MLB Power Rankings Week 18: Each team's standing before trade deadline
Major League Baseball is currently in the middle of trade season, with the deadline arriving this coming Monday. The latest power rankings reflect a landscape where contenders are aggressively hunting for starting pitching, while teams currently outside the playoff picture prepare to move veterans. The Los Angeles Dodgers remain at the top of the list, although questions persist regarding the pitching health of Shohei Ohtani. Executives across the league see the Dodgers as the favorites to land Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, who remains the most discussed name in trade rumors.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves follow the Dodgers in the rankings, with both organizations facing pressure to add talent that can secure postseason success. For Atlanta, the deadline provides an opportunity to address deficiencies at shortstop and in the rotation. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees round out the top five, both teams monitoring the market for pitching depth and lineup stability after recent injuries to key contributors.
Significant movement occurred elsewhere on the list. The Arizona Diamondbacks jumped four spots to No. 11 after a strong run placed them in the third National League wild-card position. The Texas Rangers similarly climbed, taking the lead in the American League West. In contrast, the Miami Marlins fell to No. 18 following a lengthy losing streak. These teams now face difficult decisions about whether to push their chips forward or prepare for future seasons.
Teams like the Chicago Cubs are navigating a roster plagued by injuries, particularly on the mound, where 12 pitchers currently occupy spots on the injured list. Others, such as the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, are evaluating which players to trade as their playoff probabilities diminish. General managers face the final countdown to determine if they will be buyers or sellers. The next few days will define the remainder of the season for all 30 clubs as they finalize their rosters for the stretch run.