MLB Power Rankings: Week 6 Showdown Among National League Giants
May 8, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Welcome to another thrilling week in Major League Baseball, where the battle for supremacy in the National League is heating up. As we dive into Week 6, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres are locked in a fierce contest for the coveted No. 1 spot. The Dodgers have reclaimed the top position from the Mets, while the Padres are hot on their heels. But that’s not all—there’s a new contender in the top five, and it’s none other than the Detroit Tigers, who have clawed their way to the No. 5 spot.
Detroit’s rise to the top of the American League rankings is a testament to their impressive performance this season. The Tigers are now the highest-ranked AL team, with the New York Yankees at No. 7, the Seattle Mariners breaking into the top 10, and the Kansas City Royals making a significant leap to No. 11.
So, what’s changed in just one week? Our expert panel has meticulously ranked every team based on a combination of current performance and preseason expectations. We’ve also enlisted the insights of ESPN MLB experts David Schoenfield, Jorge Castillo, and Bradford Doolittle to provide observations for all 30 teams.
For those who want to catch up on last week’s rankings, you can find them here. And if you’re curious about the preseason rankings, check them out here.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 25-12
Previous ranking: 2
The Dodgers are facing some challenges in the outfield. Teoscar Hernandez, who was tied for the MLB lead in RBIs, is on the injured list with a groin strain. Manager Dave Roberts expects Hernandez to be out for “weeks.” James Outman has stepped in to fill the void, starting in center field, while Andy Pages has moved to right. Meanwhile, Michael Conforto is struggling, and with Tommy Edman also out, Roberts anticipates a lot of platooning in the short term. Fortunately, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman are both in excellent form, providing a much-needed boost to the offense. — Schoenfield
2. New York Mets
Record: 24-14
Previous ranking: 1
The Mets made headlines when they signed ex-Yankee Clay Holmes this past winter, and the decision to add him to the rotation was unexpected. Holmes, who had only four career starts before this season, has been a revelation. With a 4-1 record, a 2.95 ERA, and a 2.18 FIP, Holmes has solidified his place in the rotation. His strikeout and walk ratios are consistent with his performance as a reliever, and he has yet to surrender a home run to 156 batters faced. — Doolittle
3. San Diego Padres
Record: 23-13
Previous ranking: 4
Michael King and Nick Pivetta have formed one of the best pitching duos in the majors, boasting a combined 9-2 record with a 2.12 ERA. King, who returned to the Bronx to face his former team, the Yankees, delivered another stellar performance, allowing just three hits and two runs over six innings. Despite a bullpen meltdown that cost the Padres the game, King’s recent form has been outstanding, with a 1.71 ERA over his past seven starts. — Schoenfield
4. Chicago Cubs
Record: 22-16
Previous ranking: 5
The Cubs’ offense has been a powerhouse, but their starting rotation is facing adversity. Justin Steele is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and Javier Assad has been sidelined with an oblique strain. Shota Imanaga is also on the IL with a strained hamstring. In their absence, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, and Jameson Taillon will need to step up and stabilize the rotation. — Castillo
5. Detroit Tigers
Record: 23-13
Previous ranking: 7
The Tigers have been a force to be reckoned with, especially at Comerica Park, where they’ve started the season with a 13-3 record. Their net per-game differential of plus-2.81 runs is the best in baseball, translating to an .819 expected winning percentage. Detroit’s strong start has positioned them as early contenders for the AL’s top postseason seed, which would grant them home-field advantage in October. — Doolittle
6. San Francisco Giants
Record: 24-14
Previous ranking: 6
Logan Webb continues to be one of the most underrated starters in MLB. He led the majors in innings pitched in 2023, ranked second in 2024, and is once again among the league leaders this season. Webb has given up only one home run in 48⅓ innings and is producing a career-high strikeout rate. His changeup has been particularly effective this year, contributing to his success. — Schoenfield
7. New York Yankees
Record: 21-16
Previous ranking: 3
Max Fried has been exceptional for the Yankees, posting a 1.05 ERA through eight starts. Carlos Rodón has also rebounded from a slow start, with a 2.96 ERA in eight outings. However, the rest of the rotation is shaky without Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. Clarke Schmidt showed promise in his recent start against the Padres, but the Yankees need Fried and Rodón to continue delivering quality performances. — Castillo
8. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 21-15
Previous ranking: 8
Bryce Harper’s recent homer ended a 13-game drought, highlighting an uneven start for the Phillies’ star player. Despite the slump, Harper’s underlying metrics suggest a return to form is imminent. His bat speed is up from last season, and his BABIP is likely to regress to career norms. The Phillies should remain patient as Harper finds his groove. — Doolittle
9. Seattle Mariners
Record: 22-14
Previous ranking: 11
Cal Raleigh has been a workhorse for the Mariners, starting the first 34 games of the season. His two-homer, five-RBI performance against the Rangers powered the Mariners to their eighth consecutive series victory. Raleigh’s 12 home runs are tied for the MLB lead, and his clutch hitting has been instrumental in Seattle’s success. — Schoenfield
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 19-18
Previous ranking: 9
Geraldo Perdomo has been a standout performer for the Diamondbacks, delivering a 4-for-5 game with two doubles and three RBIs in a recent win over the Phillies. Perdomo’s impressive stats include more walks than strikeouts, a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen bases, and a 99th percentile ranking in outs above average at shortstop. His 2.2 fWAR ranks among the league’s best. — Schoenfield
11. Kansas City Royals
Record: 22-16
Previous ranking: 19
The Royals’ offense has been on the rise, thanks in part to the contributions of Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia. Garcia’s improved swing decisions have elevated his performance, and his versatility in the field has been invaluable. If he maintains this pace, Garcia could earn All-Star consideration. — Doolittle
12. Boston Red Sox
Record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 10
The Red Sox suffered a major setback with the season-ending injury to Triston Casas. The team is exploring various options to fill the void at first base, including Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro, and potential position shifts for Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox have several avenues to consider as they navigate this challenge. — Castillo
13. Cleveland Guardians
Record: 22-15
Previous ranking: 16
The Guardians have relied on comeback wins and one-run victories to stay competitive. However, they need improved production from their outfield, particularly from Jhonkensy Noel and Lane Thomas. As the season progresses, Cleveland will need more consistent contributions to maintain their momentum. — Doolittle
14. Atlanta Braves
Record: 17-19
Previous ranking: 13
The Braves’ outfield has struggled, but there are signs of hope. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return, Michael Harris II’s potential resurgence, and a promising left-field platoon with Alex Verdugo and Eli White could provide the spark Atlanta needs. The Braves will look to these players to elevate their performance in the coming weeks. — Doolittle
15. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 14
The Reds’ season has been marked by inconsistency, with their offense struggling to find its rhythm. While Jose Trevino and Gavin Lux have been key contributors, Elly De La Cruz’s performance has been average. Cincinnati will need more from their dynamic talent to break free from .500 territory. — Castillo
16. Houston Astros
Record: 18-18
Previous ranking: 12
The Astros are facing offensive challenges, compounded by Yordan Alvarez’s IL stint due to hand inflammation. Alvarez’s struggles, along with those of Yainer Diaz, Christian Walker, and Jose Altuve, have hindered Houston’s ability to score runs. The Astros will need their key players to step up and turn things around. — Schoenfield
17. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 18
Joey Ortiz’s struggles have been a surprise for the Brewers, as his production has plummeted in 2025. Now playing shortstop, Ortiz’s offensive woes have contributed to the team’s overall struggles. Milwaukee will need Ortiz to regain his form to bolster their lineup. — Castillo
18. Athletics
Record: 20-18
Previous ranking: 20
The Athletics have been competitive, but recent blown saves have cost them crucial games. With Mason Miller and Tyler Ferguson shouldering heavy workloads, the A’s will need to find stability in their bullpen to maintain their position in the standings. — Schoenfield
19. Texas Rangers
Record: 18-19
Previous ranking: 15
The Rangers made a bold move by hiring Bret Boone as their hitting coach, and the early returns have been promising. Texas erupted for 16 hits in Boone’s first game, and the team will look to build on this momentum as they aim to climb the rankings. — Schoenfield
20. Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 16-20
Previous ranking: 17
The Rays have struggled at Steinbrenner Field, with their pitching and defense not suited to the hitter-friendly environment. As they adapt to their temporary home, Tampa Bay will need to find ways to capitalize on their strengths and improve their performance. — Castillo
21. Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 16-20
Previous ranking: 22
The Blue Jays’ offseason acquisitions have been a mixed bag, with Jeff Hoffman emerging as a standout closer. However, the struggles of Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez, and Max Scherzer have hindered the team’s progress. Toronto will need these players to step up to achieve their goals. — Castillo
22. Minnesota Twins
Record: 17-20
Previous ranking: 21
Royce Lewis’s return has provided a much-needed boost to the Twins’ offense. As Lewis finds his rhythm, the spotlight will be on Carlos Correa to elevate his performance and help Minnesota climb the standings. — Doolittle
23. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 24
The Cardinals boast the best defense in baseball, with Victor Scott II emerging as a key player. Scott’s elite defense and speed have been instrumental in St. Louis’s success, and he is solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the team’s future. — Castillo
24. Washington Nationals
Record: 17-21
Previous ranking: 25
The Nationals’ bullpen has been a major concern, with a sky-high ERA that hasn’t improved despite efforts to address the issue. While Kyle Finnegan has been a bright spot, the rest of the bullpen will need to step up to support the team’s aspirations. — Doolittle
25. Baltimore Orioles
Record: 13-22
Previous ranking: 23
General manager Mike Elias has taken responsibility for the Orioles’ struggles, as injuries and underperformance have plagued the team. While Cedric Mullins and Jackson Holliday have been bright spots, the offense needs to improve to overcome the rotation’s challenges. — Castillo
26. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 12-26
Previous ranking: 28
The Pirates have faced a tumultuous season, both on and off the field. Controversies and injuries have overshadowed their performance, and the team is in last place in the NL Central. Pittsburgh will need to regroup and find ways to turn their season around. — Castillo
27. Miami Marlins
Record: 14-22
Previous ranking: 27
The Marlins’ starting rotation has been a major weakness, with a 6.35 ERA that ranks among the worst in the majors. Miami will need their starters to improve if they hope to avoid setting a franchise record for futility. — Doolittle
28. Los Angeles Angels
Record: 15-20
Previous ranking: 26
The Angels’ defense has been a liability, with several players ranking among the worst at their positions. Combined with the lowest team OBP in the majors, Los Angeles will need to address these issues to improve their standing. — Schoenfield
29. Chicago White Sox
Record: 10-27
Previous ranking: 29
The White Sox have struggled in close games, with a 2-10 record in one-run contests. Despite some improvements from last season, their late-game failings have undermined their progress. Chicago will need to find ways to close out games and secure victories. — Doolittle
30. Colorado Rockies
Record: 6-29
Previous ranking: 30
The Rockies’ offense has been historically bad, with a wRC+ of 64 that ranks among the worst in MLB history. Despite a brief winning streak, Colorado’s struggles have continued, and they will need to make significant improvements to avoid a record-setting season. — Schoenfield
Originally Written by: ESPN
