Who is the best team in MLB? Before diving into the MLB games today, Sportsnaut’s 2023 MLB power rankings take a weekly look across baseball, evaluating all 30 teams and separating them into tiers. From the worst MLB teams to World Series contenders, we’re evaluating every team in baseball.
Bookmark this page for weekly updates on the best and worst teams in MLB, carrying you from Opening Day 2023 through the World Series.
What’s the best MLB team right now? Let’s dive into our latest MLB power rankings.
2023 MLB power rankings: Worst teams in MLB
30. Kansas City Royals (30)
The Kansas City Royals are the worst team in MLB and their season is almost mercifully over. Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez provided bright spots for the future, but the Royals aren’t going anywhere near relevancy until they address a pitching staff that recorded just 31 quality starts with a 5.19 ERA in nearly 150 games.
29. Chicago White Sox (27)
The Chicago White Sox are 13-28 since August 1, worse than the Royals and Oakland Athletics. For fans looking for bright spots, which is made a lot more difficult given the new general manager, top prospect Bryan Ramos boasts a 113 wRC+ with a .279/.338/.469 slash line and 24 RBI in his last 38 games.
28. Colorado Rockies (29)
There’s next to nothing for us to get excited about on the Colorado Rockies roster as we near the end of the season. However, the same pessimism doesn’t exist with the farm system. Jordy Vargas, a top Rockies’ pitching prospect, boasts a 3.29 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP and .207 batting average allowed in his last nine starts, while outfield prospect Yanquiel Fernandez has jumped up two levels this season.
27. Washington Nationals (24)
The Washington Nationals extended general manager Mike Rizzo, which should be viewed as a good thing considering how difficult it is to find good executives. Another positive for the Nationals, the end of the 2023 MLB season means more updates on when the Lerner family finally sells this team.
26. Los Angeles Angels (28)
Shohei Ohtani is done for the season and the Los Angeles Angels might’ve just ended one of the most bizarre eras in baseball history. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani will go down as two of the best MLB players of their generation and the Angels didn’t play in a single postseason game with them. It’s not the front office, it’s ownership.
25. Oakland Athletics (26)
Believe it or not, the Oakland Athletics have actually been fairly good down the stretch. The A’s have a winning record in September, thanks to competent pitching (4.15 ERA) and some young hitters offering glimpses of a bright future. Of course, the best moments might not ever happen in Oakland.
24. St. Louis Cardinals (25)
The St. Louis Cardinals have officially recorded their first losing season since 2007. When St. Louis last went sub-.500, it followed that up with an eight-game improvement. Based on the issues with the Cardinals’ rotation and the aging stars in the lineup, we might not see as quick of a turnaround this time.
24. Detroit Tigers (23)
Give credit to the Detroit Tigers, who have seen their young sluggers and unheralded bats carry the team in the second half of the season. The biggest surprise, though, is Detroit’s pitching compiling a 2.72 ERA (second-lowest in MLB) this month. Will this 8-5 start to September be a stepping stone for 2024? Maybe.
22. New York Mets (22)
We remain endlessly fascinated by the New York Mets this offseason. Pursuing Shohei Ohtani or Mike Trout likely isn’t worth it, given their durability issues and age versus the financial cost. However, it’s been made clear that New York will spend on young pitching and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is perfect for the Mets.
21. Cleveland Guardians (19)
The Cleveland Guardians ignored their biggest needs heading into the year, banking on critics of their lineup being proven wrong. When the numbers through July demonstrated that Cleveland had one of the worst lineups in MLB, the Guardians’ front office added more pitching. Just another reason why Cleveland isn’t making the playoffs, despite playing in a winnable division.
20. Pittsburgh Pirates (21)
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a more entertaining team late in the year. Mitch Keller (3.00 ERA) and Johan Oviedo (2.73 ERA) have looked solid in their last five starts and the Bryan Reynolds-Ke’Bryan Hayes combo is performing. Maybe, just maybe, this late effort will convince the Pirates’ organization to spend money this winter on improving the roster.
MLB power rankings: Chicago Cubs drop, Giants and Reds soar
19. San Diego Padres (20)
Considering they bought at the trade deadline, the San Diego padres are the most disappointing MLB team in 2023. It’s not an issue with the skipper, San Diego has already made changes there. Instead, it might be time to look at the front office. With that said, San Diego feels like it could repeat its struggles in 2024 with Blake Snell and Josh Hader potentially leaving in free agency.
18. Boston Red Sox (15)
Chaim Bloom was a problem, but he isn’t the big problem with the Boston Red Sox. When you go through multiple general managers without getting the results you wanted, as highlighted by Ken Rosenthal, you’re the problem. Unfortunately for Boston’s fans, the one person in this organization who needs to be replaced (John Henry) won’t fire himself.
17. New York Yankees (18)
The New York Yankees are the hottest team in MLB, winning 10 of their last 14 games. Unfortunately, it’s really far too little and too late. The Frankie Montas trade looks even worse a year later and the first year of the Carlos Rodón contract was a disaster. At this point, it wouldn’t be a surprise if changes are made.
16. Miami Marlins (14)
The Miami Marlins are almost certainly going to finish right outside of the NL Wild Card standings, likely missing the playoffs by a single game or two. Why? Because there have been very few teams that experience more hot-and-cold stretches than the Marlins. A dip is likely on the horizon again, which will be the final proverbial nail in the Marlins’ coffin.
14. San Francisco Giants (17)
The San Francisco Giants are 29-36 since July 1 and 24-31 in their last 55 games. Why? Farhan Zaidi built a lineup that generated the lowest triple-slash line (.228/.303/.366) over that span. San Francisco’s lineup was its Achilles heel in 2022, the problem never went away in 2023. Perhaps, at least if the Giants want to be relevant in the NL West again, Zaidi should evaluate what he’s looking for in hitters.
15. Arizona Diamondbacks (12)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are treading water right now, just keeping themselves above the Giants and Marlins. It’s about what you’d expect from a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience being in the October hunt. However, the D-Backs might have just enough in the tank to sneak in as a Wild Card team.
13. Cincinnati Reds (16)
After dropping the series at home last week to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cincinnati Reds played like a team that wants to make it to October. It certainly helps to face clubs with losing records, but others in similar positions didn’t take advantage. If the Reds do miss the playoffs, chalk it up to a front office that didn’t do enough to improve the pitching.
12. Chicago Cubs (10)
The Chicago Cubs haven’t made the playoffs since 2020 and their last playoff win came in 2017. We’re not sure if Chicago will accomplish ending the latter drought this October, but Cubs fans will have a chance at playoff tickets (on the road) if the Cubbies can just take care of business against Pittsburgh and Colorado this coming week.
11. Minnesota Twins (13)
The Minnesota Twins are AL Central champions, but it might’ve been a little closer than they wanted in 2023. Of course, all that matters is punching a ticket to the postseason and hosting an AL Wild Card Series will make it even better. Granted, the Twins have looked like a team that is several tiers below the top American League clubs all year.
2023 MLB power rankings: Best MLB teams right now
10. Philadelphia Phillies (9)
The Philadelphia Phillies are 9-9 since August 27. Over that 18-game stretch, Philadelphia’s pitchers compiled a 4.70 ERA (17th in MLB), but the Phillies’ lineup delivered a 119 wRC+ (sixth in MLB). If the Phillies can ever get both things going at the same time, they can beat anyone. However, we haven’t seen a well-rounded performance from Philadelphia for most of the year.
9. Toronto Blue Jays (7)
After flying up the 2023 MLB power rankings last week, the Toronto Blue Jays were shot down by the Texas Rangers. It’s a small stumble for Toronto, but it matters a lot when the AL’s postseason race is so tight. Ending the season with 12 combined games against the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays is a solid test for the Blue Jays’ legitimacy in October.
8. Seattle Mariners (3)
From July 1 – August 31, the Seattle Mariners went 38-15 with a 3.18 ERA in 53 games and looked like a World Series threat. In September, Seattle holds a 5-9 record with a 4.59 ERA. The Mariners have the talent to turn things around at a moment’s notice, but negative momentum heading into October will likely result in a first-round exit.
7. Texas Rangers (11)
The Texas Rangers climb back up the 2023 MLB power rankings after a much-needed sweep in Toronto. Without that, there would be serious discussions about Texas choking away a sizable lead in the AL West only to miss the playoffs. For now, it appears the Rangers will at least sneak into October. Unfortunately, Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom won’t be around for it.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers (5)
Injuries to the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation will almost certainly be what derails their pursuit of another World Series. In September, the Dodgers’ arms were responsible for 4.59 ERA in 13 games, resulting in a 6-7 record. Offensively, this lineup can be the best in MLB. Unfortunately, Los Angeles suffered far too many blows to its pitching staff.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (8)
The Milwaukee Brewers are tied for the second-most wins in September (nine) and it’s not difficult to understand why when you witness the pitching. In their last 14 games, the Brewers’ pitching staff is responsible for a 2.62 ERA, one of only two teams with an ERA under 3.00.
4. Houston Astros (6)
The Houston Astros have taken advantage of the Mariners and Rangers stumbling, surging atop the AL West as the intensity heats up. Of course, that’s exactly how you’d expect a veteran team with championship experience to perform in big moments. Houston isn’t as dominant as it was last season, but the experience and talent on the roster give the Astros a viable shot at repeating.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (4)
If you’re wondering how the Tampa Bay Rays keep winning, look no further than Yandy Diaz. In high-leverage situations this season, Diaz leads MLB with a 265 wRC+ and a .478/.545/.783 slash line, tacking on 21 RBI in 55 plate appearances. A depleted rotation still gives us pause when looking ahead to the postseason for Tampa Bay, but this team has proven for a month-plus that it just knows how to win even without some of its best players.
2. Baltimore Orioles (2)
Cedric Mullins has been Mr. Clutch for the Baltimore Orioles this season, leading the team with 23 RBI and a .300/.383/.600 slash line in high-leverage situations this year. It’s one of the many reasons why the Orioles are on pace for their first 100-win season since 1980. There are very few teams and fan bases in sports more deserving of this than Baltimore.
1. Atlanta Braves (1)
The Atlanta Braves are No. 1 in the 2023 MLB power rankings after becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. If all goes well this upcoming week, the Braves will be the first team to reach 100 wins this year. Consecutive seasons with 100-plus wins and a World Series title before that, the Braves are on the doorstep of becoming MLB’s next dynasty.
2023 MLB power rankings FAQ
Who is the best team in Major League Baseball right now?
The Atlanta Braves are the best team in Major League Baseball right now. Entering play on September 16, the Braves led MLB in slugging (.501), OBP (.343), runs scored (858) and batting average (.275). Atlanta also ranks top-10 in team ERA and has the 11th-most quality starts (57).
Which team has the most home runs in 2023?
The Atlanta Braves have hit the most home runs in 2023, becoming the first team to hit 200 home runs. Remarkably, the Braves have hit nearly 40 more home runs than the second-best team (Los Angeles Dodgers).
Who has the best offense in MLB 2023?
The Atlanta Braves have the best offense in baseball. Through 1345 games, the Braves have scored the most runs (858) and they lead the majors in batting average, slugging, OBP and OPS.
Who is the worst team in the MLB?
The Kansas City Royals are the worst team in MLB. Through 140 games, the Royals are only on pace for 50 wins this season.
What are the MLB power rankings?
MLB power rankings are evaluations of all 30 teams in Major League Baseball, ranking them from best to worst based on MLB standings, stats, past success and talent.
How are MLB power rankings calculated?
Sportsnaut’s MLB power rankings are calculated by the standings, run differential, preseason expectations, 2023 performance and projections for the remainder of the regular season.
What team strikes out the most 2023?
The Minnesota Twins have the most strikeouts in MLB in 2023. The Twins became the first team with 1,500-plus strikeouts this season.
Who is the best power hitting team in MLB?
The Atlanta Braves are the best power hitting team in MLB. As of September 16, the Braves lead MLB in home runs (283).
Who has the worst record in the MLB 2023?
The Kansas City Royals have the worst record in MLB.