MLB playoff power rankings list all 12 teams by World Series odds
A ranking of the 12 postseason teams shows the Los Angeles Dodgers as the top favorite, followed by the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, with the Chicago White Sox placed last.
A new power-ranking of the 12 clubs still in the Major League Baseball postseason places the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top, citing the strength of their starting rotation and recent offensive production. The Dodgers’ staff, highlighted by Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is described as difficult for opponents to match, while hitters such as Teoscar Hernández, Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker posted high OPS figures in September.
The Tampa Bay Rays are ranked second. The analysis notes their recent success against the Red Sox and Yankees and raises questions about whether their low-home-run, contact-oriented approach will translate in October. Starter Nick Martinez’s limited strikeout rate is mentioned as a potential concern.
The Milwaukee Brewers occupy the third spot, with the article emphasizing their 103-win season and the expected impact of Jacob Misiorowski, a potential Cy Young candidate. The ranking points to the depth of the pitching staff and the importance of contributions from relievers such as DL Hall, Shane Drohan and Abner Uribe.
The New York Yankees are placed fourth, highlighted for a four-man rotation anchored by Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. The piece notes that the team’s success may hinge on bullpen performance, especially with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Judge’s availability.
The Cleveland Guardians are fifth, benefiting from a first-round bye. Their pitching strength is underscored by Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, while the article questions whether the lineup’s low home-run output can produce enough offense in the playoffs.
The Philadelphia Phillies rank sixth despite a weak September offense. Their advantage is described as strong starting pitching from Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo, with Luzardo’s recent return from injury highlighted.
The Boston Red Sox are seventh, described as a volatile club after a managerial change and a late-season winning streak. The ranking lists several uncertainties regarding key players and the new manager’s postseason experience.
The San Diego Padres sit eighth, noted for a deep bullpen and strong offensive metrics such as batting average and slugging since the All-Star break. The article mentions recent acquisitions Robbie Ray and Casey Mize and the need for the pitching staff to perform under pressure.
The Atlanta Braves are ninth, facing a challenging path that could include series against the Phillies, Dodgers and Brewers. The piece points to recent bullpen additions like Robert Suarez and the importance of closer Raisel Iglesias.
The Chicago Cubs are tenth, with a rotation featuring Kevin Gausman, Matthew Boyd and Clay Holmes. The article highlights offensive contributors Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner.
The Houston Astros are eleventh, noted for a .500 regular-season record but a powerful home-run lineup and home-field advantage in the wild-card series.
The Chicago White Sox round out the list at twelfth. The ranking mentions emerging players Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci and Miguel Vargas but doubts the staff’s ability to advance deep into the playoffs.