Hunter Tierney May 22, 2025 25 min read

MLB Power Rankings 2.0: Sorting Contenders from the Chaos

May 4, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Javier Baez (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium.
Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

We’re about a third of the way through the MLB season now, which means it’s time to check back in with a fresh edition of the 2025 MLB Power Rankings. The first edition dropped right as Opening Day buzz was still hanging in the air, but now we’ve got real sample sizes — good teams falling apart, bad teams surprising people, and a whole lot of weirdness in between.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Sep 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) high fives Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel (91) after stealing third base against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Sep 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) high fives Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel (91) after stealing third base against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning | Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Record: 30-19

The Dodgers deserve the No. 1 spot right now, plain and simple. They’ve been one of the most complete teams in baseball through the first third of the season, and their ability to stay at or near the top of the standings despite injuries is a credit to the depth they’ve built and the star power leading the way.

Offensively, they’ve been a juggernaut. Shohei Ohtani is putting up video game numbers in May, and Freddie Freeman just keeps doing what Freddie Freeman does — hit for average, get on base, and drive in runs. Their lineup is dangerous from top to bottom, and they’ve been able to lean on different guys throughout the season, whether it’s Will Smith behind the plate, Teoscar Hernández in the middle of the order, or rookie Andy Pages flashing Gold Glove-caliber defense and delivering clutch hits.

Yes, the pitching staff has taken some hits — literally and figuratively — with multiple starters missing time. But they’ve stayed afloat with a mix of bullpen games, call-ups, and veteran arms stepping up when needed.

Even after a sweep at the hands of the Angels, the Dodgers have continued to look like one of the toughest outs in the game. Between their core stars, deep roster, and a front office that knows how to pivot midseason, they’ve more than earned the top spot heading into the summer.

2. New York Yankees

Record: 28-19

The Yankees have earned their way back near the top of the rankings — and it’s not just because of their history or payroll. They’re flat-out producing. Offensively, this team can hang with anyone. Aaron Judge is having one of the best seasons of his career, leading the majors with a batting average north of .400 and crushing both home runs and expectations.

But it’s not just Judge. Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt have both contributed veteran presence and production, while Ben Rice and Jasson Dominguez have provided much-needed spark and depth.

Pitching-wise, Max Fried has been an ace in every sense, leading the league in ERA and giving the Yankees a chance to win every fifth day. The rotation doesn’t blow hitters away with velocity like in years past, but they’ve adapted really well. Luke Weaver has stepped up in the bullpen, especially with Devin Williams off to a rocky start, and has taken on closer duties.

While the AL East isn’t as deep as usual — New York is currently the only team in the division over .500 — the Yankees’ dominance can’t be chalked up to an easy schedule.

3. Detroit Tigers

Record: 32-17

The Tigers might be the biggest surprise in baseball this season — and it’s not a fluke. Sitting atop the league with the best record and second-best run differential, they’ve done it with grit and a roster that’s come together in all phases of the game.

Offensively, they’re not built around one superstar carrying the load. Instead, it’s been a group effort. Javy Báez, now playing center field, has looked rejuvenated and leads the team in WAR. Riley Greene has delivered timely power, Spencer Torkelson has come through with runners in scoring position, and guys like Zach McKinstry have helped keep the offense steady.

On the mound, reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has been lights out since a rough opening to the year. He’s lowered his ERA to just above 2.00 and is giving them a true ace every fifth day. Casey Mize is back to form and piling up wins, and the bullpen — anchored by Tommy Kahnle — has closed out games with minimal drama.

A.J. Hinch deserves a ton of credit here, too. This team never gets too high or too low. They haven’t lost more than two in a row all season and continue to win series after series. They’re well-coached, disciplined, and adaptable. Every win feels earned, and there’s a real belief in the clubhouse that this team is for real.

4. New York Mets

Mar 17, 2025; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on his swing against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Record: 29-20

The Mets are right in the thick of the NL East race, but their path here hasn’t been without its bumps — especially when it comes to Juan Soto’s highly-anticipated arrival. Still, this is a top-five team, and they’ve earned that thanks to one of the best pitching staffs in the game, a reliable offensive core, and a defense that’s done its job.

Let’s start with the pitching. The Mets have the only sub-3.00 team ERA in baseball, and they’ve used 12 pitchers for 10+ innings without a single one sporting an ERA over 4.00. That kind of consistency on the mound is rare, and it’s been the glue holding things together when the offense has stalled.

Offensively, Pete Alonso is carrying his weight — third in the MLB in OPS and racking up big-time production in the middle of the order. Brett Baty has added some thump since his call-up, and Francisco Lindor continues to be a steady presence on both sides of the ball.

Now, about Juan Soto. It hasn’t been a disaster, but it definitely hasn’t been what the Mets envisioned when they handed him a record-setting contract. He’s hit some home runs, but his average and energy have left fans wanting more. Whether it’s growing pains or just a slow start, it’s something to monitor.

5. Chicago Cubs

Record: 29-20

The Cubs might not have the flashiest roster in the league, but they’re one of the most balanced, and that’s exactly why they belong in the top five. They’ don't have much for star power, but what’s carried them is how many different guys have stepped up and delivered.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a breakout star, showing five-tool potential every week. He’s hitting for power, swiping bags, and playing elite defense. Kyle Tucker, meanwhile, is doing his usual damage — steadily filling up box scores with homers, doubles, and smart base running. Add in Dansby Swanson, who’s been scorching hot lately with a 20-game on-base streak, and this lineup can grind pitchers down in a hurry.

The pitching hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been good enough. Matthew Boyd has been their most consistent arm, and Jameson Taillon has kept opponents in check. The bullpen has been a bit of a patchwork, but Craig Counsell has navigated that well.

This team is scrappy and smart. They’ve already scored the most runs in baseball and are near the top in stolen bases. They’re 24-4 when they score at least five runs — undefeated when they plate eight or more. That tells you when the offense clicks, they’re nearly impossible to beat.

6. San Francisco Giants

Record: 29-20

The Giants weren’t on many preseason lists of contenders, but here they are — firmly in the mix and more than deserving of the No. 6 spot.

Heliot Ramos has been one of the hottest hitters in the game lately, slashing over .380 with power and getting on base at an elite rate. Wilmer Flores is leading the league in RBIs and might be on pace for a historic season by Giants standards — the franchise hasn’t had a 100-RBI guy in over a decade. Add in steady contributors like Mike Yastrzemski and a bounce-back season from Willy Adames, and this offense has quietly become a real threat.

On the mound, Logan Webb continues to be a rock at the front of the rotation, and veteran Justin Verlander has settled in after a slower start. The bullpen, anchored by Camilo Doval, has been reliable late in games and helped the Giants close out tight wins.

What’s maybe most impressive is how steady they’ve been. They rarely beat themselves, and even in losses, they’ve been competitive to the last pitch. Under Buster Posey’s leadership in the front office, there’s a sense of culture and identity starting to form — this team plays with a chip on its shoulder and with a purpose.

7. San Diego Padres

May 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) tosses the ball to second baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) for an out during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Petco Park.
Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Record: 27-19

The Padres came out of the gates hot in 2025, but lately, they’ve cooled off to a more .500 pace. That said, they still deserve to be slotted in the top ten — particularly because of the firepower they’ve shown when things are clicking and the star-level talent carrying the top half of the lineup.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is doing his thing again, playing elite defense and swinging the bat like one of the best players in the league. Manny Machado has looked sharp too, posting strong on-base and slugging numbers. And Jackson Merrill has been a revelation, batting well over .340 through a decent chunk of games.

The problem? There’s a clear drop-off further down the order, and the offense has been streaky — especially with runners in scoring position.

Even with that rough patch, they’re still 27-19 and very much in the thick of things in the NL West. If the offense can get back to driving in runs with regularity, and the pitching staff finds a bit more length, this team could climb higher fast.

8. Philadelphia Phillies

Record: 30-18

The Phillies are putting together one of the more quietly dominant seasons in baseball. Sitting atop the NL East, they’ve won 11 of their last 14 games and five straight series. That kind of momentum doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from a roster that’s clicking on both sides of the ball.

Kyle Schwarber is doing what he does best: mashing. He’s already got 17 home runs, leading the team and keeping pitchers on edge every at-bat. Trea Turner adds speed and contact at the top of the lineup, and Bryce Harper is still the steady superstar presence they can always count on.

Pitching might be the biggest reason Philly is thriving. Zack Wheeler is in vintage form, with a 5–1 record and one of the best strikeout-to-walk ratios in the league. Jesús Luzardo has been a revelation with a sub-2.00 ERA, and the rest of the rotation — Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez — have done exactly what’s been asked of them. Their starters are tied for the most six-inning scoreless outings in baseball.

The one cloud hanging over this team? The bullpen. José Alvarado’s PED suspension is a big blow to their late-inning structure, and it’s something they’ll have to work around. But so far, others have stepped up when needed.

9. Seattle Mariners

Record: 28-20

The Mariners are once again proving they’re not just a flash-in-the-pan contender — they’re built to win in a number of ways. They’ve surged to the top of the AL West thanks to a strong start on the road, including six straight series wins away from home, and they've done it with a mix of power, pitching, and reliable defense.

Cal Raleigh is making a legitimate case as the best catcher in baseball right now. He leads the team in home runs and has brought serious pop behind the plate. Julio Rodríguez hasn’t even hit full stride yet, but he’s leading the team in hits and starting to heat up.

On the mound, Seattle's pitching has been steady. Bryan Woo has quietly put together a great year with a sub-3.00 ERA and leads the team in wins and strikeouts. And when the game’s on the line, Andrés Muñoz has been nearly automatic, leading the league in saves and locking down late-inning pressure with ease.

10. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 to win the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 11, 2023.
Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Record: 26-23

The Diamondbacks have been a bit of a rollercoaster so far, but when they’re on, they look like a team nobody wants to face. Their record puts them in the middle of the NL West race, and they’ve shown flashes of the group that made the postseason runs the last couple of years.

Offensively, this team has plenty of firepower. Corbin Carroll has already launched 15 homers and is driving this lineup with speed and pop. Geraldo Perdomo has been a breakout star, hitting over .300 with a .400+ OBP in May, while Eugenio Suárez leads the club in RBIs. They rank near the top of the league in OPS, homers, and run production, and they’re dangerous in just about any count.

The pitching has had its ups and downs. Merrill Kelly and Corbin Burnes have both put together some dominant outings lately, and Brandon Pfaadt recently shut down the Dodgers in a marquee win. But the bullpen has been the biggest concern, with a team ERA in the bottom third of the league and some late-inning meltdowns costing them wins.

11. St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 27-23

The Cardinals have completely flipped the narrative around their season, going from a potential early-seller to a legitimate playoff threat. After a slow start, they’ve won 12 of their last 13, including a nine-game win streak that featured a dominant 2.00 ERA from the pitching staff during that stretch.

Offensively, Brendan Donovan has been the sparkplug, leading the team in hits and batting over .320. Willson Contreras has gone on an absolute tear, slashing .364/.473/.597 in his last 20+ games and looking like one of the top bats in baseball right now. Add in steady production from Lars Nootbaar and Paul Goldschmidt, and the lineup suddenly feels dangerous again.

Pitching has turned into a strength, too. Miles Mikolas has bounced back in a big way, and Matthew Liberatore and Kyle Leahy have stepped up to patch the rotation.

12. Atlanta Braves

Record: 24-24

The Braves have been one of the most confusing teams in baseball this year. The talent is there, but they opened the season flat and didn’t reach .500 until mid-May. Since then, though, they’ve gone 19-10 and taken seven of their last nine series — finally showing signs of being the team everyone expected.

Austin Riley has done most of the heavy lifting offensively, leading the team in average and hits. Matt Olson has provided power, and Marcell Ozuna is getting on base at a high clip. Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has been a surprise contributor at the plate, holding things down while the offense slowly wakes up.

Pitching has been hit-or-miss, but the return of Spencer Strider could be a game-changer. If he’s anything close to form, he gives Atlanta the frontline boost they’ve been missing.

13. Minnesota Twins

Record: 27-22

The Twins have completely turned their season around. After stumbling out of the gate, they caught fire with a 13-game winning streak that reminded everyone why they were expected to compete in the AL Central.

The rotation has been absolutely lights out in May, leading all of baseball in both ERA and WHIP. Joe Ryan is pitching like an All-Star, and Pablo López, Bailey Ober, and Chris Paddack have all played key roles in that surge.

Byron Buxton has been a catalyst when healthy, providing much-needed thump in the middle of the lineup. Carlos Correa has started to find his swing again, and Trevor Larnach has quietly been one of their steadiest hitters. This is a team with both star power and depth, and they’ve shown they can win with pitching, defense, and timely hitting.

14. Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. (15) chats with Jose Ramirez as the sun sets during a game against the Seattle Mariners on June 18, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Record: 26-22

The Guardians have cooled off a bit after a strong start, but they’re still very much in the thick of the playoff picture. They’ve dropped six of their last eight, but even with that skid, they’re above .500 and have stayed competitive in a sneaky-tough division.

Steven Kwan has been a rock at the top of the order, hitting over .317 and getting on base consistently. Kyle Manzardo has provided the pop, leading the team in home runs and RBIs, and José Ramírez is doing José Ramírez things — contributing in every category and still one of the most well-rounded stars in the league.

The pitching has held its own despite some shaky outings, and the Guardians have been excellent in close games — 9-3 in one-run games and undefeated in extras. They’re not flashy, but they don’t beat themselves, and that makes them dangerous.

15. Kansas City Royals

Record: 28-23

The Royals have turned heads this season by quietly climbing up the standings with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. They’ve allowed the second-fewest runs in the league, and that’s been the backbone of their success.

Offensively, they still rank near the bottom in most categories, but they’ve managed to piece together enough timely hits and gritty wins to stay above .500.

Bobby Witt Jr. is the true engine of this team, making things happen on both sides of the ball. Maikel Garcia has been red-hot lately, batting over .300 and leading the team in OPS over the past couple of weeks. Even with Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans dealing with injuries, the Royals have gotten contributions from unexpected places, including a recent six-pitcher effort to beat the Giants.

16. Boston Red Sox

Mar 17, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox Alex Bregman (2) connects with the ball in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at JetBlue Park at Fenway South.
Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

Record: 26-25

The Red Sox are hovering around .500, and honestly, that fits how they’ve played so far — a mix of encouraging flashes and frustrating inconsistency. Rafael Devers is absolutely mashing in May, hitting over .450, and Alex Bregman has been steady since the season opened up. Garrett Crochet has been lights out on the mound with a 2.00 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning.

The problem is, they’ve been awful in close games. A 5–12 record in one-run games is really dragging them down, and they’ve dropped five of their last six. They’ve had to lean on their bullpen more than expected lately, especially after a recent ejection of both Walker Buehler and Alex Cora in the same game, but the 'pen held up admirably in that Mets win.

This is a team that has enough talent to stay in the mix, but they need to find a way to execute better in tight spots if they want to make a move up these rankings.

17. Houston Astros

Record: 25-24

The Astros are walking a strange line this season — hovering just above .500 while trying to sort through early injuries, a slumping offense, and a pitching staff that’s had to carry more than its fair share. Hunter Brown has been a legit ace, with a 6-1 record and sub-1.50 ERA, and the bullpen is one of the best in baseball. Josh Hader has looked like his old dominant self, locking things down late.

But their bats have gone missing far too often. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez haven’t hit to their usual standards, and the team has too many stretches where they’re scoreless through the first half of games. Jake Meyers has quietly been a bright spot — hitting over .300 and playing elite defense — but they need more from their stars.

18. Texas Rangers

Record: 25-24

At around .500, the Rangers haven’t fallen off a cliff — but they haven’t looked like a serious threat either. Their rotation is the backbone of this team, and it’s been fantastic. Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Tyler Mahle all have ERAs under 2.30, and Eovaldi leads the league in WHIP. When those three are rolling, Texas can beat anyone.

Offensively, though, it’s been rough. Corey Seager hasn’t been on the field enough, Marcus Semien has underwhelmed, and the team even fired hitting coach Donnie Ecker in search of a spark. Josh Jung and Wyatt Langford have picked up some slack — Langford’s already hit nine homers — but they need more consistency top to bottom.

19. Cincinnati Reds

May 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a single in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park.
Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Record: 25-25

The Reds have been stuck in neutral all season — sometimes looking like a playoff team, other times playing like one still trying to figure it out. They recently rattled off four straight wins, including a sweep of the Guardians, and Will Benson has been on a tear with home runs in four consecutive games. Elly De La Cruz continues to be the spark, leading the team in RBIs and bringing constant energy to the lineup.

Pitching has been hit-or-miss, but Andrew Abbott has been a stabilizing force in the rotation, posting a sub-2.50 ERA over his last several outings. The Reds’ biggest issue has been execution in close games: they’re just 5–11 in one-run games and winless in extras.

20. Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 24-24

It’s been a frustratingly average start for the Blue Jays, who hover at .500 despite flashes of the upside this roster is capable of. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is riding a 20-game on-base streak, and he’s finally starting to show signs of the MVP-caliber bat he once was. Anthony Santander and George Springer have had their moments, but the lineup as a whole hasn’t produced consistently.

Chris Bassitt has offered some sense of stability in the rotation, and the bullpen — anchored by Jeff Hoffman — has been quietly solid. But the starting pitching depth has been an issue, ranking among the worst in ERA. It’s hard to build sustained success when you’re constantly playing catch-up.

21. Milwaukee Brewers

Record: 24-26

The Brewers 2025 season hasn’t exactly gotten off to a very smooth ride. They’ve dropped three straight series and were shut out four times in a brutal six-game stretch. The offense just hasn’t clicked — they’re near the bottom of the league in batting average and slugging, and Jackson Chourio hasn't been able to get on any sort of a roll.

Still, there are some bright spots. Freddy Peralta is having a quietly dominant year with a 2.18 ERA and is closing in on 1,000 career strikeouts. The bullpen needs work, and they’re still waiting for a few of their top prospects to make the leap, but they’ve got the foundation to turn things around.

22. Tampa Bay Rays

Aug 2, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) reacts in the dugout during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Aug 2, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) reacts in the dugout during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. | Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Record: 23-26

The Rays are one of the hardest teams to pin down. One week they’re sweeping the Padres and taking series from playoff-caliber clubs like the Yankees and Diamondbacks — the next, they’re getting swept by the Royals and Phillies. The inconsistency is maddening.

Jonathan Aranda has been one of the best hitters in baseball this month, batting .481 in May and ranking in the top five in average, OBP, and OPS league-wide. Chandler Simpson has added a speed element, and the Rays still have the kind of depth and flexibility that has defined them for years.

23. Oakland Athletics

Record: 22-27

The A’s are in the middle of a season full of transitions — both on and off the field — but they’ve shown that they’re building something. Jacob Wilson has been one of the most consistent contact hitters in the league, ranking third in MLB in batting average and leading a lineup that, while inconsistent, has some pop. Brent Rooker continues to supply the power, and Tyler Soderstrom has quietly racked up a team-high in RBIs.

The pitching, though, has been rough. They’ve allowed the third-most runs in baseball, and their home ERA at temporary Sutter Health Park has been ugly. Oddly enough, they’ve played better on the road, where they’re several games above .500.

24. Washington Nationals

Record: 22-27

The Nationals are still very much in rebuild mode, but it’s hard not to like some of the signs they’re showing. CJ Abrams looks like he’s taking the leap, hitting over .300 and ranking near the top of the league in hits over the past few weeks. James Wood has shown he has some star potential too, leading the team in homers.

The offense overall has gone cold at times, and the bullpen — outside of Kyle Finnegan — has been a mess. Blown saves, high WHIPs, and inconsistent setup arms have hurt their chances of closing out close games.

25. Los Angeles Angels

Record: 22-25

The Angels have been all over the place this season, but they’ve shown real fight lately — especially during that surprise sweep of the Dodgers. After a brutal stretch early on, they’ve started to look more competitive across the board. Zach Neto has been a major bright spot since returning from injury, showing up on leaderboards among qualified shortstops in power, speed, and overall value.

According to FanGraphs' Clutch metric, the Angels have actually been the best clutch team in baseball, finding ways to win late even when things look dicey. That’s been especially important given that their bullpen has been one of the worst in the league. Losing Ben Joyce to surgery only made a bad situation worse, but somehow, they’ve been scrapping their way to wins.

26. Baltimore Orioles

May 21, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) and first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (32) celebrate after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Record: 16-32

No way around it — the Orioles have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball. The expectations were high, and the collapse was steep. After a 15–28 start, the team let go of manager Brandon Hyde, and interim skipper Tony Mansolino hasn’t been able to stop the bleeding yet.

Pitching has been the biggest issue by far. They’ve got the worst ERA in the league and haven’t been able to string together quality starts. Offensively, Cedric Mullins has done his part with 10 home runs and over 30 RBIs, and Ryan O’Hearn has quietly hit for average, but there’s been little consistency outside of Gunnar Henderson — who’s stayed hot even through the slump.

27. Miami Marlins

Record: 19-29

The Marlins have struggled to generate consistent offense and are watching their pitching staff get torched game in and game out. They’ve already allowed nearly 80 more runs than they’ve scored — and that kind of gap tells the full story.

Still, there have been a few bright spots. Kyle Stowers has quietly put together an impressive season at the plate, hitting over .300 with double-digit homers and driving in runs in bunches. Agustin Ramirez has shown real promise behind the plate in limited action, leading the team in extra-base hits despite limited opportunities.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 17-33

It’s hard to call what’s happening in Pittsburgh anything but a wasted year — especially when it comes to Paul Skenes. The phenom has delivered on the hype with a sub-2.50 ERA and over a strikeout per inning, but the team around him hasn’t been able to back him up. He lost a 1-0 game earlier this month despite throwing a gem, which pretty much sums up the state of this roster.

The lineup has underperformed across the board. They rank near the bottom of the league in runs scored, and no one has stepped up to consistently provide protection or spark. The offseason additions either haven’t played or haven’t contributed, and that lack of depth is showing in a big way.

29. Chicago White Sox

Record: 15-35

The White Sox are still in a deep rebuild, but unlike last year’s disaster, they’ve at least shown small signs of life in 2025. Rookie pitcher Shane Smith looks like a legit building block, carrying a 2.05 ERA into June and flashing frontline starter potential. Offensively, Miguel Vargas has had some impressive stretches and leads the team in several categories. But this team as a whole just doesn't have enough talent on the roster to keep up.

30. Colorado Rockies

May 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a sunset behind Coors Field during the fifth inning between the Philadelphia Phillies against the Colorado Rockies.
Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Record: 8-40

The Rockies haven’t just been bad — they’ve been historically awful. They’re off to the worst start in modern MLB history, losing all 16 series they’ve played and carrying a staggering -153 run differential. Manager Bud Black is already out after more than eight years, and it’s hard to argue with the move given how lifeless this club has looked.

They can’t pitch — a 5.92 team ERA makes sure of that — and they can’t hit either, even in hitter-friendly Coors Field. Jordan Beck had one big week, Ryan McMahon is starting to heat up, and Clint Hurdle has rejoined the organization in hopes of instilling some direction. But this team is broken from top to bottom, and they’ve earned the cellar spot.

All stats courtesy of MLB.com, unless stated otherwise.

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