still hold the best record in the majors. Their 87 wins still are the 2025 standard, and they continue to manufacture runs in a way that excites your uncle.

They’re second in the majors in runs scored (722), but only 19th in homers (152). Every player in their starting nine has an OPS+ over 100 except Joey Ortiz as well. They’re scary, and we’ll see how it holds up in the postseason.

2. Phillies

On the flip side, the Phillies went into Milwaukee and took two of three from the best team in the majors. Their bottom of the lineup feasted as well, with Brandon Marsh, Harrison Bader, and Bryson Stott going a combined 11-for-25.

This team continues to churn out wins after being swept by the Mets at home. They hold a six-game lead over the second-place Mets with four left to play, but those games will come at the Bank.  However, once that stretch starts, the Phils will play 10 straight games against the Mets, Royals, and Dodgers, which also begins a final September West Coast trip. Still, the Phillies (in my eyes), are the best team in baseball, and this stretch shouldn’t faze them.

3. Dodgers

Usually, being swept by the Pirates is a major red flag this late in the season. But did you all know the Pirates are 42-31 at home? That’s more wins than the Yankees have in the Bronx.

Los Angeles will be fine. Even with their 2-1 loss on the road in Baltimore Friday. After they finish up their series with the O’s, they’ll host the Rockies for three games with a chance to separate in the NL West. They’re still second in homers (206), third in OPS (.763), and third in runs scored (711). Plus, Mookie Betts is hitting .324/.395/.476 in his last 27 games.

One final thing I’ll add on the Dodgers: look out for the Giants. Sure, they’re six games back, but the AI schedule left seven (!) games left between the two teams in August. That’s more than half the games for the entire season series.

4. Blue Jays

Maybe it’s time I stop slighting this Blue Jays team.

Facing Cam Schlittler, the Blue Jays dominated the Yanks in the Bronx Friday 7-1. Kevin Gausman shut down the Yanks, going eight innings with only one run allowed. He looked like the dominant pitcher from a couple years ago, and looks like a massive piece for this team in October.

It also allowed the Jays to stay away from their bullpen, which has the worst ERA in baseball since July. This team holds a slim four-game lead over the Yankees, and a slim four and a half lead over the Red Sox. If they continue to play well against those two teams, as they have all year, it could lead to their first AL East crown since 2015.

5. Cubs

The schedule fell in favor of the Cubs last week.

They got a series against the Rockies and Braves, leading to a 4-2 stretch and bounce back for a middling team.

Friday also began a series against the Nationals, leading to another win where the Cubs dominated Jake Irvin in an 11-5 win. Afterwards, the Cubs will face the Braves, Rays, Pirates, and Reds. There’s a serious chance for the Cubs to pick up wins.

It may be meaningless for the NL Central race. But the Cubs are trying to hold on to the top wild card. They also got illy timed news Wednesday, as Kyle Tucker sustained a calf injury and was held out of the lineup Friday. Stay tuned to see if their best hitter has to miss time heading into the playoffs.

6. Padres

The Friars hit a rud last week.

They lost a series to the Twins, were swept at home by the O’s, then dropped Friday’s game to the Rockies. Yet, despite their bad stretch, they only trail the Dodgers by two games and hold the second wild card in the NL.

And luckily for the Padres, their September schedule is incredibly light. They face the Rockies six more times, the White Sox three times, then the Reds three more times. Sprinkled in between are the Brewers and Mets, but the Brewers will come to San Diego, and the Padres swept the Mets earlier in the season. The division is still in play, the club just needs to take advantage of these weaker teams.

7. Yankees

It’s go time for the Yanks, and last week they took care of business.

They took three of four against the White Sox, then a series against the Astros in Houston. Which you could also argue could have been a sweep (research more for the umpire drama).

Friday was a tough loss at the hands of the Blue Jays, but Gausman was dominant. You have to tip your hat. Like their neighbors above on this list, the division is still in play for the Yankees. Saturday and Sunday will be a test for the Yankees to see if they can gain ground on the Blue Jays, but then after that, they get the White Sox again, seven games against the Orioles, and three against the Twins.

With help from a healthy Giancarlo Stanton, dominant Schlittler, and MVP performance from Aaron Judge, this team could be in good shape to take the AL East for a consecutive year.

8. Tigers

Detroit looked like a shoo-in for the best record in the AL the entire year. But the second half hasn’t been kind.

Last week, they took two of three against the Royals, but then lost a series at home to the Mets, who had lost three of four to the Marlins. Tarik Skubal continues to be dominant with his AL-leading 2.18 ERA, but the rest of the rotation hasn’t performed. Chris Paddack was moved to the bullpen, Jack Flaherty has struggled, and trade deadline add Charlie Morton has a 5.81 ERA in six starts. Casey Mize has continued to be fine, but he doesn’t provide much length.

This team will certainly be interesting in the playoffs.

9. Astros

The ‘Stros are picking a good time to struggle. Last week, they lost a series to the Yankees and then lost Friday to the suddenly hot Rangers.

Fortunately, the Mariners have four in a row, and the Rangers buried themselves earlier in the season. Still, with a healthy Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Correa, and Jeremy Peña, this team should be accomplishing much more.

Yet, all the talk has been about Framber Valdez and backup catcher Cesar Salazar. Salazar wanted him to step off, Valdez didn’t, then gave up a grand slam. You would think that would be the end of it. But then Valdez intentionally struck Salazar with a fastball after he called for a breaking ball. Clubhouse drama is never good in September.

10. Mets

The Mets seriously corrected their course.

After losing three of four to the Marlins, the Mets went into Detroit and bullied the Tigers’ pitching staff. The offense is finally playing to the back of their baseball card, and it’s all because of Juan Soto and Mark Vientos.

Vientos has particularly been the missing piece since. Since July 10, the righty is slashing .295/.335/.584 with 11 doubles and 10 homers. We highlighted before the season that the lineup hinged on his success, and it’s finally dominating now that there’s a prolific batter in the middle of the order.

Plus, the rotation that was leading to their historically bad stretches, has finally got reinforcements. Nolan McLean continued his dominance against the Tigers, Jonah Tong gets a second start Saturday against the Reds, and Brandon Sproat will debut Sunday. If the Mets get just average performances from the young guys, they’ll be dangerous in October.

Rest of Field

11. Giants
12. Red Sox
13. Rangers
14. Royals
15. Mariners
16. Rays
17. Guardians
18. Reds
19. Diamondbacks
20. Cardinals
21. Orioles
22. Pirates
23. Marlins
24. Athletics
25. Angels
26. White Sox
27. Twins
28. Braves
29. Nationals
30. Rockies

 

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