We’re just over one week into the 2026 Major League Baseball season and you know what that means, it’s time to overreact.
It’s been a fun first week. There have been a few surprises, like the Miami Marlins going 5-1 to begin the campaign. Who saw that one coming? No one. The Milwaukee Brewers are tied with the Marlins and the New York Yankees for the best record in baseball at 5-1, despite trading Freddy Peralta away. At this point, it’s pretty safe to say that Milwaukee just knows what it’s doing in the trade market. At the end of the day, the Brewers pull off some sort of move that theoretically should make the team worse by trading a star away. But it just hasn’t happened yet. They won 97 games in 2025 and currently still have the best record in baseball without their ace from last season. Go figure.
The Yankees have shocked the baseball world with their pitching. In fact, what the Yankees’ rotation has been able to do this season hasn’t been seen since 1913. There have been plenty of other stories to follow as well, like the Pittsburgh Pirates promoting No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin and giving him a historic extension on top of that. It’s been a busy week. Now, let’s get to the rankings.
No. 30: Colorado Rockies:
Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies right fielder Tyler Freeman (2) runs to first base on a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the tenth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Rockies are 2-4 on the season so far. That’s not the worst record in baseball. But, still. They need to do a bit more to move up on this list.
No. 29: Minnesota Twins
Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Matt Wallner (38) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Twins are 2-4 on the season so far and aren’t even in last place in the American League Central, but arguably aren’t in a great place.
No. 28: Chicago White Sox
Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) gets a visit from pitching coach Zach Bove in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The White Sox are 1-5 on the season so far and are in last place in the AL Central but there arguably is some fun talent in Chicago, including Munetaka Murakami.
No. 27: Athletics
Jul 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics glove and hat on the field before the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Like Chicago, the Athletics are 1-5 on the season so far. There’s some talent here as well, but it hasn’t resulted in wins.
No. 26: Tampa Bay Rays
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Rays are 2-4 on the season so far and aren’t in last place in the American League East, but don’t have a lot of love this season.
No. 25: Washington Nationals
Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Luis García Jr. (2), left fielder James Wood (29), shortstop CJ Abrams (5) and second baseman Orbit Vivas (84) celebrates with against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The young Nationals have been a bit of a surprise so far this season. They are 3-3 on the campaign. There’s talent, but it’s too early to move them up much higher than this.
No. 24: Los Angeles Angels
Mar 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) runs to first base on a single during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Mike Trout has looked like Mike Trout this season so far, which is incredible for baseball. The Angels are 3-4 as a whole. But if Trout can keep it up, this club will move up the list.
No. 23: Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) is shown as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled in the first inning, Thursday, March 26, 2026. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Paul Skenes struggled on Opening Day, but looked better in his second outing. The Pirates are 3-3 so far but should be better with Konnor Griffin coming to town.
No. 22: Cincinnati Reds
Mar 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The Reds have the talent to move up this list. They are 3-3 on the season so far, but they should be much higher later on.
No. 21: San Diego Padres
Apr 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Ramón Laureano (5), right, is congratulated by Gavin Sheets (30) after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
This will not be the case all season. In fact, this likely won’t be the case next week. But the Padres went 2-4 in their first six games.
No. 20: St. Louis Cardinals
Mar 30, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) fields a ground ball against the New York Mets during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Baseball is better when St. Louis is good. The Cardinals are 4-2 on the season and have one of the youngest rosters in baseball. It could be just a good first week. But it would be a great story if this young roster can shock the baseball world.
No. 19: Boston Red Sox
Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; United States left fielder Roman Anthony (3) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Dominican Republic during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Red Sox should be in the top 10 or more even the top five. But the Red Sox are 1-5 on the season. This spot is based solely on the talent, rather than the production so far this season.
No. 18: New York Mets
Apr 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after scoring a run on an RBI double hit by infielder Bo Bichette (19) against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images | Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Same concept as above with the Red Sox. The Mets are 3-4 but they should be much better. They will be, but not the start they wanted.
No. 17: San Francisco Giants
Apr 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers (16) reacts after hitting a one run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images | Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Another team with plenty of talent, but an up-and-down start to the season. The Giants are 3-4 so far this season.
No. 16: Chicago Cubs
Mar 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman (3) high fives center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Cubs got Alex Bregman, but are 3-3 so far on the season. This will change as well. By the end of the season, the Cubs will be much higher. But they have been just fine so far.
No. 15: Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) takes break during a pitching change in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Phillies will be fine. But they are 3-3 on the season so far. With a bigger sample size, they will be much higher on this list.
No. 14: Seattle Mariners
Mar 31, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) strikes out against the New York Yankees during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images | John Froschauer-Imagn Images
Where’s the power? The Mariners’ offense hasn’t been as expected. But the Mariners still have the talent to assume they will figure it out.
No. 13: Detroit Tigers
Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There is too much pitching here for the Tigers to not be good. They are 2-4 so far this season, but will be fine if the starters stay healthy.
No. 12: Baltimore Orioles
Mar 30, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) looks on during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The Orioles are showing progress over the 2025 season, despite the fact that they are 3-3.
No. 11: Kansas City Royals
Apr 1, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) drives in a run with a sacrifice hit in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
The Royals have talent all over the place starting with Bobby Witt Jr. They are 3-3 on the season so far.
No. 10: Cleveland Guardians
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Guardians always find a way. Right now, they are 4-3 on the season and in first place in the AL Central.
No. 9: Texas Rangers
Mar 31, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) throws during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The Rangers are trending up and are 4-2 on the season in second place in the AL West.
No. 8: Arizona Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a fly ball against the Brewers during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on March 20, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This may be a hot take. The Diamondbacks are loaded and are going to get better when Corbin Burnes is ready. The Diamondbacks had to face the Los Angeles Dodgers to begin the season, which isn’t good for anyone, but there’s enough to think this team could be good.
No. 7: Toronto Blue Jays
Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) looks on before a game against the Colorado Rockies at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Blue Jays need more pitching, but this club is going to be good this season. Right now, they are 4-2.
No. 6: Atlanta Braves
Mar 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) waves to the crowd while receiving an award before a game against the Athletics at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Braves have been a pleasant surprise this season. They are 5-2 on the season. Hopefully, this is a sign the Braves are back.
No. 5: Miami Marlins
Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Marlins are 5-1. They may not stay in this spot all season. But they’ve earned it so far.
No. 4: Houston Astros
Apr 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) runs up the base line after hitting a single against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The Astros are 5-2 on the season and just swept the Red Sox. Are they back as well?
No. 3: Milwaukee Brewers
Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Brewers don’t even have their best player right now in Jackson Chourio. Plus, Peralta was traded. And yet here we are. The Brewers are 5-1.
No. 2: Los Angeles Dodgers
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after he was called out on a checked swing with bases loaded to end in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers are the most talented team in baseball, but they are 4-2. No one else should be favored to win the World Series over Los Angeles, but it hasn’t been the best team in baseball.
No. 1: New York Yankees
Mar 25, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Yankees have been the best team in baseball and are on a historic run in the starting rotation. The Yankees have been great and Aaron Judge hasn’t even gotten it going yet. This team is scary in the American League.
