It’s time for another MLB power rankings reset. The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline is in the books, meaning teams — for the most part — are set for the playoff push. Between those trades and all the info from the last week, here’s our updated rankings for all 30 clubs.
The Bottom
- Angels (-3)
- Rockies (+1)
- Athletics (-4)
- Royals (+2)
- Giants (+2)
- Mets (+1)
- Nationals (-7)
- Pirates (-4)
- Reds (+3)
- Blue Jays (+1)
The Blue Jays tried a hybrid strategy at the deadline, as Toronto bought Jose Soriano and sold off Kevin Gausman & Daulton Varsho, two pending free agents. The idea is to stay competitive in 2026 — and try to win in 2027 & beyond.
Focusing on the now, it’s going to be difficult for the Jays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been mired by nicks & bruises, plus a near-complete power drought. But the club didn’t trade away other pending free agents, like Shane Bieber & George Springer. Which gives one an idea that the team believes that they’re still in it.
The other clubs here still in it are the Reds, Pirates, and Nationals. However, all three need a lot to go right.
And then, there’s the sellers. The Giants, Angels, and Mets were among the clubs to get back notable prospects for soon-to-be free agents. Kansas City, meanwhile, sold off pending free agent Kris Bubic to the Dodgers.
The Middle
- Cardinals (-5)
- Twins (-5)
- Orioles (+5)
- Tigers (+1)
- Marlins (-11)
- Mariners (-3)
- Guardians (-6)
- Padres (+8)
- Rangers (-3)
- Diamondbacks (+9)
My, how things can change for teams over the course of a few weeks.
The Marlins’ playoff hopes took a steep dip after a 12-game losing streak in late July. And just this past week, Miami went through the rollercoaster once more, as the Marlins took three of four from the Mets, and then were swept by the Atlanta Braves.
It’s opened the door for the Diamondbacks & Padres, both clubs that played roughly .500 ball over the first half, to make a run towards a playoff berth. Arizona, at 61-55, currently holds the last NL Wild Card spot heading into a series with the Dodgers. San Diego, one game back, received excellent offensive production after the All-Star Game break from Ty France & Jackson Merrill.
Since the start of July, France hit .323 with six home runs, while Merrill batted .315 with eight home runs.
Moving to the American League, it’s complicated mathematics.
The Rangers, at 57-58, held the final AL Wild Card spot as of August 7. It has not been a clean season for many of the AL teams in this tier, including the Guardians. Cleveland lost a golden opportunity this week after being swept by the Mets, shortly after the club brought in power-hitting outfielder Jo Adell & All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin.
For the Guardians, having Jose Ramirez, who’s been banged up, right would be invaluable. But over his last 12 games, Ramirez slashed .205/.300/.205 with no extra-base hits.
The Twins added some relief help at the deadline, bringing in Tommy Nance, A.J. Minter, & Jeff Hoffman in separate trades. But now, Joe Ryan is on the injured list with a glute strain. Minnesota’s rotation has been good overall, despite not having co-ace Pablo Lopez for all of this season.
And even without Tarik Skubal, the Tigers are still very much in the race. One game behind the Rangers for the Wild Card spot and with a healthier rotation, perhaps the Tigers may be able to pull off exactly what they wanted to: sell off pending free agents & vie for a playoff spot.
The Top
- Astros (+3)
- White Sox (+1)
- Yankees (+3)
- Phillies
- Cubs
- Rays (-1)
- Red Sox (+12)
- Braves
- Brewers
- Dodgers
Not much has changed in this section, as many of the contenders have held the status quo.
With Tarik Skubal, the Dodgers are still very much the front-runners despite sweeps at the hands of the Red Sox & the Cubs, two clubs playing fantastic baseball. The Braves & Brewers, the only two teams with 70+ wins as of August 7, round out the top three.
Boston continued its unbelievable run in August, as the Red Sox have yet to lose a game through the first week of August. Just two months ago, on June 7, Boston was 27-36 and last in the AL East. Now, a 63-51 record (36-15 run) and right on the heels of the New York Yankees for the first Wild Card spot.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have maintained the status quo without Aaron Judge & Cody Bellinger. Yes, it has been a grind to score runs. However, the Yanks’ pitching staff was stellar with a 3.03 team ERA in July, second-best in that month behind only the Red Sox. Pitching wins games, folks.
Aside from those clubs, the Rays have a 4.5-game lead on the Yankees, one that is not as safe as one would think. Still, Tampa Bay has an elite rotation, and could have an even better one if Freddy Peralta can figure it out before October.
Lastly, the Astros, like the Red Sox, went from potential sellers to a club in playoff position in two months. Daulton Varsho was acquired to join an offense that’s seen fine production from Jeremy Pena, and an MVP-like year from Yordan Alvarez.
Movement from July is shown in parentheses. No parentheses indicate no movement.
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