2025 MLB Power Rankings: Cubs Lead Central Surge; 2nd-Half Questions For Every Team

2025 MLB Power Rankings: Cubs Lead Central Surge; Second-Half Questions for Every Team

Updated July 22, 2025, 12:12 p.m. ET

The small-market Brewers traveled to Los Angeles to kick off the second half of the season and met the free-spending Dodgers in a familiar way, overpowering the club with the highest payroll in baseball. The Brewers have now claimed ten consecutive victories, winning all six of their contests against the Dodgers during this streak, and they are now tied with their division rivals, the Cubs, for the best record in the National League.

Amid growing concerns over competitive balance in MLB, the Brewers continue to shine as a model for budget-conscious teams at a time when many top clubs are struggling. The Dodgers have lost 10 of their last 12 games, the Tigers have dropped six of their last seven, and the Astros have lost seven of their last nine. So, where does that leave everyone? Below are the latest MLB power rankings, along with one pressing second-half question for each team.

#30 Colorado Rockies 24-75

Are we about to witness back-to-back seasons of MLB disgrace? The Rockies may have been more competitive recently, but they are on pace to win just 39 games, which would be two fewer than the 2024 White Sox’s record for ineptitude.

#29 Chicago White Sox 35-65

Is this the year Luis Robert Jr. finds a new team? His performance has improved in July, and teams in need of outfield help might be more inclined to focus on his potential rather than his early-season struggles.

#28 Pittsburgh Pirates

Previously ranked: 26 | 39-61

With the skipper already out, how much further will this teardown go? Paul Skenes might become the first starting pitcher to win a full-season Cy Young Award with fewer than ten wins and a losing record. The Pirates and their struggling offense have now lost 11 of their last 12 games.

#27 Washington Nationals 39-60

The trade of Juan Soto provided this team with a solid foundation of young talent. Can anyone else step up as a key player for the next great Nationals team?

#26 Athletics

Previously ranked: 28 | 42-59

Will the AL Rookie of the Year race come down to teammates Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz?

#25 Atlanta Braves

Previously ranked: 24 | 43-55

Is there still time for a second-half push? Even if the offense improves, the impact of pitching injuries may prove too significant to overcome.

#24 Baltimore Orioles

Previously ranked: 22 | 44-54

How different will this team look after the trade deadline? The Orioles have several rental players who will soon be looking for new homes.

#23 Kansas City Royals

Previously ranked: 21 | 48-52

Among many interesting teams that could go either way at the deadline, will the Royals continue to push for this season to try to revitalize their offense? Or could we see Seth Lugo pitching in another team’s playoff rotation in October?

#22 Miami Marlins

Previously ranked: 25 | 46-52

Can this offense keep defying expectations? The Marlins, nearly 100 games in, are surprisingly in third place and three games ahead of the Braves. Their offense, currently ranking ninth in batting average, is a significant factor in this success.

#21 Minnesota Twins

Previously ranked: 20 | 48-51

What can we expect from Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa for the remainder of the season? It’s hard to picture the Twins achieving much when both are hitting below league average.

#20 Cleveland Guardians

Previously ranked: 23 | 48-50

An elite bullpen was this team’s hallmark as they reached the ALCS last year. Could a deadline teardown result in some of those top relievers pitching elsewhere?

#19 Los Angeles Angels 49-50

Two years ago, the Angels were slightly above .500 when they decided to pursue options instead of trading Shohei Ohtani in his final year. Now, as they hover close to .500 again with the deadline approaching, and with a farm system in need of an upgrade, what will Arte Moreno choose to do?

#18 St. Louis Cardinals

Previously ranked: 14 | 51-49

The Cardinals made little noise over the offseason aside from announcing their intent to trade Nolan Arenado, which ultimately didn’t happen. Having performed better than expected, will this deadline be characterized by inactivity as well? Or could we see Arenado (or Ryan Helsley and others) suiting up for a different team?

#17 Arizona Diamondbacks

Previously ranked: 18 | 50-50

Are they the team poised to make waves at the trade deadline? Or do they believe their offense is competitive enough to play through the rest of the season? With Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eugenio Suárez, and Josh Naylor nearing free agency, the D-backs could influence how dramatic the upcoming deadline will be.

#16 San Francisco Giants

Previously ranked: 13 | 52-48

Can Rafael Devers revitalize this lineup? Thus far, that hasn’t happened.

#15 Texas Rangers

Previously ranked: 17 | 50-50

Can the Rangers’ offense find its rhythm in time jilibet log in? If I had told you they’d have the best ERA in MLB after 100 games, you might have been preparing Globe Life Field for another World Series. Instead, they currently sit 3. jl7 online casino login register5 games out of the playoff picture, facing crucial decisions in the next ten days.

#14 Cincinnati Reds

Previously ranked: 15 | 52-48

Do they have enough offense to make a playoff run? Elly De La Cruz has shown signs of becoming the MVP contender many expected, but he needs support.

#13 Tampa Bay Rays

Previously ranked: 10 | 52-48

How will the Rays cope with the pressures of playing on the road during the final stretch? They’ve been a .500 team away from Steinbrenner Field this season, and 37 of their final 62 games will be played on the road.

#12 Seattle Mariners 53-46

Will Cal Raleigh challenge Aaron Judge for MVP and set the bar for catchers this season? More importantly, will their rotation stay healthy enough to achieve their postseason ambitions? The Mariners haven’t claimed the AL West since 2001, but this division is once again up for grabs.

#11 San Diego Padres

54-45

How will AJ Preller enhance the team’s depth before the deadline? The Padres’ bullpen has kept them in playoff contention, but they need more help on offense. Expect Preller to be proactive.

#10 Boston Red Sox

Previously ranked: 16 | 54-47

After trading Devers, the Red Sox ended the first half as one of baseball’s hottest teams. However, do they have sufficient pitching and defense to stand out in the competitive AL East? Craig Breslow may need to address these areas before the deadline.

#9 New York Yankees 55-44

Can they slug their way to a division title? I expect them to be among the most aggressive teams in trading to resolve their pitching and infield issues. If they fail to do so, they risk an overreliance on an offense that has been the most powerful in baseball.

#8 New York Mets

Previously ranked: 7 | 56-44

Which version of their pitching staff will show up in the second half? game players They currently flaunt the best ERA in the National League, but recent declines in performance, exacerbated by injuries, may necessitate reinforcements to maintain their standing.

#7 Philadelphia Phillies

Previously ranked: 4 | 56-43

What will the bullpen look like post-deadline? 8k8 casino login It stands out as the most pressing area of need after José Alvarado’s 80-game suspension.

#6 Los Angeles Dodgers

Previously ranked: 3 | 58-42

Will Mookie Betts regain form? The Dodgers’ powerful lineup loses some of its impact with the eight-time All-Star struggling as a below-average hitter.

#5 Houston Astros

Previously ranked: 1 | 57-42

Can they overcome injuries to sustain their dynasty? They climbed to the top of the AL West with Yordan Alvarez and most of their rotation sidelined. Now, All-Stars Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes are also injured, although many key players are nearing returns.

#4 Toronto Blue Jays

Previously ranked: 6 | 58-41

Can the supporting cast maintain their momentum? From Alejandro Kirk to Addison Barger, to Davis Schneider, to Yariel Rodriguez, and Brendon Little, they’re receiving substantial contributions during their steady rise.

#3 Milwaukee Brewers

Previously ranked: 8 | 59-40

Can they challenge the Cubs for the division title? They excel in pitching, speed, youth, and have a plethora of above-average offensive talents. Their only shortcoming has been power hitting, which hasn’t hampered their current 10-game winning streak. Overlooking them again could be a costly mistake.

#2 Detroit Tigers 60-40

Will players enjoying resurgent seasons — such as Javier Báez, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres, and Casey Mize — continue their successful performances? Their talented farm system may help them acquire additional depth at the deadline.

#1 Chicago Cubs

Previously ranked: 5 | 59-40

How far are they willing to go in their all-in strategy? They hold a share of the best record in the NL, their offense is one of the most dynamic in baseball, and they acquired Kyle Tucker for a season. For this reason alone, the Cubs should be active at the deadline — perhaps seeking a rotation piece that can make a difference in their title chase.

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. jili888 slot app He has previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU graduate, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, and returned to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at @RowanKavner.

What are your thoughts on this season’s power rankings?