With only two weeks remaining in the 2025 MLB regular season, the race for the playoffs is heating up. This week's power rankings reveal a shifting landscape as teams battle for division titles and coveted wild-card spots. Eighteen teams will soon be heading home, but for the remaining contenders, every game is crucial.
**Milwaukee Brewers (91-59, Last Ranking: 1):** The Brewers, known for their consistent postseason appearances, are aiming for their first World Series title since 1982. The question remains: Can this year finally be their breakthrough?
**Philadelphia Phillies (90-61, Last Ranking: 2):** The Phillies' playoff hopes hinge on the return of their star player, Trea Turner, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. His timely return will be critical for their postseason success.
**Toronto Blue Jays (88-62, Last Ranking: T-3):** After several early playoff exits, the Blue Jays are determined to avoid the wild-card round and secure a first-round bye. Their recent success against the Orioles keeps them firmly in contention.
**Los Angeles Dodgers (84-66, Last Ranking: 7):** The Dodgers' success is intrinsically linked to Max Muncy's performance. His health and comfort at the plate will be key to their offensive firepower in October.
**Chicago Cubs (86-64, Last Ranking: 6):** The Cubs' disappointing season can be partly attributed to the slumps of outfield stars Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Their recovery is crucial for a strong playoff push.
**Detroit Tigers (85-65, Last Ranking: T-3):** The Tigers are striving for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This would give them a crucial edge and valuable rest for their pitching staff.
**New York Yankees (83-67, Last Ranking: 5):** The Yankees' biggest concern heading into the final stretch is their shortstop position, with Anthony Volpe's struggles and injury posing a challenge.
**Seattle Mariners (82-68, Last Ranking: 12):** After years of near misses, the Mariners are looking to finally clinch their division title and create a more favorable playoff path.
**San Diego Padres (82-68, Last Ranking: T-10):** The Padres' postseason hopes rest heavily on the return of Michael King, a key player whose health has been a concern.
**Boston Red Sox (82-68, Last Ranking: 8):** The Red Sox need the return of Roman Anthony to bolster their lineup and maintain their playoff hopes.
**Houston Astros (82-69, Last Ranking: 9):** The Astros, aiming to extend their AL West dominance, face crucial series against the Rangers and Mariners. Yordan Alvarez's injury adds another layer of concern.
**Texas Rangers (79-72, Last Ranking: 13):** Despite their numerous injuries, the Rangers are making an improbable late-season push for a playoff spot. Their upcoming series in Houston will be pivotal.
**Cleveland Guardians (78-71, Last Ranking: 16):** The Guardians' remarkable turnaround from a losing streak to a playoff contention makes every remaining game compelling viewing.
**New York Mets (77-73, Last Ranking: T-10):** Once considered a lock for the playoffs, the Mets are now facing a late-season challenge from several teams.
**San Francisco Giants (75-75, Last Ranking: 17):** The Giants, masters of the “Just get in” strategy, are hoping to leverage their postseason experience to make another unexpected run.
**Arizona Diamondbacks (76-75, Last Ranking: 19):** The Diamondbacks face a tough remaining schedule. The timing of their matchups against key opponents could be crucial for their chances.
**Cincinnati Reds (75-75, Last Ranking: 15):** The Reds are hoping for one last Francona miracle to secure a wild-card spot.
**Tampa Bay Rays (73-77, Last Ranking: 18):** The Rays are showcasing their young talent, particularly in the infield, building towards the future.
**Kansas City Royals (75-75, Last Ranking: 14):** While their playoff hopes are slim, Royals fans can still look forward to watching emerging stars like Bobby Witt Jr.
**St. Louis Cardinals (73-78, Last Ranking: 20):** With John Mozeliak's departure imminent, the Cardinals focus shifts to the future and the development of their young players.
**Oakland Athletics (70-80, Last Ranking: 25):** Nick Kurtz's exceptional rookie season is a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.
**Baltimore Orioles (70-80, Last Ranking: 22):** The Orioles' strong September performance sets a positive tone for the upcoming offseason and the 2026 season.
**Miami Marlins (70-80, Last Ranking: 23):** Jakob Marsee's breakout performance has propelled him into the Rookie of the Year conversation.
**Atlanta Braves (67-83, Last Ranking: 21):** Despite a disappointing season, the Braves still possess high-end talent in players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Chris Sale.
**Los Angeles Angels (69-81, Last Ranking: 24):** The Angels' young players like Jo Adell and Zach Neto provide optimism for the future.
**Minnesota Twins (66-84, Last Ranking: 26):** Luke Keaschall's impressive performance is a highlight for the Twins in a difficult season.
**Pittsburgh Pirates (65-86, Last Ranking: 27):** Paul Skenes' exceptional rookie season is a key attraction for Pirates fans.
**Chicago White Sox (57-94, Last Ranking: T-28):** While the season has been largely disappointing, the White Sox's young players offer hope for a brighter future.
**Washington Nationals (62-88, Last Ranking: T-28):** With a new general manager search underway, the Nationals offer a unique opportunity to envision their future roster construction.
**Colorado Rockies (41-109, Last Ranking: 30):** Hunter Goodman's outstanding performance at catcher is a significant highlight for the Rockies.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6628768/2025/09/16/mlb-power-rankings-dodgers-cubs/
