POWER RANKING

Gone are the days when the American and National league were distinct entities.

- All text by Matt Eddy.

Today, with a 12-team MLB playoff field and balanced schedule, a club's overall standing is paramount. It's not solely about winning one's division—it's about being one of the 12 best teams when the regular season ends. The BA Power Ranking presents for all 30 teams:

A summary of offseason transactions, core players and key rookies.

An overall BA Grade for each team on the 20-80 scouting scale. Consider teams at the same tier to be roughly equivalent in quality—at least in our eyes.

Key hitters and pitchers, along with a BA Grade to express expected 2026 value. Key players are simply those projected to be in the primary lineup, in the rotation—including a sixth starter for depth—or top leverage relievers. The number beside select players sig- nifies their ranking among the top 100 MLB players, as determined by BA.

Roster Resource was a primary source for hitting and pitching alignments.

Power ranking determined by BA editorial staff.

#1 DODGERS

OVERALL BA GRADE: 80

What do you get for the team that has everything? How about the top free agent available and the top closer on the market? The Dodgers swooped in to sign Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz on high-dollar, short-term deals to add to their cavalcade of stars. Shohei Ohtani has won an MVP award in four of the past five seasons, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are ticketed for Cooperstown. The rotation also is flush with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

Player Development Wins: Will Smith is one of the best catchers in baseball. Andy Pages had a productive season as primary center fielder. Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki are emerging starting pitchers.

Key Rookie: Alex Freeland could cover any infield spot but first base.

#2 BLUE JAYS

OVERALL BA GRADE: 70