MLB power rankings: Dodgers vs. Everybody as Opening Day ushers in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

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

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