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MLB power rankings: Dodgers vs. Everybody as Opening Day ushers in 2026
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by Yahoo
After 42 days of spring training, a rollicking World Baseball Classic and a smorgasbord of last-minute signings, what, exactly, has changed across Major League Baseball?
Not a heck of a whole lot.
Still, in a season where one game can make a significant impact even amid the backdrop of 161 others, USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings moved a bit on its axis as the game’s Opening Day(s) bear down March 25-27.
Kyle Tucker is still very rich, Paul Skenes still very good and Tony Vitello still untested beyond the rigors, such as they are, of the Cactus League. With that said, a look at updated power rankings as this six-month crucible gets underway:
(Movement from pre-spring training power rankings)
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
- Is Emmet Sheehan’s breakout season loading?
2. Philadelphia Phillies (-)
- Justin Crawford won the center field job, which makes this a very successful camp.
3. Seattle Mariners (+1)
- Cal and Randy sound like a country/western duo, not a WBC-quasi-beefing pair of teammates.
4. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)
- Shane Bieber slow played, Trey Yesavage with shoulder impingements. Just blips, for now.
5. New York Yankees (-)
- Gerrit Cole sneaked in a Grapefruit League inning and that’s a real good sign for ’26.
6. Chicago Cubs (-)
- Javier Assad sent to Class AAA, which means there’s a nice bit of pitching depth here.
7. New York Mets (+1)
- Really feels like these guys are ready to cook.
8. Detroit Tigers (+1)
- Kevin McGonigle sending a “when, not if” mode regarding his arrival this year.
9. Boston Red Sox (-2)
- Marcelo Mayer is the starting second baseman, exactly a year after Kristian Campbell looked like a permanent fixture there.
10. Milwaukee Brewers (-)
- Brandon Sproat makes opening-day rotation, could ease sting of Freddy Peralta trade sooner rather than later.
11. San Diego Padres (-)
- Walker Buehler makes the team, earning $1.5 million in hopes of greener pastures next year.
12. Houston Astros (-)
- Cam Smith accepts challenge and wins starting outfield job.
13. San Francisco Giants (-)
- A good year ahead if their very ordinary rotation pieces – Adrian Houser, Tyler Mahle – deliver.
14. Texas Rangers (-)
- Andrew McCutchen’s patience pays off: He makes the Rangers roster on a minor-league deal.
15. Baltimore Orioles (+1)
- Innings-eater Dean Kremer’s option to Class AAA startling, but speaks well of improved pitching depth.
16. Cincinnati Reds (-1)
- First Hunter Greene, now possibly Nick Lodolo lost to season-opening IL.
17. Kansas City Royals (-)
- Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone bring momentum from Italy’s WBC run.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks (-)
- Jonathan Loáisiga, Joe Ross claim spots in revamped bullpen.
19. Cleveland Guardians (-)
- A calf injury pumps the breaks a bit on hitting prospect George Valera.
20. Tampa Bay Rays (-)
- Chandler Simpson’s big round trip: His first over-the-fence home run. Now, to get one outside the Grapefruit League.
21. Atlanta Braves (-)
- An infirmary filled with starting pitchers – Spencer Strider’s the latest – may make them rue dearth of winter activity.
22. Miami Marlins (-)
- Outfielders Kyle Stowers (hamstring) and Esteury Ruiz (oblique) to miss first month of season.
23. St. Louis Cardinals (-)
- JJ Wetherholt is headin’ north with the big club.
24. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)
- Teen draftee Seth Hernandez looking beastly in spring breakout appearance.
25. Athletics (-)
- There’s a second Max Muncy starting at third base in the big leagues, and he’ll call Yolo County home.
26. Los Angeles Angels (-)
- Adam Frazier and Oswald Peraza will share second-base duties, which is … something.
27. Minnesota Twins (-)
- Top outfield prospects Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins will be lurking at Class AAA St. Paul.
28. Chicago White Sox (-)
- WBC hamstring injury takes out No. 1 catcher Kyle Teel, so Reese McGuire added to mix.
29. Washington Nationals (-)
- Cade Cavalli snagged opening-day start, overcoming years of injury setbacks.
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
- Chase Dollander will begin season out of the bullpen.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Opening Day starts 2026 with Dodgers as favorites