MLB 2025 Season Preview: Power Rankings and Teams to Watch

The 2025 MLB season is here, and the excitement is palpable. After a chaotic offseason, the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, remain the team to beat. But the league is full of contenders, from the Atlanta Braves to the Philadelphia Phillies, and the battle for the top spot is sure to be intense.

Tier 1: The Unstoppable Dodgers

The Dodgers are poised for another historic season. With a projected record of 102-60, they boast a 97.7% chance of making the playoffs and a 28.4% chance of winning the World Series. Miguel Rojas set the bar high by predicting 120 wins, which would surpass the single-season record of 116 set by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and the 2001 Seattle Mariners.

Key Players:

• Shohei Ohtani: The two-way superstar is back on the mound and could win his fourth MVP award.
• Mookie Betts: A perennial MVP candidate, Betts is ready to lead the Dodgers' offense.
• Blake Snell: The reigning NL Cy Young winner is a key piece of the Dodgers' rotation.

Tier 2: The Dodgers’ Biggest Threats

Atlanta Braves: The Braves are coming off a challenging 2024 season but are ready to bounce back with the return of stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Their pitching staff led the majors in ERA last season, and if Acuña returns to his MVP form, the Braves could make a deep playoff run.

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies’ core, led by Zack Wheeler and Bryce Harper, has been knocking on the door of a championship for years. With Cristopher Sanchez stepping up and Jesus Luzardo joining the rotation, this could be their year.

Tier 3: Contenders with Potential

New York Mets: The Mets made a splash in the offseason by signing Juan Soto, who could be in the MVP conversation. With a deep rotation and a potent lineup, the Mets are aiming to return to the playoffs.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll had a rough start to 2024 but finished strong. If he can replicate his late-season form, the Diamondbacks could surprise many with their offensive firepower.

Tier 4: Teams That Could Surprise

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles’ young core, led by Gunnar Henderson, is one of the most exciting in baseball. If their pitching holds up, they could be a dark horse in the AL.

Texas Rangers: Jacob deGrom is healthy and ready to reclaim his title as the best pitcher in baseball. If he can stay on the mound, the Rangers could challenge the Dodgers in the World Series.

Tier 5: Long Shots

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are in rebuild mode, but Luis Robert Jr. remains one of the most talented players in the league. If he can stay healthy, he could fetch a hefty return at the trade deadline.

As the 2025 season kicks off, one thing is clear: the competition will be fierce, and every game matters. Will the Dodgers repeat as champions, or will a new team rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.