With January already approaching its midpoint, the commencement of MLB spring training 2025 is drawing ever closer. As pitchers and catchers report, the hot stove continues to simmer and teams are still on the lookout for opportunities to enhance their major league lineups. Reflecting on last year’s outcomes, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand as the team to surpass. Entering 2025, that perception still holds true.
Fresh from securing their eighth world championship in franchise history, the Dodgers are definitely eager for more. They’ve obtained prominent starter Blake Snell on a five-year agreement, signed Korean sensation Hyeseong Kim to a three-year contract, and welcomed back crucial contributors in outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and reliever Blake Treinen.
These additions and others are precisely why the Dodgers remain at the forefront of ClutchPoints’ latest MLB Power Rankings. The defending champions continue to possess the most gifted roster in the majors and could potentially incorporate further talent. However, the NL is filled with teams keen on pursuing them, including the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres. Let’s not overlook the AL, which boasts its share of contenders. This rankings set will commence with the champions. Here’s why they hold the premier position.
Dodgers are anticipated to be the top team in MLB once more
Securing back-to-back championships would certainly be quite rewarding for the Dodgers, as the roster has been carefully constructed by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes. The acquisitions made this offseason have showcased their strengths (adaptability among various starters) and tackled their shortcomings (depth in starting pitching). They are poised to contend for their ninth title in 2025.
2. Atlanta Braves
Currently, the Braves are the foremost challengers to the Dodgers in the National League. Once again, a fruitful regular season was overshadowed by falling short in the postseason. Atlanta hopes that superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. will return sooner rather than later. The loss of starting pitcher Max Fried to the New York Yankees is a blow, yet the Braves should possess the starting pitching depth to manage the setback. Can they match the Dodgers’ overwhelming star power? That is yet to be determined.
3. New York Yankees (2024 AL Champions, MLB runners-up)
The Yankees were four innings shy of clinching Game 5 of the World Series. They would have headed back to Los Angeles down 3-2, still holding a chance against the Dodgers. However, several defensive blunders allowed LA to escape Yankee Stadium with their eighth title. Since then, the Yankees have parted ways with superstar Juan Soto but have pivoted with several new additions. These acquisitions included first baseman Paul Goldschmidt; starting pitcher Max Fried on an eight-year, $218 million contract; closer Devin Williams, and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. They might not be finished with the acquisitions either, as they currently face a vacancy at either second or third base.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Once more, the Phillies were left with a sour taste in their mouths. The New York Mets, their divisional rivals, defeated them in the Divisional round on their path to the NLCS. After winning the division, the Phillies anticipated another World Series appearance. They’ve since bolstered their rotation by trading for left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Upgrading their lineup is also a possibility. With president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski at the helm, no path is off the table when it comes to returning Philly to the Fall Classic.
5. San Diego Padres
The Padres are deep and well-balanced, and are finally positioned to overcome the Dodgers in the NL standings. Superstars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. lead a formidable lineup. Veterans Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove anchor an experienced rotation. Can the Padres rise to the occasion in year two of manager Mike Shildt’s era? It wouldn’t be the most unexpected of outcomes in 2025.
6. Cleveland Guardians
The AL runners-up, Cleveland is another team that exceeded expectations in 2024. The team was largely unheralded. Even their superstar third baseman, Jose Ramirez, is as overlooked a superstar as any fan can name in baseball. Manager Stephen Vogt excelled in his first year at the helm, and the Guardians are aiming for an even more successful follow-up. A World Series appearance is certainly a goal for the team as they enter 2025.
7. Kansas City Royals
The Royals’ success came a season earlier than most fans and analysts anticipated, but it was enjoyable while it lasted. Bobby Witt Jr. demonstrated he is already among the elite players in baseball and would have claimed the AL MVP award were it not for the remarkable season Judge had with the Yankees. The pitching is robust, and retaining veteran Michael Wacha was a savvy move. Building upon last season’s accomplishments is the primary objective for Kansas City in 2025. Achieving that goal will be considerably more challenging with the rest of the AL now fully aware.
8. New York Mets
The signing of Soto to the historic $765 million contract was a move that sent tremors throughout the league. It demonstrated that the Mets are eager for more, particularly after last year’s journey to the National League Championship Series. They have further enriched their roster with Soto and starting pitcher Clay Holmes. The focus should now shift to retaining star first baseman Pete Alonso to support Soto and star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Can the Mets and Alonso negotiate a deal that satisfies both parties?
9. Houston Astros
Once again, the Astros captured the AL West title and advanced to the postseason in 2024. They fell to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card round, as the brief series exposed the flaws in Houston’s setup. Subsequently, they traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for a package featuring new starting third baseman Isaac Paredes. First baseman Christian Walker also inked a three-year contract as GM Dana Brown has shifted gears multiple times this offseason to keep the Astros competitive. Will his contingency plans sustain the roster? In a tighter AL West, anything can unfold in Houston.
10. Milwaukee Brewers
The reigning NL Central champions, the Brewers were eliminated by the Mets in the NL Wild Card series, and their season concluded prematurely. They traded Williams to the Yankees for starting pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. and second base prospect Caleb Durbin in a rare mutually beneficial deal. They are prepared for the loss of Willy Adames to the San Francisco
Giants. Star Freddy Peralta is once again at the forefront of a robust pitching lineup. Wager against Milwaukee next season at your own risk.
11. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks unexpectedly secured Corbin Burnes with a six-year, $210 million agreement. This deal shattered a franchise record for the largest contract and remains a tremendous bargain for the ace right-handed pitcher. The previous Cy Young award recipient nearly claimed the accolade once more during his solitary season with the Baltimore Orioles. He now becomes part of a rotation that could shine as the premier one in the NL. Will this be potent enough to propel the Snakes back to the postseason? General Manager Mike Hazen and the Arizona management certainly aspire so.
12. Baltimore Orioles
Parting ways with Burnes was a significant setback the Orioles are still grappling with. They’ve secured veteran pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano on one-year contracts, alongside welcoming back Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer, as well as last year’s trade deadline acquisition, Zach Eflin. Hence, on paper, the rotation appears ready. But is it as formidable as it was last season? No. Is there potential for improvement? If Rodriguez and Kremer can advance in their development, and if the three veterans approach their recent performance levels, then undoubtedly, yes. Enhanced starting pitching translates to a greater opportunity for victory come October.
13. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners currently boast the finest starting rotation in baseball. The group consisting of Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo would pose a serious challenge to any opponent in October. However, aside from outfielders Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena, the lineup requires more impactful hitters. Adding Alonso and Bregman would significantly bolster a batting order that can benefit from both of their presence. Will baseball executive Jerry Dipoto attempt to entice one of the impactful bats to the Pacific Northwest?
14. Texas Rangers
The 2023 World Series champions fell short in their attempt to repeat, as they were unable to qualify for MLB’s annual postseason festivities. Injuries played a pivotal role in this setback, with several key players missing significant time. Nevertheless, many of those athletes are now fit and continue to be part of the Rangers, and the organization has made a few additional moves to enhance the current squad. Is this team capable of returning to the postseason? In a less competitive AL West, they could very well be contenders.
15. Chicago Cubs
To date, the Cubs’ most prominent action has been trading Bellinger to the Yankees to alleviate his salary burden. The roster contains multiple players who could thrive on a postseason squad, including outfielder Ian Happ, shortstop Dansby Swanson, and superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. Shota Imanaga aims to make significant strides in his second year and stabilize the rotation. Will advancements from these athletes, along with additional moves, render the North Siders contenders once again? In a competitive NL Central, the outcome remains uncertain.
16. Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins suffered a historic collapse in the latter half of last season. At one stage, they held a decent lead in the AL Central. However, when all was said and done, manager Rocco Baldelli’s squad missed the postseason. There haven’t been substantial alterations from the team that faltered in the division race a few months ago, disappointing a sizable portion of the fan base. The Royals and Guardians have overtaken the Twins, and the Tigers aren’t trailing far behind. Minnesota needs to invest more of its resources to enhance the roster. If they approached spending like a true MLB franchise, perhaps some of their deficiencies wouldn’t be so evident.
17. Cincinnati Reds
Hiring future Hall of Famer Terry Francona to lead the major league roster was a brilliant move. It was a brief retirement for “Tito,” as this team has the potential to break into the postseason. Elly de la Cruz has already established himself as a superstar, and promising talent Matt McLain is expected to return from a shoulder ailment that kept him out for all of 2024. Do the Reds possess sufficient pitching to create an impact in October? The jury is still out on that, regardless of the amount of young talent they may have.
18. San Francisco Giants
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The Giants finally landed a significant player, as Adames signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the team in December. He promptly addresses the most pressing need on the roster, slotting into the core of the San Francisco batting order. Seasoned starter Justin Verlander also joined the organization on a one-year contract, meaning he’ll partner with Logan Webb at the helm of the Giants rotation. New baseball operations president Buster Posey has made strides in upgrading the roster, yet there remains ample work to be done in San Francisco. Can one of MLB’s long-standing underdogs reclaim their stature in 2025?
19. Tampa Bay Rays
The major return the Rays are eagerly anticipating? Star Shane McClanahan, who is on the mend from Tommy John surgery. He would lead another flourishing rotation, one that could certainly steer the team back to the postseason. As the Rays begin their 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the team would benefit from all the positive news they can gather. McClanahan leading a pitching staff that includes Ryan Pepiot and Taj Bradley would be…
is shaping up to be quite hopeful for Tampa Bay. Possibly even one that can contend for the postseason.
20. Detroit Tigers
Acquiring Gleyber Torres on a one-year contract to fill the second base position was a clever decision, however, the transition of Colt Keith to first base raises some intriguing questions. The Tigers might find value in him at third base or possibly at shortstop. Former first overall selection Spencer Torkelson displayed improved performance at the position after his return from Triple-A late in the season. Why shift him from what should be his long-term position? An intriguing strategy by a franchise aiming for a postseason return in 2025.
21. Toronto Blue Jays
Franchise icons Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette might not remain in Toronto this time next year. Once more, they targeted several high-profile free agents, particularly Soto and Burnes. The club possesses talent and could certainly mount a playoff challenge. Whether that path leads to a championship remains uncertain. If that’s the case, should the Blue Jays’ leadership, under GM Ross Atkins, consider trading either “Vladdy” or Bo to initiate a rebuild? Anything could happen moving forward.
22. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals suffered the departure of another franchise star (and MLB legend) when Goldschmidt signed with New York. Third baseman Nolan Arenado has yet to be traded, but the organization is actively pursuing that outcome while reducing payroll. Starting pitchers Steven Matz and Sonny Gray are reportedly also available for trade. The situation in St. Louis may worsen before it improves. Hopefully, this youth-driven approach will evolve into the next competitive nucleus for the Cardinals.
23. Boston Red Sox
Acquiring Garrett Crochet and signing Walker Buehler to a one-year contract were both astute maneuvers by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Crochet is worth the cost considering he is a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher with fewer innings on his arm compared to most pitchers of his age. If Buehler performs as he did in the World Series with the Dodgers, he will command a significantly larger contract next offseason. Can Boston leverage their pitchers to return to the postseason?
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutchen’s return is a positive development for the franchise, and acquiring Spencer Horwitz to man first base could prove to be a subtly excellent addition. Paul Skenes heads a potentially formidable rotation, and Jared Jones might emerge as the Batman to Skenes’ Superman. They will be contending for a playoff position in a competitive division. Can additional young talent from the farm contribute at PNC Park in 2025 and beyond? That will be the narrative of the summer along the banks of the Alleghany River.
25. Athletics
Before their permanent relocation to Las Vegas, the Athletics will spend the next three seasons in Sacramento. MLB will permit them to share their home venue with the Sacramento River Cats, a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. In anticipation of this, they signed starting pitcher Luis Severino to a franchise-record $67 million contract and traded for another starter in Jeffrey Springs. Together, they will headline a revamped starting rotation during their inaugural season in California’s capital. Will this lead to an increase in wins for the A’s?
26. Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are progressively rebuilding their reputation. Much of this is attributed to the commitment of GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, who led the team to victory in the 2019 World Series, MLB’s premier accolade. Now, the members of their young core are advancing to the majors, spearheaded by outfielders Dylan Crews and James Wood. Catcher Keibert Ruiz has solidified his position behind the plate, and CJ Abrams is an All-Star at shortstop. How will the Nationals’ upcoming wave of talent establish themselves at the major league level?
27. Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout merits better circumstances than what the current roster provides. Indeed, he’s faced challenges with injuries over the past several seasons. Yes, he hasn’t exhibited the transcendent ability he once demonstrated earlier in his career prior to the injuries. Nevertheless, they owe it to a player commonly regarded as the finest in franchise history to strive for victory. A few other bright spots (catcher Logan O’Hoppe, left fielder Taylor Ward, and shortstop Zach Neto) come to mind, but GM Perry Minasian must enhance the lineup. Promptly.
28. Miami Marlins
The Marlins are not positioned this low because of their pitching, particularly with former Cy Young award recipient Sandy Alcantara set to return to the rotation following recovery from Tommy John surgery. Conversely, their offense… well, it requires improvement. There isn’t a single unmistakable veteran threat in their anticipated starting lineup. Numerous veterans are available in free agency who could bolster their roster, such as local favorite Anthony Rizzo. The former Cubs and Yankees first baseman is nearing the end of his career but would represent a valuable addition to Miami’s locker room and lineup. Would that be an opportunity Rizzo would consider? It can’t hurt to reach out and inquire.
29. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies finished as the weakest team in the National League last season, and a repeat could occur in 2025. Outfielder Kris Bryant is no longer the MVP he once was and is currently earning $27 million annually. They possess some promising talent in the minors that could debut sooner rather than later. As always, they continue to need pitching, especially within the MLB starting rotation. Free agency still has some arms available, but Colorado would likely need to overpay to attract one or two to the Mile High City. Could pitchers like Patrick Corbin, Mike Clevinger, and Lance Lynn provide GM Bill Stewart and his team with a chance? They owe it to the major league roster to investigate.
30. Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox recorded the most dismal season in MLB history in 2024, as GM Chris Getz dismissed manager Pedro Grifol midseason during the pair’s first collaboration. New manager Will Venable aims to introduce a fresh culture to a clubhouse in dire need of revitalization. The trade of ace Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox is painful, yet it yielded multiple high-caliber prospects, including catcher Kyle Teel. Will the White Sox experience an even worse season than last year? Not if Venable, Getz, and the roster they are assembling can prevent it.
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