Final MLB Power Rankings of the 2022 Regular Season

Joel ReuterOctober 6, 2022

Final MLB Power Rankings of the 2022 Regular Season

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    LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 24: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5), shortstop Trea Turner (6), second baseman Gavin Lux (9),  third baseman Max Muncy (13), right fielder Mookie Betts (50), and center fielder Cody Bellinger (35) sit in the dugout prior to a regular season game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers on July 24, 2022, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    The 2022 MLB regular season has come to a close, and it's time for one final edition of our weekly power rankings, this time focusing on the season as a whole.

    For context, we have provided a look back at where each team fell in our Opening Day power rankings to help illustrate which teams exceeded expectations, which lived up to the hype and which fell short. Also included is a look at each team's high point and low point in these rankings over the course of the year.

    The expanded 12-team postseason field is set, and the 12 teams headed for the playoffs appropriately occupy the top 12 spots in our rankings.

    Once the postseason wraps up, we'll reset everything with our first power rankings of the offseason, taking into account free agency, roster needs and future outlook.

    For now, let's put a bow on another exciting regular season before we turn our attention to playoff baseball.

Nos. 30-28

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    OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Catcher Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
    Sean Murphy (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

    30. Washington Nationals (55-107)

    Opening Day: 27; High: 22; Low: 30

    That Juan Soto and Josh Bell ended the season as the team leaders in WAR, despite being traded Aug. 2, speaks volumes about how the Nationals roster has been stripped to the studs.

    It was a nice story that Joey Meneses finally broke through as a 30-year-old rookie, and Lane Thomas, Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Luis García and CJ Abrams showed potential, but there is a long rebuild ahead.


    29. Oakland Athletics (60-102)

    Opening Day: 30; High: 13; Low: 30

    After trading Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Chris Bassitt and Sean Manaea during the offseason, the Athletics were a non-factor as expected, tallying 100 losses for the first time since 1979.

    Catcher Sean Murphy (120 OPS+, 57 XBH, 3.5 WAR) looked like a franchise cornerstone, which means he'll almost certainly be shopped this offseason as the penny-pinching organization continues to churn through talent.


    28. Pittsburgh Pirates (62-100)

    Opening Day: 29; High: 13; Low: 30

    The Pirates finished 28th in OPS, 27th in runs, 24th in rotation ERA and 29th in bullpen ERA, which added up to a second straight 100-loss season.

    Bryan Reynolds had another strong campaign at the plate, Ke'Bryan Hayes led the team with 4.3 WAR on the strength of his elite defense, and electric young shortstop Oneil Cruz looked like a star in the making, but there is still a long way to go.

Nos. 27-25

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    CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer (51) delivers a pitch to the plate during the second inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians on September 30, 2022, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Brady Singer (Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    27. Cincinnati Reds (62-100)

    Opening Day: 23; High: 14; Low: 30

    The Reds have gutted their roster over the past calendar year, but the future is bright with a loaded farm system and young building blocks at the MLB level, including Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft in the starting rotation.

    Rookie reliever Alexis Díaz finished the season as the team leader with 3.1 WAR after posting a 1.84 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings with 10 saves and 13 holds in 59 appearances.


    26. Kansas City Royals (65-97)

    Opening Day: 22; High: 16; Low: 30

    After a 74-88 finish in 2021, the Royals took a step backward in the win-loss department, but promising young building blocks emerged.

    Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino each finished with strong numbers at the plate, while Brady Singer emerged as a bona fide ace with a 3.23 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 150 strikeouts in 153.1 innings. A significant step forward in 2023 is possible.


    25. Detroit Tigers (66-96)

    Opening Day: 19; High: 18; Low: 29

    The Tigers quietly won 77 games in 2021, and after spending big on Javier Báez and Eduardo Rodriguez, they seemed poised for a move up the standings with top prospects Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene ready to make an impact.

    Instead, they finished last in the majors in runs (557) and home runs (110), and catcher Eric Haase was the only regular to finish with an OPS+ over 100. The bullpen was effective with a 3.46 ERA that ranked eighth in the majors, but it didn't mean much with the punchless offense and an ineffective rotation.

Nos. 24-22

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    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 27: Nathaniel Lowe #30 of the Texas Rangers at bat against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at T-Mobile Park on September 27, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
    Nathaniel Lowe (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

    24. Miami Marlins (69-93)

    Opening Day: 17; High: 11; Low: 25

    The Marlins were once again done in by a non-existent offense, as the offseason additions of Avisaíl García and Jorge Soler did nothing to improve a lineup that averaged a paltry 3.0 runs per game after the All-Star break.

    Workhorse Sandy Alcantara is the National League Cy Young Award front-runner, and Pablo López, Jesús Luzardo, Braxton Garrett and Edward Cabrera had strong seasons. Don't be surprised if one of those starters is dealt this offseason to add an impact bat alongside rising star Jazz Chisholm Jr.


    23. Colorado Rockies (68-94)

    Opening Day: 24; High: 4; Low: 25

    The Rockies played contention-level baseball at home, finishing 41-40 at Coors Field, but they were a brutal 27-54 with a minus-155 run differential on the road.

    Infielders C.J. Cron, Brendan Rodgers and Ryan McMahon had strong seasons, and Daniel Bard was lights-out in the closer's role, but the rest of the roster was disappointing. Free-agent signing Kris Bryant played just 42 games in the first season of a seven-year, $182 million deal.


    22. Texas Rangers (68-94)

    Opening Day: 25; High: 15; Low: 29

    The Rangers spent a combined $500 million on their new middle-infield tandem of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, and the duo combined for 9.8 WAR.

    There are still a lot of holes to plug, but things are trending in the right direction, as a breakout year by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe gave the lineup another impact bat. Filling out the starting rotation will be a top priority, starting with re-signing Martín Pérez following his breakout season on a one-year, $4 million deal.

Nos. 21-19

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    MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 23: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches against the Minnesota Twins on September 23, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
    Shohei Ohtani (Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

    21. Los Angeles Angels (73-89)

    Opening Day: 15; High: 4; Low: 27

    The Angels were 27-17 and just one game out of first place May 24, but a 14-game losing streak cost manager Joe Maddon his job and effectively derailed their hopes of contention.

    Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout were elite performers once again, while Taylor Ward, Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers and Luis Rengifo turned in breakout seasons. But the end result was another disappointing year.


    20. Arizona Diamondbacks (74-88)

    Opening Day: 26; High: 13; Low: 29

    The future is bright for the Diamondbacks, and they looked the part of a team on the cusp of contention with a 16-12 August.

    Daulton Varsho, Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Jake McCarthy, Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas represent the present and future offensive core, while the one-two punch of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly was as good as any in baseball. It's just a matter of filling out the roster with complementary pieces.


    19. Chicago Cubs (74-88)

    Opening Day: 21; High: 7; Low: 29

    The Cubs were 39-31 after the All-Star break, including an 11-1 stretch through their home finale Sunday, but it was too little, too late for a team that failed to build on a strong start.

    Nico Hoerner and Christopher Morel looked like keepers, while Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson are the best homegrown pitchers the team has developed in years. The front office has money to spend, and the first step should be seeing if it can bring back Willson Contreras after he stayed put at the deadline.

Nos. 18-16

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    CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox bats in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
    Xander Bogaerts (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

    18. Boston Red Sox (78-84)

    Opening Day: 11; High: 4; Low: 26

    After a slow start, the Red Sox went 20-6 in June to storm back into the postseason race but then quickly tumbled back down the standings with an 8-19 record and minus-77 run differential in July.

    With shortstop Xander Bogaerts poised to opt out of his contract and J.D. Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi and Michael Wacha headed for free agency, change is coming.


    17. Minnesota Twins (78-84)

    Opening Day: 18; High: 7; Low: 26

    The Twins held a share of first place in the American League Central as recently as Sept. 4, but they finished 10-20 to fall 14 games behind the Guardians and miss the postseason.

    Breakthrough performances by Joe Ryan, Jose Miranda, Nick Gordon and Jhoan Duran provided excitement for the future. This team has more than enough talent to return to contention in 2023, especially if Carlos Correa returns or his salary is redistributed to outside talent.


    16. San Francisco Giants (81-81)

    Opening Day: 14; High: 2; Low: 19

    A year after winning 107 games and edging the rival Dodgers for the National League West title, the Giants took a significant step backward, falling out of the playoff race with a 3-12 stretch in late July and early August.

    The decision not to move Carlos Rodón (opt-out) or Joc Pederson at the trade deadline was a misstep, as both standouts could depart in free agency. There are multiple holes to plug offensively, and the rotation will also need to be restocked alongside rising ace Logan Webb.

Nos. 15-13

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    BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 21, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
    Adley Rutschman (G Fiume/Getty Images)

    15. Chicago White Sox (81-81)

    Opening Day: 5; High: 5; Low: 24

    After reaching the postseason for the first time in more than a decade in 2020 and then winning 93 games and the AL Central in 2021, the White Sox looked like one of the teams to beat in the Junior Circuit when the season began.

    Instead, they stand as the biggest disappointment of the campaign. A combination of injuries, poor performances by key players and mismanagement by Tony La Russa contributed to a season that fell miles short of expectations.


    14. Baltimore Orioles (83-79)

    Opening Day: 28; High: 11; Low: 30

    A year after losing 110 games, the Orioles were the biggest surprise of the season, hanging around in the wild-card race into September and finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2016.

    The roster is loaded with exciting young talent, with catcher Adley Rutschman, third baseman Gunnar Henderson, starting pitchers Kyle Bradish and Dean Kremer and closer Félix Bautista having turned in solid seasons. With money to spend and an attractive young core, Baltimore could be a major factor in free agency.


    13. Milwaukee Brewers (86-76)

    Opening Day: 10; High: 4; Low: 25

    The Brewers were three games up in the National League Central when August began but six games back when it ended. That swing proved to be the difference in their season, and the front office's unwillingness to add talent during the offseason and at the trade deadline left Milwaukee out of the postseason picture.

    This was the best offensive team the Brew Crew have had in years, and a few minor reinforcements might have been enough to push them over the top. Don't be surprised if Corbin Burnes or Brandon Woodruff is traded since the tight-fisted organization is unlikely to sign both to long-term extensions.

12. Philadelphia Phillies (87-75)

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    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
    Kyle Schwarber (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 12; High: 5; Low: 24

    A five-game losing streak near the end of September made things interesting, but the Philadelphia Phillies held on to claim the final NL wild-card spot and their first postseason appearance since 2011.

    They went 65-46 after manager Joe Girardi was fired June 3, and they also managed to weather an injury to reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper that cost him all of July and 52 games overall.

    The signing of Kyle Schwarber, who led the NL in home runs with 46, and trade for Brandon Marsh solidified what had been a revolving door in the outfield, and the bullpen was improved relative to last year's debacle.

11. Tampa Bay Rays (86-76)

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    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 14: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the first inning of the MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 14, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
    Drew Rasmussen (Cole Burston/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 8; High: 2; Low: 18

    The Tampa Bay Rays are in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year despite a $99.5 million payroll that ranks 25th in the majors and limited contributions from their highest-paid player, Kevin Kiermaier.

    The ever-evolving pitching staff once again benefited from a number of breakout players, including Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs in the rotation and Jason Adam in the bullpen, en route to a 3.41 ERA that ranked fourth in the majors.

    The question now is whether they can score enough runs to compete in October after finishing 24th in OPS and 25th in home runs.

10. San Diego Padres (89-73)

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    SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres at bat during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PETCO Park on September 29, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
    Juan Soto (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 9; High: 1; Low: 11

    The San Diego Padres reached the postseason in a 162-game campaign for the first time since 2006, and they did it without Fernando Tatis Jr., who spent the season watching from the sideline.

    The deadline additions of Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Brandon Drury helped stabilize the lineup, while the starting rotation of Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Blake Snell and Mike Clevinger will be the key to their success in the postseason.

    With Wil Myers finally coming off the books, and Bell, Drury, Clevinger, Sean Manaea and Jurickson Profar (player option) set for free agency, the front office will have an opportunity to reshape the roster.

9. Seattle Mariners (90-72)

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    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 03: Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after his RBI double during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at T-Mobile Park on October 03, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
    Julio Rodríguez (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 16; High: 6; Low: 23

    The longest postseason drought in baseball is finally over.

    The Seattle Mariners are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2001, and they did it on the strength of a terrific starting rotation and standout season by American League Rookie of the Year front-runner Julio Rodríguez.

    While J-Rod stole the headlines for much of the year, starters Luis Castillo, Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Chris Flexen and Marco Gonzales were the driving force as Seattle got over the hump.

    With an exciting young core in place and that entire starting staff under contract through at least next year, this should be just the beginning of this group's status as a contender.

8. Toronto Blue Jays (92-70)

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    TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 14  -  Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ross Stripling (48) as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre in Toronto. September 14, 2022.        (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
    Ross Stripling (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 2; High: 2; Low: 13

    The Toronto Blue Jays entered the season with no shortage of hype, and with a 22-11 record in September and October, they seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time.

    The high-powered offense led the AL with a .760 OPS and finished fourth in the majors in runs, which helped take pressure off a pitching staff that was up and down.

    It's hard to imagine where this team would be without Ross Stripling. The 32-year-old started the year in the bullpen but wound up being a crucial part of the rotation, finishing 10-4 with a 3.01 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 134.1 innings.

7. St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)

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    ST. LOUIS, FL - APRIL 07: Adam Wainwright #50, Albert Pujols #5, and Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals pose for a photo prior to the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Thursday, April 7, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
    Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina (Dilip Vishwanat/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 13; High: 2; Low: 12

    The St. Louis Cardinals used a 22-7 August to seize control of the NL Central. That run of success coincided with Albert Pujols' finding the fountain of youth and capturing the baseball world's attention in his pursuit of 700 home runs.

    The 42-year-old hit .323/.388/.715 with 18 home runs and 48 RBI in 178 plate appearances after the All-Star break, and his production helped take pressure off NL MVP candidates Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.

    On the pitching side of things, the deadline additions of José Quintana (12 GS, 2.01 ERA, 62.2 IP) and Jordan Montgomery (11 GS, 3.11 ERA, 63.2 IP) transformed the rotation, and a breakout year by Ryan Helsley gave the bullpen an elite late-game option.

6. Cleveland Guardians (92-70)

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    CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 03: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians hits an RBI single during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on October 03, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
    Steven Kwan (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 20; High: 6; Low: 22

    The Cleveland Guardians are the youngest team in baseball, and they have the lowest payroll of any playoff team at $82.1 million, a figure that surpasses only the Orioles' $64.8 million and Athletics' $60.9 million.

    Breakout seasons by Andrés Giménez, Triston McKenzie, Josh Naylor, Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges and Eli Morgan and solid rookie campaigns by Steven Kwan and Oscar Gonzalez helped Cleveland exceed expectations, and it climbed into the driver's seat in the AL Central with a 16-11 August and stepped on the gas with a 21-8 September.

    Even with their financial limitations, the Guardians have a chance to be relevant for the foreseeable future thanks to the bumper crop of pre-arbitration talent that is already making an impact.

5. New York Mets (101-61)

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    ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 01: Max Scherzer #21 of the New York Mets pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
    Max Scherzer (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 7; High: 2; Low: 10

    The New York Mets' offseason spending spree paid dividends. They reached 100 wins for the first time since 1988, though they still had to settle for a wild-card spot after getting swept by the Braves over the weekend.

    The team managed as Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom made just 34 starts, and besides right fielder Starling Marte (fractured finger), they are as healthy as they have been all season—just in time for the playoffs.

    Free agency awaits for Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Díaz, Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo, and Chris Bassitt (mutual option), Carlos Carrasco (team option) and Taijuan Walker (player option) could join that group, so it's going to be another busy offseason.

4. New York Yankees (99-63)

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    ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 4: 
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting his 62nd home run of the season against the Texas Rangers during the first inning in game two of a double header at Globe Life Field on October 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. Judge has now set the American League record for home runs in a single season. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
    Aaron Judge (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 6; High: 1; Low: 16

    The New York Yankees looked like a juggernaut over the first three months of the season before going 13-13 in July and 10-18 in August, but they have seemingly righted the ship heading into the postseason.

    Aaron Judge provided an all-time great season, racking up 10.6 WAR while hitting .311/.425/.686 with 62 home runs, 131 RBI and 133 runs, and that helped prop up the offense despite down seasons by Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks.

    With Luis Severino and Jameson Taillon pitching well down the stretch, the postseason rotation seems set behind Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, giving the Yankees a rock-solid staff. Can the inconsistent bullpen, which has been beset by injuries, do its part?

3. Atlanta Braves (101-61)

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    PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 9-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
    Michael Harris II (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 4; High: 2; Low: 21

    The Atlanta Braves were four games under .500 two months into the season before ripping off a 14-game winning streak to open June. They never looked back, posting an MLB-best 78-34 record starting June 1, and they leapfrogged the Mets in the NL East with a three-game sweep over the weekend weekend.

    Despite Ozzie Albies' injuries and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s nagging knee injury, the lineup didn't miss a beat thanks to another strong season from Austin Riley, a career year by Dansby Swanson and the contributions of NL Rookie of the Year front-runner Michael Harris II.

    If anyone is going to steal the hardware from Harris, it's teammate Spencer Strider. The hard-throwing right-hander joined Max Fried, Kyle Wright and Charlie Morton to give Atlanta a formidable starting staff, and the deadline addition of Raisel Iglesias took the bullpen to another level.

2. Houston Astros (106-56)

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    HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 04:  Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch in the top of the first inning during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros on October 4, 2022 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Justin Verlander (Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 3; High: 1; Low: 18

    It's hard to find a weakness on the Houston Astros.

    The lineup has survived the departures of George Springer and Carlos Correa in successive offseasons without missing a beat, and Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker are now the leaders alongside Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve, while Jeremy Peña held his own at shortstop.

    Starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez might be the best one-two punch in baseball, and they are joined by Lance McCullers Jr., José Urquidy, Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia to give the Astros six viable candidates for the postseason.

    Even the bullpen is improved with Rafael Montero taking a huge step forward and Héctor Neris providing another late-game option. Houston is No. 2 in these rankings, but it might be the team to beat in October.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (111-51)

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    LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) bats in the first inning during game 2 of a doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 20, 2022, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Freddie Freeman (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Opening Day: 1; High: 1; Low: 23

    The Los Angeles Dodgers had a double-digit-game lead in the NL West since July 21, and their plus-334 run differential is the 13th-best mark in baseball history and the third-highest since 1900.

    They are also just the fifth team to win 111 games in a season, surpassing their previous record win total of 106, which was set in 2019 and matched last season.

    The Dodgers led the majors in OPS (.775), runs (847), ERA (2.80), WHIP (1.05) and opponents' average (.209), and they did not have a losing streak longer than four games all season.

    The question now is whether they can flip the switch after essentially coasting for the past three months—and how the starting rotation will hold up in October with Walker Buehler sidelined and Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May having missed time down the stretch.


    Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.

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