MLB Power Rankings: Phillies on Top
Two months into the 2025 MLB season, and after Memorial Day, the landscape in the Major Leagues begins to take shape. The usual powerhouses remain at the top, but the lead changes weekly. On this occasion, the Philadelphia Phillies take the first place, marking their debut in the position of honor this season.
This is the fifth team to lead the standings so far in 2025, exceeding initial expectations that placed the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top for most of the season. Below, we analyze the rest of the Top 5 and the situation of other teams in the May edition.
Our panel of experts has evaluated each team, considering current performance and pre-season expectations. In addition, we have consulted with the experts at Alofoke Deportes to get their perspectives on the 30 teams.
Detailed Analysis of the Teams
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 35-19
Previous ranking: 3
The Phillies are the team we expected, led by their starting pitching. With the Dodgers looking to strengthen their pitching, the Phillies are shaping up to be the best team in the league thanks to their rotation. Since April 26th, they have had a record of 21-6, with contributions from the entire staff. Zack Wheeler has had an ERA of 1.08 in his last five starts, competing with Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes for the title of best pitcher in the world.
Buster Olney
2. Detroit Tigers
Record: 37-20
Previous ranking: 1
Tarik Skubal delivered a masterful performance, blanking the Guardians with a two-hit, 13-strikeout performance, one of the best in franchise history. Skubal, who unanimously won the American League Cy Young award last year, appears even more dominant. The Tigers’ season is also defined by the unexpected, such as the performances of Spencer Torkelson and Javier Baez, key pieces on a championship-contending team.
Alden Gonzalez
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 34-22
Previous ranking: 2
With three key members of their rotation on the injured list, as well as five high-impact relievers, the Dodgers are still winning thanks to their offense. Shohei Ohtani has been as impactful as when he won the MVP, Freddie Freeman is having an exceptional start to his career, and players like Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, Andy Pages, and Hyeseong Kim are contributing significantly. Only the Yankees have a higher OPS than the Dodgers, and only the Cubs have scored more runs.
Alden Gonzalez
4. New York Yankees
Record: 35-20
Previous ranking: 4
The group of players the Yankees turned to after losing Juan Soto to the Mets have proven their worth. Max Fried, with a record contract of $218 million, is in the conversation for the American League Cy Young, and Paul Goldschmidt is having an excellent comeback season. Cody Bellinger has played effectively, both defensively and offensively. Although the Yankees are not as dynamic without Soto, they could have more depth and be better prepared for the postseason.
Buster Olney
5. Chicago Cubs
Record: 35-21
Previous ranking: 6
A relentless offense has defined the Cubs’ first two months, averaging six runs per game, the highest since the 2007 Yankees. Chicago is among the top three teams in almost every offensive category, including batting average, OBP, slugging, triples, doubles, and stolen bases. They have been excellent both at attacking opponents and coming from behind, which has led them to one of the best records in the league as the end of May approaches.
Jesse Rogers
