With over 10% of the regular season completed, some of the teams that started strong have now cooled off. It’s still early to make any definitive judgments, as there are plenty of games left to play. This season, a new power rankings model has been introduced. The old model didn’t adjust well to changes in team performance throughout the season, so a modified Elo rating system was implemented. This system is reactive to recent performances and adjusts throughout the season based on how teams change over time.
The rankings are determined by weighing each team’s raw Elo rank using playoff odds, gradually increasing in weight as the season progresses. The rankings are presented in a sortable table below. Teams are also grouped into tiers with comments on some of them. The official rankings may not always match the tiers perfectly, but generally, the ordering is consistent.
Tier 1 – The Braves
The Atlanta Braves have been impressive, recently sweeping the Astros and winning a series against the Rangers. Despite facing challenges with injuries, they continue to perform well, with players like Marcell Ozuna leading the way.
Tier 2 – On the Cusp of Greatness
Teams like the Yankees, Orioles, Dodgers, Brewers, and Guardians are on the brink of greatness. Players like Colton Cowser for the Orioles and Craig Kimbrel for the Brewers have been standout performers. The Guardians, in particular, have been dominating with a strong record and impressive offensive and defensive stats.
Tier 3 – Solid Contenders
The Phillies, Mets, Blue Jays, and Cubs fall into the solid contenders category. The Mets, in particular, have been playing great baseball, while the Cubs are finding success with key players stepping up in Seiya Suzuki’s absence.
Tier 4 – The Melee
The Padres, Rays, Mariners, Red Sox, and Rangers are in a bit of a melee, with close competition among them. The Mariners, especially, have been performing well both offensively and defensively, posting quality starts from their pitchers and strong hitting from players like Julio Rodríguez.
Tier 5 – Waiting for Launch
Teams like the Reds, Diamondbacks, Royals, Tigers, and Giants are waiting for their moment to take off. These teams have shown potential and are looking to improve as the season progresses.
