MLB Power Rankings: Post-Trade Deadline Analysis
Last week’s MLB trade deadline generated numerous moves. Now, a week later, we can assess how the new acquisitions are adapting and their impact on the teams.
Despite not making big moves, the Brewers remain on top for the third consecutive week. The Yankees, after several changes and being considered winners at the deadline, have lost five games in a row and fall to 12th place.
The Red Sox, who also didn’t have much activity at the deadline, have won seven of their last eight games and return to the top 10. The Marlins, rising to 20th place, could have a streak that boosts their playoff attempt.
Our expert panel has ranked each team based on what we’ve seen and pre-season knowledge. We also asked ESPN’s MLB experts, Buster Olney, David Schoenfield, and Bradford Doolittle, to share their observations on the 30 teams.
Week 18 Ranking1. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 70-44
Previous ranking: 1
The Brewers remain unstoppable: 16-9 in June, 17-7 in July, and 6-0 in the first six games of August, including convincing victories over the Nationals. Brandon Woodruff continues to excel in his return (2.22 ERA in five starts) and Freddy Peralta is having his best season. The appearance of Quinn Priester, acquired in April, has been key, with an 11-2 record, a 3.15 ERA, and five consecutive wins.
Schoenfield’s Observation2. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 65-49
Previous ranking: 6
Kyle Schwarber may not win the National League MVP award, but he is destined to get a good contract in free agency. Some in the game wonder if he would prefer to play closer to his Midwestern roots.
Olney’s Observation3. Chicago Cubs
Record: 66-48
Previous ranking: 2
The lack of impactful moves at the trade deadline has been criticized, and now it seems worse, as Michael Soroka, in his debut, had to leave the game and was placed on the injured list with shoulder discomfort. President of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, admitted that the Cubs were aware of Soroka’s decreased velocity, but took the risk in acquiring him. Ben Brown could rejoin the rotation.
Schoenfield’s Observation4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 66-49
Previous ranking: 3
Some players, like Derek Jeter and Shohei Ohtani, seem to have unwavering confidence. Mookie Betts, however, is not like that. When Betts struggles, he feels bad and feels like he disappoints others. Currently, his batting average is around .200 and his slugging is below .300.
Olney’s Observation5. Detroit Tigers
Record: 66-50
Previous rating: 7
The Tigers seem to have overcome their slump. Although they haven’t regained the form that led them to a big lead in the American League Central Division, they have overcome a difficult section of the schedule and are entering a more favorable phase. The offense has improved, with Kerry Carpenter, Dillon Dingler, and Wenceel Perez standing out. Despite everything, the Tigers maintain a considerable lead in the division.
Doolittle’s Observation6. Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 68-48
Previous ranking: 4
Jays manager John Schneider reported that Shane Bieber will need some preparation outings before joining the team after his rehabilitation. When Bieber debuts, he will become the twelfth Cy Young winner to play for the franchise, joining Max Scherzer. Four of the twelve won the award with Toronto: Pat Hentgen, Robbie Ray, Roy Halladay and Roger Clemens (twice).
Doolittle’s Observation7. New York Mets
Record: 63-52
Previous ranking: 5
Their starting pitching was the main reason for the Mets’ good start, but now, the rotation is the biggest question mark. Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract, will have at least one more start, but the Mets can’t sustain performance with a 6.00 ERA for long. Griffin Canning is out for the rest of the year, and Clay Holmes has shown regression.
Olney’s Observation8. San Diego Padres
Record: 64-51
Previous ranking: 10
Other managers will envy Mike Shildt after the Padres’ trade for Mason Miller and the strengthening of a bullpen that could be the deepest in the majors. In the first game after the deadline, Miller pitched the eighth inning, followed by Robert Suarez. Shildt can adequately rest all his key relievers.
Olney’s Observation9. Boston Red Sox
Record: 64-52
Previous ranking: 13
The Red Sox have been on fire on both sides of the field for weeks, and the possibility of a playoff spot includes a chance for the number 1. Disappointment doesn’t seem to have reached the locker room. It’s a surprising turnaround for a team that was 43-45 on July 4th.
Doolittle’s Observation10. Houston Astros
Record: 64-51
Previous rating: 8
After a June with a record of 19-7, the Astros had their worst month in July, with 12-15, and began August losing a series in Boston. The absence of Jeremy Peña throughout the month influenced those numbers. Peña returned on Friday and went 3-for-5. Carlos Correa, now playing at third base, went 6-for-21 in his first five games.
Schoenfield’s Observation11. Seattle Mariners
Record: 62-53
Previous rating: 9
The Mariners won three of four against Texas, highlighting J.P. Crawford’s home run. Eugenio Suárez hit his first home run since joining Seattle, and Cole Young hit a 456-foot home run. Bryan Woo has pitched at least six innings in all 22 of his starts. The Mariners acquired Josh Naylor.
Schoenfield’s Observation12. New York Yankees
Record: 61-54
Previous ranking: 11
Aaron Judge is back after a brief injury. His return is the only good news for a Yankees team that is rapidly approaching a free fall. The bullpen has failed, and the offense without Judge has not been good. Errors in base running and defense are concerning.
Doolittle’s Observation13. Texas Rangers
Record: 60-56
Previous ranking: 12
With eight scoreless innings and one hit in the victory over the Yankees, Nathan Eovaldi has allowed one run or less in 13 of his last 14 starts, lowering his ERA to 1.38. He has pitched 111 innings.
Schoenfield’s Observation14. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 60-55
Previous ranking: 14
Zack Littell had a great performance in his first start with the Reds, allowing one run and three hits in seven innings. The Reds needed a long outing after Nick Lodolo left Monday’s game with a blister.
Schoenfield’s Observation15. Cleveland Guardians
Record: 59-55
Previous ranking: 20
The Guardians, defending champions of the American League Central Division, are a good weekend away from a wild card position. Their trade deadline consisted of trading Shane Bieber for a promising young pitcher. They could be the team that makes the playoffs despite the office’s lack of aggressiveness.
Doolittle’s Observation16. San Francisco Giants
Record: 58-57
Previous ranking: 15
When Rafael Devers was at his best with the Red Sox, his swing was perfect for Fenway Park. At Oracle Park, Devers is batting .160/.289/.280.
Olney’s Observation17. Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 57-59
Previous ranking: 16
Tampa Bay’s approach at the deadline was straightforward. They added and traded veterans and kept Brandon Lowe. The addition of Adrian Houser suggests the Rays expect to make a run in 2025. They broke their losing streak with a win over the Angels, fueled by a home run from Lowe.
Doolittle’s Observation18. Kansas City Royals
Record: 57-58
Previous ranking: 21
The Royals were having a revitalized offense. Since June 28, Kansas City has the third-best offensive strikeout rate in the majors and the eighth-best home run average. Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Pérez have combined for 18 home runs.
Doolittle’s Observation19. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 58-58
Previous ranking: 17
Ivan Herrera has had an excellent offensive season. However, he hasn’t been a catcher since he returned from his second stint on the injured list. He has played in left field. His maximum sprint speed ranks in the 25th percentile.
Schoenfield’s Observation20. Miami Marlins
Record: 56-57
Previous ranking: 22
The Marlins are committed to Sandy Alcantara for the rest of the season. In two starts in late July, he allowed zero earned runs in 12 innings. Alcantara may need more time to find consistency.
Olney’s Observation21. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 54-61
Previous rating: 18
Before the deadline, other teams thought Zac Gallen would not be traded. The Diamondbacks decided to give Gallen a qualifying offer after this season.
Olney’s Observation22. Los Angeles Angels
Record: 55-60
Previous ranking: 23
Kenley Jansen has had a solid season as the team’s closer, with 20 of 21 saves and an ERA of 2.79. Jansen is fourth on the all-time saves list.
Schoenfield’s Observation23. Minnesota Twins
Record: 54-60
Previous ranking: 19
Twins fans might notice a revamped starting rotation at the end of the season. Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez, and Bailey Ober are in. Zebby Matthews could join Taj Bradley and Mick Abel. Luke Keaschall returned and hit his first home run.
Doolittle’s Observation24. Baltimore Orioles
Record: 52-63
Previous ranking: 25
Jackson Holliday was selected as the Orioles’ Heart & Hustle Award winner. Holliday has shown solid improvement and could be preparing for a jump in 2026.
Doolittle’s Observation25. Atlanta Braves
Record: 47-66
Previous ranking: 24
The Braves did little at the deadline because they have most of their core secured. The biggest question is whether they can find a long-term solution at shortstop. Nick Allen is a high-level defender.
Olney’s Observation26. Athletics
Record: 50-66
Previous Ranking: 27
Shea Langeliers had a memorable game with three home runs. Nick Kurtz finished July batting .395/.480/.953 with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs.
Schoenfield’s Observation27. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 49-66
Previous ranking: 26
Paul Skenes was named National League Pitcher of the Month in July. With a 2.02 ERA, he could surpass Bob Veale’s 2.05 ERA in 1968. The Pirates are managing Skenes conservatively.
Schoenfield’s Observation28. Chicago White Sox
Record: 42-72
Previous ranking: 29
The White Sox have played winning baseball for over a month. Colson Montgomery has led the charge and become Chicago’s most dangerous hitter. Consistency isn’t there yet, but the quality of contact is amazing.
Doolittle’s Observation29. Washington Nationals
Record: 45-68
Previous ranking: 28
The Nationals’ bet on youth hasn’t worked as expected. Keibert Ruiz seems offensively stagnant. Ruiz is signed through the 2030 season.
Olney’s Observation30. Colorado Rockies
Record: 30-84
Previous ranking: 30
Seth Halvorsen could be an example of why it’s better to take advantage of the value of the reliever when you have the opportunity. Halvorsen suffered an elbow injury.
Olney’s Observation
