MLB Power Rankings: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not Heading Into July
MLB Power Rankings: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not Heading Into July
By Oliver Wiener July 04, 2025 09:22
As Major League Baseball approaches the All-Star break in early July 2025, teams across the league are jockeying for position, with some surging and others faltering. The latest power rankings reveal a clear hierarchy at the top, surprising movers in the middle, and struggling franchises hoping to turn things around in the second half.
The Top Dogs
At the summit sits the Los Angeles Dodgers, who continue to dominate the National League and the sport as a whole. Reigning World Series champions, the Dodgers boast a 56-32 record and a +100 run differential, underscoring their balance of potent offense and deep pitching. The addition of Shohei Ohtani, alongside key offseason signings like Blake Snell and Michael Conforto, has fortified their roster. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s depth, stating, “We have a roster built to win now and in the future. The guys are locked in and ready to make another run.” The Dodgers remain the overwhelming favorites to repeat as champions, with ESPN’s betting odds reflecting their dominance.
Hot on their heels are the Detroit Tigers, who have stunned many with their unexpected rise. Sitting just one game behind the Dodgers, Detroit’s 55-33 record is fueled by a dominant bullpen and bounce-back seasons from stars like Javier Báez and Gleyber Torres. Their pitching staff, led by Tarik Skubal, has been a key factor in their surge. The Tigers’ consistency has made them a legitimate threat in the AL Central and beyond.
The New York Yankees also maintain a strong presence at number three with a 48-35 record. Despite losing Juan Soto in free agency, the Yankees have plugged holes with savvy acquisitions including Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt. Aaron Judge continues to anchor the lineup, reminding fans why he’s a frontrunner for the AL MVP. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented, “Our guys have shown resilience. We’re focused on finishing strong and making noise in October.”
In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs round out the top five. The Phillies, with a 49-35 record, have balanced veteran leadership from Bryce Harper and Trea Turner with new additions like Max Kepler. However, their offense has been somewhat sluggish, and Bryce Harper’s health remains a concern. The Cubs, meanwhile, have struggled recently, posting a 3-4 record in June and showing vulnerabilities in their pitching rotation. The return of Shota Imanaga is expected to help stabilize their staff.
Surging Teams
Among the most surprising stories is the Miami Marlins, who have rattled off seven straight wins, including six on the road, lifting them to 37-45. Otto Lopez’s hot hitting has been a catalyst for this historic streak, and the team’s newfound confidence has fans wondering if a playoff push is possible.
The Tampa Bay Rays have also turned heads with a 17-9 record over May and June, climbing the AL East standings and threatening the Yankees’ dominance. Their aggressive approach and strong pitching have made them a team to watch in the second half.
Teams Struggling to Keep Pace
Not all teams have found success. The Chicago White Sox remain mired near the bottom of the standings with a 28-56 record and have yet to sweep a series this season. The Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals also continue to struggle, with losing records and inconsistent performances.
The Cleveland Guardians have faced setbacks, including a six-game losing streak and the administrative leave of pitcher Luis Ortiz amid a gambling investigation. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, as they sit 26th in the rankings with a 36-47 record.
Looking Ahead
With the trade deadline approaching and the All-Star break providing a natural reset, teams will be looking to make adjustments. The Dodgers and Tigers appear poised to battle for the top spot, while teams like the Marlins and Rays hope to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, struggling franchises must find ways to improve quickly or face long offseason evaluations.
As ESPN analyst Ben Solak summarized, “Baseball’s second half is where legends are made. The teams that adapt and execute will define the 2025 season.”
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