With only six weeks left in the 2025 MLB season, the competition for the top of the divisions intensifies. Teams that seemed to dominate their respective leagues have seen their advantages reduced, in some cases, to zero.
Contested Domain: Close Races in MLB
In the National League West, the Dodgers have lost the large lead they had, with the Padres now leading by one game, with a series between both teams this weekend. In the American League West, the Astros saw the Mariners cut their distance, remaining one game behind Houston after winning eight of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Brewers have consolidated a comfortable lead in the National League Central, with the best record in MLB, after surpassing the Cubs thanks to a winning streak, including a current one of 12 games. Our panel of experts has ranked each team based on what has been seen so far and on the knowledge prior to the start of the long 162-game season. In addition, experts from Alofoke Deportes were asked to share an observation about each of the 30 teams.Power Ranking: Week 18
1. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 76-44 Previous ranking: 1 Trust and belief are key to the Brewers’ success. Brice Turang and William Contreras have been fundamental in the winning streak, with great hits. Contreras has stood out with six home runs in 12 games, and Turang, with six in 11. The Brewers seem unstoppable.2. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 69-51 Previous ranking: 2 Ranger Suárez, although dominant on the road, had a bad game. The starting rotation needs to be ready for the postseason. A comfortable lead in the division will help in September.3. Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 70-51 Previous rating: 6 With Shane Bieber’s return, manager John Schneider will have decisions to make. He could opt for a six-man rotation or move someone to the bullpen. Eric Lauer has been a revelation.4. Los Angeles DodgersRecord: 68-53 Previous rating: 4 Brock Stewart, bullpen reinforcement, is on the injured list. Inconsistent offense and bad timing could be a problem against the Padres.5. Detroit TigersRecord: 70-52 Previous rating: 5 The Tigers will seek to defend first place, with six of their last 12 games against the Guardians.6. Seattle Mariners
Record: 67-54 Previous ranking: 11 The Mariners tied for first place in the division, winning nine of eleven games after moves in the trade market. Bryce Miller and Victor Robles will join the team.7. Chicago Cubs
Record: 68-51 Previous rating: 3 The Cubs could focus on a wild card spot. A slump in offense is concerning, especially without production from Kyle Tucker.8. San Diego Padres
Record: 69-52 Previous rating: 8 Michael King’s return is crucial. The lineup and bullpen seem solid, and the Padres are ready to challenge the Dodgers.9. Houston Astros
Record: 68-53 Previous ranking: 10 The Astros compete with the Mariners and will have to deal with the absence of Josh Hader, which weakens the bullpen.10. Boston Red Sox
Record: 66-56 Previous ranking: 9 Roman Anthony has had an impact similar to Fred Lynn’s, quickly becoming a key piece of Boston’s offense.11. New York MetsRecord: 64-55 Previous ranking: 7 A slump in the offense has affected the Mets. Pete Alonso broke the team’s home run record, but the overall performance is concerning.12. New York Yankees
Record: 64-57 Previous ranking: 12 David Bednar has brought stability to the bullpen in recent days.13. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 64-58 Previous ranking: 14 Hunter Greene’s return could boost the Reds, but they need more offensive consistency. Miguel Andujar has performed well.14. Cleveland Guardians
Record: 62-57 Previous ranking: 15 Cleveland has performed well, despite the injuries and changes.15. Texas Rangers
Record: 61-61 Previous ranking: 13 The Rangers need to show a consistent game to aim for the playoffs.16. St. Louis CardinalsRecord: 61-61 Previous ranking: 19 Jordan Walker has performed well since the All-Star break. The team’s focus is to allow young players to play without pressure.17. San Francisco GiantsRecord: 59-62 Previous ranking: 16 The Giants are playing for the future. Rafael Devers is improving his performance.18. Kansas City Royals
Record: 60-61 Previous ranking: 18 Adam Frazier has positively influenced the Royals’ offense.19. Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 59-63 Previous ranking: 17 Christopher Morel has had a disappointing season.20. Miami Marlins
Record: 58-62 Previous ranking: 20 The Marlins’ chances of reaching the wild card were affected by poor offensive performance.21. Arizona DiamondbacksRecord: 59-62 Previous ranking: 21 Geraldo Perdomo is having his best season.22. Los Angeles AngelsRecord: 59-62 Previous ranking: 22 Zach Neto has stood out with a good performance.23. Minnesota TwinsRecord: 57-63 Previous ranking: 23 Joe Ryan could have a high trade value on the market.24. Baltimore OriolesRecord: 54-66 Previous ranking: 24 The team is in the process of building its pitching staff for 2026.25. Atlanta BravesRecord: 52-68 Previous ranking: 25 Spencer Strider’s performance will be crucial to the team’s success.26. Oakland AthleticsRecord: 54-69 Previous ranking: 26 The team’s offense is promising, with Shea Langeliers standing out.27. Pittsburgh PiratesRecord: 51-71 Previous ranking: 27 The team needs to improve its offense, especially in terms of home runs.28. Chicago White Sox
Record: 44-77 Previous ranking: 28 Luis Robert Jr. is a bet for the future of the team.29. Washington NationalsRecord: 48-72 Previous ranking: 29 The team needs improvements in its pitching staff and management.30. Colorado Rockies
Record: 32-88 Previous ranking: 30 The Rockies are having a difficult season and could break the record for losses.
