MLB Power Rankings Week 23: Top teams in first September edition

Welcome to the stretch run of the 2026 MLB season! As we enter September, some of baseball's top teams are cruising to a playoff berth, while others are making their final pushes for a chance to play in October.

Three powerhouse National League teams are vying for not only MLB's best record, but for the top two seeds in the NL bracket, which would secure them first-round byes. Meanwhile, in the American League, the East winner should determine the No. 1 seed, with an unlikely contender seemingly a lock for the second seed.

Certain divisions, such as the NL West, are basically decided, and the top two wild-card teams in each league have solid leads, leaving multiple teams fighting for a chance to secure the third spot. One of those contenders in the AL was our biggest riser of the week, with the Orioles up five spots to No. 14 and just 1 games out of the final wild card.

Our expert panel has ranked every team based on a combination of what we've seen so far and what we already knew going into the 162-game marathon that is a full baseball season. We also asked ESPN MLB experts Buster Olney, David Schoenfield and Jesse Rogers to weigh in with an observation for all 30 teams.

Week 22 | Second-half preview | Preseason rankings

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Record:87-53

Previous ranking:1

Jacob Misiorowski is just weeks away from wrapping up his first Cy Young award and could be the first qualified pitcher this decade to record an ERA of 1.70 or below. As is, he's the lone pitcher in either league with an ERA under 2.00. Braves star Chris Sale is about the only competition for the award, but unless Misiorowski implodes, he's the clear cut winner. That wasn't necessarily the case at the All-Star break, but it is now after a masterful five months. -- Rogers

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Record:82-57

Previous ranking:2

The Dodgers don't need Shohei Ohtani to pitch to win their third straight World Series. They employ a surplus of quality starters. But Ohtani wants to pitch, and the Dodgers are giving him the chance to return to the mound. The four-time MVP hasn't pitched in a game since July 3 because of knee and biceps injuries. His attempt to return for a one-inning start Sunday against the Tigers was aborted after a shortened 20-pitch bullpen session Friday. With a little over three weeks remaining in the regular season, getting him on track to pitch in games will be difficult considering he plays every day. But the Dodgers aren't abandoning the notion yet. They're going to let him try. -- Castillo

3. Atlanta Braves

Record:83-57

Previous ranking:4

Holding onto first place in the NL East and earning a bye should clearly be the goals for the Braves in September. Their strength of schedule might have a say in that, though, as they have the fifth-toughest road ahead. It includes seven games against the second-place Phillies as well as a series against the playoff-bound Cubs and Rays. But it's those showdowns with the Phillies that will be the difference-maker -- and it starts with a four-game wrap-around series this weekend in Philadelphia. Atlanta has been the class of the East all year. They have one more month to prove it once-and-for all. -- Rogers

4. Tampa Bay Rays

Record:83-56

Previous ranking:5

When Tampa Bay added Freddy Peralta at the trade deadline, rival executives immediately speculated that Peralta would rebound from his four rough months in New York at the outset of this season with the help of the Rays' staff -- and that seems to be happening. Over his last two outings, Peralta has allowed just one run in 12 innings, while continuing to work a much greater percentage of changeups into his pitch mix. With Peralta, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez and Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay can ably match up in a short series with any American League rival. -- Olney

5. Chicago Cubs

Record:78-62

Previous ranking:3

It's Pete Crow-Armstrong's world -- we're just living in it. A strong month of September will likely secure him his first MVP award to go along with what should be another Gold Glove honor and perhaps even the Platinum Glove. Meanwhile, he's not far from exceeding 10.0 in fWAR right now, which means 11.0 could be in sight. It's rarified air for what's turning into the game's best position player. PCA has one month left of a historic season that could also include a 40/40 campaign. -- Rogers

6. New York Yankees

Record:80-60

Previous ranking:6

As Aaron Judge moves closer to returning to the Yankees' lineup -- perhaps during the next homestand -- the overriding question will be: How quickly can he return to form in the 15-to-18 games he could play before the postseason? He'll have about 60 to 70 plate appearances in that time. At 6-foot-7, Judge has a challenge in attempting to quickly restore his swing against a generation of pitchers who will likely attack him with velocity at the top of the zone. Over time, Yankees' staffers say, Judge has learned to do more with less work, a skill that could help him in trying to catch back up. -- Olney

7. Philadelphia Phillies

Record:79-61

Previous ranking:7

The Phillies were red hot in August, going an MLB best 21-7. It's put them in a position to chase down Atlanta for the NL East title, but can they carry that play over into September? It took a lot of energy for the Phillies just to get to this place, so it wouldn't be shocking if there was some regression, but then again, they understand the need for a first-round bye and beating out the Braves might just get them one. It's pedal-to-the-metal time for Philadelphia as Bryce Harper's quest for a championship hangs in the balance. -- Rogers

8. Boston Red Sox

Record:75-65

Previous ranking:8

Roman Anthony and Trevor Story returned to the Boston lineup over the weekend in New York, and Garrett Crochet continues to make progress in his effort to play some kind of role for Boston in the last days of this season, as well as in the postseason. Coming back from a shoulder issue, Crochet threw off a mound last week -- and presumably, if all goes well, he'll throw to hitters sometime later this month. Remember, he was a dominant reliever for the White Sox before transitioning to a starting role. -- Olney

9. San Diego Padres

Record:73-67

Previous ranking:9

The Padres called up 20-year-old catcher Ethan Salas when rosters expanded Tuesday, giving their top prospect his first taste of the big leagues in the middle of a tight playoff race. The left-handed-hitting Salas made his major-league debut Wednesday, going hitless in four at-bats against the Reds. With the appearance, he became the youngest player to catch in a big-league game since Ivan Rodríguez in 1991. One of baseball's most hyped prospects in recent years, Salas batted .296 with 10 home runs and an .822 OPS in 96 games this season between Double-A and Triple-A. -- Castillo

10. Chicago White Sox

Record:73-66

Previous ranking:11

With Chicago leading the AL Central, general manager Chris Getz added veteran outfielder Tommy Pham in a deal with the Phillies. Getz was trying to add more outfield depth to the organization, he explained in a text, and added that Pham could help against left-handed pitching. "And on top of it, Pham offers a veteran presence," Getz said, "that can help limit September or postseason vibrations." -- Olney

11. Arizona Diamondbacks

Record:74-67

Previous ranking:10

The Diamondbacks are in the middle of a heated race for the final NL wild-card spot, but that hasn't garnered the spotlight in the desert. That instead has been focused on Ketel Marte, who returned to the field Monday two weeks after another unexcused absence left the club scrambling without answers. While Marte, who was activated from the injured list with mild inflammation in his left knee, said teammates welcomed him back into the clubhouse, Diamondbacks fans greeted the three-time All-Star second baseman with loud boos in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies. The Diamondbacks will now look to move on from the strange episode as they battled the Padres for their first postseason berth since their 2023 World Series run. -- Castillo

12. Cleveland Guardians

Record:70-69

Previous ranking:12

During the Terry Francona and Steven Vogt managerial years, Cleveland has historically finished strongly -- only the Dodgers have a better September/October winning percentage than Cleveland since the start of 2013 -- and now the Guardians have won nine of their last 12. With the playoff push underway, Chase DeLauter hit .363 in August while Steven Kwan hit .347, and Jose Ramirez is seemingly hitting with more authority. -- Olney

13. Houston Astros

Record:71-69

Previous ranking:15

Yordan Alvarez entered September with a legitimate chance to win the first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. He leads the AL with a .317 batting average and 94 RBIs while tied for first in home runs with Junior Caminero at 37. Alvarez also leads the AL in on-base percentage and slugging percentage. He's been the best hitter in the majors this season and is the heavy favorite to win AL MVP. Alvarez would join Ohtani as the only primary designated hitters to ever win the award. Fueling the Astros to a postseason berth and becoming the second Triple Crown winner since 1967 would easily cinch the honor. -- Castillo

14. Baltimore Orioles

Record:69-71

Previous ranking:19

What a difference one game in the standings seems to make with the Baltimore front office. On Aug. 1, the Orioles were just 1 games behind in the race for the third wild card in the AL, and yet they moved Taylor Ward, Adley Rutschman and Dean Kremer at the deadline. Then, on Aug. 31, with the O's within a half-game of the wild card and a month to play, they decided to add, taking on the last $4 million or so of Luis Robert Jr.'s 2026 contract. In spite of the incongruous decisions, the players are still pushing for a playoff spot. -- Olney

15. Miami Marlins

Record:71-69

Previous ranking:13

Top Stories

2 bystanders shot, 1 fatally, in Lockport Township shooting, Will County Sheriff's Office says

• 1 hour ago

Lindsay Clancy trial: Deadlocked jury returns for sixth day of deliberations

• 8 minutes ago

2 more beluga whales die at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

• 3 hours ago

It's been over a decade since a Marlin led the league in hits -- Dee Gordon was the last to accomplish that feat in 2015. Otto Lopez has a chance to do it after earning 26 hits in 27 games played during August. He has 165 hits heading into the final weeks of the season, giving him an outside chance at 200 -- a rare feat in this day and age of MLB. Either way, Lopez has taken another positive step in his career. -- Rogers

16. Texas Rangers

Record:69-71

Previous ranking:14

Nathan Eovaldi threw Tuesday for the first time since going on the IL on Aug. 10 with elbow inflammation. He told reporters he expects to pitch again this season after throwing 50 pitches on flat ground. Getting him built up to a starter's workload, however, will be a challenge at this point in the calendar. Whether it's in the rotation or the bullpen, the Rangers could use the 36-year-old right-hander for their playoff push. -- Castillo

17. Toronto Blue Jays

Record:69-71

Previous ranking:18

Despite a shocking regression in the production of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a crushing early-season injury to Alejandro Kirk and a measured teardown by the Jays' front office at the trade deadline, Toronto is somehow still alive and relevant in the race for the third wild-card spot in the AL. With strong August performances from George Springer, Brett Bateman, Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer, the Jays are making one last drive for a playoff spot that would be almost as stunning as Toronto's advancement to Game 7 of the World Series last fall. -- Olney

18. Pittsburgh Pirates

Record:68-72

Previous ranking:21

Since making the postseason is out of the question once again for the Pirates, they should concentrate on finishing at least .500 for the first time in a full year since 2018. That's a lot of futility through an ongoing -- some might even say everlasting -- rebuild. This is easily their best team this decade, but despite a positive run differential, the Pirates are still languishing under break-even. Their offense -- a question mark coming in -- has been good. It's their pitching staff, including Paul Skenes, that has underachieved. A big month by either might just get them to that .500 mark. It's something. -- Rogers

19. St. Louis Cardinals

Record:70-70

Previous ranking:16

Continued development on the mound should be the Cardinals' goal during the final month. They've gotten answers from around the diamond as Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker had career years while JJ Wetherholt might have taken home Rookie of the Year honors if not for a hand injury slowing him down. But St. Louis needs to figure out its rotation for next season, as there have been mixed results in a group that includes Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, Matthew Liberatore and Kyle Leahy. Most of the ups and downs of the season were good experience. A strong finish could set the Cardinals up for a resurgent season in 2027. -- Rogers

20. Minnesota Twins

Record:67-73

Previous ranking:20

Minnesota has faded in its effort to win a wild-card berth in the AL, and it still has series ahead against the White Sox, Yankees and Rangers, among others. The Twins made as big of a value bet as possible to get into the postseason, opting to keep pending free agent Ryan Jeffers and ace Joe Ryan at the trade deadline. They also never seriously explored the trade return of Byron Buxton, who has a no-trade clause and would've had to approve any deal. Minnesota's effort to reach the postseason may well turn out to be very costly. -- Olney

21. Washington Nationals

Record:67-75

Previous ranking:23

CJ Abrams is poised to join the 30/100 club this month, the first such season of his career. It should help him pass 5.0 fWAR for the first time as well. Any concerns that he's not a big-time player were eliminated this year as he and James Wood combined to make a lethal duo in Washington. A career high in home runs and RBIs to go along with 30-plus steals would cement Abrams as one of the better players in the league and someone to build around. Even in today's game, you don't see those numbers from many shortstops. -- Rogers

22. Seattle Mariners

Record:66-74

Previous ranking:17

Cal Raleigh's historic dropoff has rightfully garnered the headlines, but he isn't the only star underachieving in Seattle this season. Julio Rodriguez, another franchise pillar, is batting .245 with a 104 wRC+ while his defense has taken a massive step back. His blunder on a line drive off Roman Anthony's bat Monday night set the stage for a backbreaking walk-off loss. In addition to J-Rod, Josh Naylor has a .692 OPS in his first year of a five-year, $92.5 million contract, Bryan Woo has a 4.36 ERA, George Kirby has a 4.19 ERA and closer Andres Munoz has a 4.35 ERA. Concocting the most disappointing season in franchise history has been a group effort. -- Castillo

23. Detroit Tigers

Record:64-75

Previous ranking:22

After the Tarik Skubal trade, the Tigers' brass talked about still trying to compete for a playoff spot. Instead, Detroit will go into its last month trying to stay out of last place in the AL Central. A rival evaluator noted that Skubal seemed to be the Tigers' superpower, capable of beating any team in any situation on any day -- and without Skubal, Detroit has looked like a completely different team. In games Skubal was on the team's active roster this year, the Tigers were 40-33. Without him, they are 24-42, including getting thumped 15-2 on Tuesday. -- Olney

24. Cincinnati Reds

Record:67-73

Previous ranking:24

He leads the league in games played and in RBIs -- and he's just a rookie. Sal Stewart lived up to the hype this year and looks to be the next great Reds hitter. A 40-homer, 120-RBI season is not out of the question. Only three rookies have ever hit 40 or more home runs, and even if Stewart falls short, he's a lock to win the Rookie Of the Year award. If the Reds can surround him with some protection in the lineup moving forward, those numbers might be just the beginning of a great career in the Queen City. -- Rogers

25. New York Mets

Record:63-77

Previous ranking:25

The Mets need a productive month from Mark Vientos simply to feel like his career can get back on track. They've said positive things about him, but now he needs to back that up after missing almost two months with a fractured hand. Vientos has been on a steady decline since helping the Mets to the NLCS in 2024, dropping from a career-high 27 home runs that season to just 12 this year. Missing time obviously hurt him, but his miniscule batting average (.214) and on-base percentage (.258) tell the story of his season. -- Rogers

26. Kansas City Royals

Record:62-78

Previous ranking:26

Kansas City has a legitimate shot at surpassing Detroit -- and perhaps even Minnesota -- before the end of the regular season, as the Royals' 2027 team continues to take shape in a strong finish at the end of the '26 season. Jac Caglianone and Noah Cameron have played great since the All-Star break, and amid the rubble of this season, the front office can continue to project a lineup and rotation for next year. Since Aug. 16, the Royals rank tied for fourth among all teams in runs scored. -- Olney

27. San Francisco Giants

Record:58-82

Previous ranking:27

Not much has gone right for the Giants in 2026, but they'll go into 2027 with two dangerous left-handed sluggers in the middle of their lineup. There's the veteran Rafael Devers, the former Red Sox malcontent who leads the club with 32 home runs, 83 RBIs and an .837 OPS. Then there's the rookie Bryce Eldridge, a towering slugger who has found his stroke in his first extended stint in the majors. Just 21 years old, he has 15 home runs and an .806 OPS in 94 games. The Giants have a long list of deficiencies. Left-handed pop isn't one of them. -- Castillo

28. Los Angeles Angels

Record:53-87

Previous ranking:28

Two months after firing general manager Perry Minasian, owner Arte Moreno agreed to sell the Angels to Stan Kroenke for a record valuation of $4 billion Tuesday in a deal that will be completed in early 2027. Moreno bought the franchise in 2003. His 24th and final season as owner will end like the previous 11: With the Angels failing to reach the playoffs. It's the longest postseason drought in the majors. Kroenke will attempt to steer the organization back to October. -- Castillo

29. Athletics

Record:54-86

Previous ranking:30

With so many regulars on the IL for the remainder of the season, the final month represents an opportunity for players to make a case for a spot on the 2027 team. Shea Langeliers (knee), Nick Kurtz (thumb), Jacob Wilson (shoulder), Brent Rooker (knee) and Tyler Soderstrom (hip) are all out. It's been that kind of year for the A's. The silver lining would be finding a few pieces to help the team in their final season in West Sacramento before making the move to Las Vegas in 2028. -- Castillo

30. Colorado Rockies

Record:54-86

Previous ranking:29

TJ Rumfield was stuck in Triple-A when the Yankees traded him to Colorado for reliever Angel Chicilli in January. The low-profile move has paid big dividends for the Rockies. Alongside All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, Rumfield has been one of the team's two best hitters this season. The 26-year-old first baseman is batting .291 with 14 home runs and an .826 OPS in 136 games this season, while his 3.3 bWAR leads the club.The Rockies are building their foundation for their next contention window, and it figures to include Rumfield. -- Castillo

]