The 2022 regular season is over in seven days. All eyes now turn to the playoffs.
After their last game, the 18 clubs are now looking to the offseason. However, six wild-card contenders are still in battle for the final five spots. Meanwhile, the top seven majors teams have already secured a playoff berth.
Postseason positioning is still to be determined for the teams that have clinched. But, the question remains: Where is your favorite team heading into October?
Our experts have combined their knowledge to rank each team in baseball. This is a combination from what we saw this year and what was known going into the 162-game marathon that makes up a full season of baseball. We also asked ESPN MLB experts David Schoenfield (Bradford Doolittle), Jesse Rogers and Alden Gonzalez to give their opinions on the teams.
Week 24 | Second-half preview | Preseason rankings
Record: 107-48
Previous ranking: 1
As the first team to win at minimum 106 games in three consecutive full season, the Dodgers are on one of the greatest runs in baseball history. In 2019, the Dodgers won 106 games, 106 in 2021, and a franchise record 107 in 2022. They won the championship in 2020 with a record 116 wins during the regular season. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic cut their schedule to 60 games.
In the past four years, they have won at least 29 regular-season matches more than any other team. They now need to prove their run by winning a traditional championship. To do this, they must organize their pitching team. There are still many unknowns as October approaches. — Gonzalez
Record: 102-54
Previous ranking: 2
Barring a severe, late-season slump, Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez He will join a highly regarded club. He will likely become the fourth Houston hitter to achieve a.300 average, a.400 on-base percentage, and a.600 slugging percent in one season. Lance Berkman (2001, 2006), and Jeff Bagwell (1994, 2000) each did it twice. Moises Alou achieved the feat in 2000.
Alvarez is perhaps as close as a strength-free hitter in baseball because of his incredible consistency. Take a look at Alvarez’s splits, from Tuesday through four seasons. Alvarez excels at almost everything, as long as he has a bat. — Doolittle
Record: 98-58
Previous ranking: 3
Yes, the line you saw was indeed from Jacob deGrom The correct score against the A’s on Saturday was 4 IP 6 H, 5R, 5 R. 4 BB, and 1 HR. This was his worst Game Score in the last five innings since May 17, 2019, when he allowed seven runs to the Marlins. Although it does happen to the best of them all, deGrom has allowed 11 runs in his three previous starts. His other two games were against Cubs and Pirates. He did however fan 23 batters during those two starts. His next start is in Saturday’s big series against the Braves. The time has come for the ace. Schoenfield
Record: 97-59
Previous ranking: 4
Spencer StriderWhile the Braves don’t rule out Strider from the postseason, his oblique injuries are a major blow. Finishing 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131⅔ innings, Strider becomes the first Braves rookie in the modern era to record 200 strikeouts. The Braves still have Max Fried, Kyle Wright And Charlie Morton The playoff rotation will be dominated by rookies, Bryce Elder Strider may be the No. 4 starter if Strider can’t go. He just tossed a six hit shutout against the Nationals. His outstanding start prior to that one was also against Nationals. His two prior starts were against Marlins. He has not been thoroughly tested. Schoenfield
Record: 96-59
Previous ranking: 5
After their August struggles, the Yankees made a comeback. Despite that, Aaron Judge He has hit homer after homer on the hunt for Roger Maris’ franchise record, and is currently just one short of 60. A strong performance has been seen by the team as well. Gleyber TorresThis month, he has reduced.333/.404/.598 at home plate. New York continues to work on its bullpen situation in preparation for the postseason. Aroldis ChapmanThe season-long struggle of ‘Season-long’ and the return Zack Britton The injured list. — Lee
Record: 90-66
Previous ranking: 6
St. Louis locked up another division title, who dominated NL Central during the second half. Albert Pujols Last Friday was his 699th and 700th home runs, respectively. This continues a trend of hitting big hits when the Cardinals are most in need. Pujols is a leader in home runs and has an OPS over 1.100. That’s a lot of potential NL MVP Paul GoldschmidtIt’s amazing to see the future Hall of Famer, who is hitting.196 in these situations. — Rogers
Record: 87-69
Previous ranking: 7
With shortstop, the Blue Jays are continuing their strong September month. Bo Bichette Finding his swing and looking like the offensive spark the Toronto lineup is searching for, he has finally found it. Pitching is one of the biggest questions facing the team in the postseason. Alek Manoah With seven consecutive quality starts, he looks like one the most talented starters in the major leagues. Along with Kevin GausmanThe team’s October pitching attack will be led by, — Lee
Record: 87-68
Previous ranking: 11
You may recall from last season that we lamented in the power rankings commentary how no one in AL Central was able to control a division that was so winnable. The Guardians put an end to that lament in September. The Mariners defeated Cleveland on Sept. 4. This dropped it to a tie for first with Minnesota. A week later, the Guardians were up by 2½ games. On Sept. 18, the lead was still just 3½ games. The lead was now 10 games by Sept. 25. Talk about hot at just the right moment. While the final margin is unknown, the Guardians/Indians were victorious during the wild card era. It is really won. This is the 11th consecutive first-place Cleveland team, since 1995. Six games have separated a win from a loss in a division, both in 2001 and 1997. The average margin of victory has been 13.3 Games. — Doolittle
Record: 85-70
Previous ranking: 8
The Rays went 2-5 last week against the Astros, Blue Jays and scored just four runs in five defeats while also dealing with the loss to third baseman. Yandy DiazThe team has been dealing with shoulder pains for some time. The team received a huge boost after the return of Tyler GlasnowAfter Tommy John surgery, he missed nearly 14 months. Glasnow, who was among the best pitchers on the team in 2021, suffered the injury just before he retired. This could be a huge boon for a team that has been fighting injuries all year. Brandon Lowe And Shane Baz The season is also available now. — Lee
Record: 86-69
Previous ranking: 12
The Padres hope to capture one of the two wild card spots remaining in the NL. They have won eight out of their last 11 games. The Padres’ starting pitchers have a major league-best 1.79 ERA in that stretch. This stretch dates back to September 16. Juan Soto finally looks like himself, slashing.341/.471/.585. The Padres are happy to continue this winning formula into October and the rest of their schedule supports that effort. From now on, the Padres will only play at home; their last two regular-season series against the White Sox or Giants, which are two teams with little to no chance of winning, will be played at home. — Gonzalez
Record: 83-71
Previous ranking: 10
The Phillies continue to lose nine of their last twelve games. They did however manage to win a four-game series against Braves. To put some distance between themselves and the Brewers, they could try to sweep the Nationals (four-game series), and help secure the last wild-card spot. Fun stat for the season: J.T. Realmuto It’s 18-for-18 stealing bases. But that’s not even an option. Team Record for the most steals made without being caught. Chase Utley, who went 23-for-23 in 2009 with Philadelphia, holds the MLB record. Schoenfield
Record: 84-70
Previous ranking: 9
The Mariners are limping back in their attempt to end the longest drought in major league playoffs. They went 3-7 on a terrible road trip to Anaheim and Oakland, then were defeated by the Rangers in game one of a season-ending homestand that will also include visits from Detroit and Oakland.
The road trip ended in a 13-12 loss to Royals. After a 11-2 lead, the Mariners lost it when the Royals scored 11 runs during the sixth inning. It was called the worst loss by a franchise, right up there alongside the famous 15-14 loss against Cleveland in 2001. The Mariners had blown a 14-2 advantage in the sixth inning, the biggest lead ever recorded in MLB and cost them the single-season record of wins (which it shares with the 1906 Cubs at 116). Schoenfield
Record: 83-72
Previous ranking: 13
Milwaukee has not given up despite all odds to them making it to the postseason. The Brewers might face the biggest challenge in not having the tiebreaker against San Diego or Philadelphia. While they won the series against Cincinnati, it was a positive step for their chances. However, their best chance of success might be in the final days. Milwaukee will play its final two series at home against both the Marlins (who are below) and Diamondbacks (who are above). 500. This season, the Brewers have won 11 games against such teams. They would be able to win both of these games if they were to advance in the playoffs. — Rogers
Record: 80-75
Previous ranking: 14
The Orioles split a four-game series with the Astros, securing a win in each game. Strong starts were evident. Dean Kremer The pitcher pitched a complete four-hit game with six strikeouts. Kyle Bradish — who went 8⅔ innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 10. Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman With 5.1 in 106 games, ranks among the top 25 baseball players in bWAR, despite not having played a full season. Camden Yards is seeing brighter days by day. — Lee
Record: 77-78
Previous ranking: 17
The Giants are now on the verge of elimination. This is despite them having survived the offseason hoping to contend again. The question is: Why?
While it is possible to point out the unlikely feat of 2021 winning 107 games, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the team has achieved a regression to the average. Buster Posey, former catcher, was absent for an extraordinary reason. There were also significant steps back. Brandon Belt And Brandon CrawfordBoth were in their 30s. A bullpen that was a strength last year, underperformance. This team was also plagued by injuries that limited their ability to match up in the field and the outfield. This offseason is filled with uncertainty about the franchise’s future. — Gonzalez
Record: 76-79
Previous ranking: 15
Let’s just say it seems unlikely that Tony La Russa is the White Sox manager next year. He turns 78 next week, and the team was far below his expectations. Also, he couldn’t finish this season due to health issues. La Russa is currently under contract for 2023. He’s also close with the owner of the club, so it’s hard to say when he will be back. Let’s all agree that it seems unlikely that La Russa will return.
La Russa’s Hall of Fame managerial career will end with 2,897 career wins. This is second behind Connie Mack. La Russa’s 691 wins with the Pale Hose for White Sox will be third among White Sox managers behind Jimmy Dykes (899) and Al Lopez (839). La Russa’s retirement saw him surpass John McGraw and Ozzie Guillen on the all time wins list. — Doolittle
Record: 74-81
Previous ranking: 18
The Red Sox are wrapping up their season and are preparing for a huge offseason with the new contracts. Xander Bogaerts And Rafael Devers Most likely to be the center of attention Nathan Eovaldi, J.D. Martinez, Michael Wacha, Tommy Pham And Rich Hill All are headed toward free agency. Boston’s front office must respond to a dissatisfied fan base, which expected another playoff run after last year’s ALCS appearance. — Lee
Record: 76-79
Previous ranking: 16
The Twins’ most pressing offseason question is already answered. Yes, Minnesota will update its logos and uniforms this winter. Let’s start packing for spring training already! Ok, so the real question is: The real No. 1 question is about the status of shortstop Carlos CorreaCorrea can opt out and be released from his contract to go back on the free-agent marketplace. Correa’s decision will decide the offseason plans for the Twins.
But, the No. The No. Byron BuxtonYou can’t count on him for more than half of a season. Buxton has completed a knee operation last week and now has 92 games… and 28 homers. Buxton has homered in 50 of the 162 games he’s played over the past two seasons. However, he has only played in 76 of his 162 games. It’s a problem. — Doolittle
Record: 72-84
Previous ranking: 19
Madison Bumgarner The 2022 season was over on a positive note for him, as he tossed six scoreless innings against the Dodgers. Two weeks into the regular season, Bumgarner was shut down by the D-backs to allow their young pitchers to have a chance to finish the game. Bumgarner, 33, finished with a 4.88 ERA and a 16% strikeout rate — second-lowest of his career — in 158⅔ innings. The D-backs have been incredibly grateful to this year’s players. Zac Gallen And Merrill KellyThey need to deal with Bumgarner who owes $37 million over two years. — Gonzalez
Record: 69-86
Previous ranking: 21
Shohei Ohtani Judge may finish second for the AL MVP. However, it’s worth noting Ohtani’s 2022 season was better than his 2021 season — when Ohtani won an MVP unanimously and did many things that no man had done before. Ohtani’s 8.8 FanGraphs WAR has already outpaced last year’s total. There are seven more games in the Angels’ season. His.887 OPS ranks eighth in major leagues. Austin RileyFried is slightly higher than Fried with his 2.47 ERA.
It is still unknown if the Angels will retain him beyond this season. Even with one season left before free agency, he will be the most desired player on the market. — Gonzalez
Record: 66-88
Previous ranking: 20
Texas, like most other teams playing the Guardians these day, suffered a weekend collapse which may have helped them to finish fourth in the AL West. Cleveland scored 20 runs in the three game sweep. This further emphasizes the Rangers’ need to have a good pitcher in 2023. Texas starters rank 25th for ERA. This is with lefty. Martin Perez A career year. Glenn Otto And Jon Gray While they have had their moments, this has been a poor season for Texas. That will most likely be the team’s offseason focus. — Rogers
Record: 69-86
Previous ranking: 23
In the second half of the Cubs’ season, pitching will still be the main focus. But they’ll look for power in the offseason to complement their young team. They might find the power they need in the minors, as the Cubs boast two of the best home run-hitting prospects in the league. Lefty is the first baseman Matt Mervis He has scored 36 home runs in three minor-league levels, while Alex Canario (a more well-known player) has 35 at three different levels. Mervis will be able to play first base in 2023. Former Cub fans believe he will become the heir apparent. Anthony Rizzo. — Rogers
Record: 64-91
Previous ranking: 24
The Marlins announced that Don Mattingly, their long-time manager, will be leaving the team after the season. In 2016, Terry Francona was hired in Cleveland, Scott Servais is in Seattle, and Brian Snitker is in Atlanta. The Marlins’ season ended with a record 79-82. This would be Mattingly’s best season. The organization’s inability develop young hitters was what ultimately cost him his job. After a reliefr, he saw his last moment of glory Tuesday and was eventually ejected. Richard Bleier For three balks in a single plate appearance, was called. Schoenfield
Record: 65-90
Previous ranking: 22
The Rockies will be out of the playoffs, and they’ll finish the year with a losing record. But, if you think that they’re going on a lengthy rebuild, think again. Bud Black, Rockies manager, said that the Rockies will attempt to increase their roster in order to compete for the NL West. Despite the fact that the Dodgers are a juggernaut and the Padres are legitimate competitors, the Giants have more resources, and the Diamondbacks appear better-equipped moving forward.
According to Nick Groke, The Athletic’s Black stated that “we’ll try and do things for sure.” “There is a desire by our front office, and from our owner to acquire some of our players, whatever it may be, in order to get some parts in here.” — Gonzalez
Record: 63-92
Previous ranking: 25
J.J. Picollo, who was promoted last week as the head of Royals’ Baseball Operations Department, said that the team is in “the very infantile stage” of considering a extension with the highly prized rookie shortstop. Bobby Witt Jr. Witt seems like he will be a regular in the Royals’ infield for many years to come. Therefore, an early extension would make sense, especially considering that such arrangements are becoming more common among baseball’s younger players. Witt still has plenty of room to grow as a major leaguer.
According to his Statcast profile, Witt ranks in the 9th per centile in walk rate, 16th per centile in chase rates and 2nd percentile in defensive extras above average. The raw tools, however, are just as obvious: Witt ranks in the 92nd percentile for average exit velocity and in the 100th percentile for speed score. — Doolittle
Record: 60-96
Previous ranking: 26
Once again, rookie starter Nick Lodolo In a 2-1 win against Milwaukee, he gave up just one run and six hits last Sunday. This outing was a continuation of his great first season. He’s allowed just three runs in every September start. Lodolo has given up just 20 hits in 31⅓ innings this month while compiling a 2.59 ERA. His 1.24 WHIP for the season ranks third among qualified rookie pitchers in the NL. Lodolo may be the Reds’ solid starter for 2023. — Rogers
Record: 62-92
Previous ranking: 27
After possibly hinting at his 2023 status being uncertain, Miguel Cabrera Quickly, he backedtracked and assured reporters that he would be returning. Cabrera was limited to four homers in 2022. However, if he is able to return and experience a Pujols-like revival, he may move up into the top 20 in homers. Cabrera could climb as high as No. 1 with 100 more hits (he had 95 last season). 16th on the hit list, surpassing Cal Ripken Jr.
Cabrera’s four-homer season may have taken one of the Tigers’ most important milestones out of the equation. He is the Tigers’ all time home run king. Cabrera’s 368 home runs have come since he moved from the Florida Marlins. Cabrera will need 32 more to surpass the Detroit franchise record of 399 set by Al Kaline (Hall of Famer). The second slot is more realistic. Norm Cash, a longtime first baseman, hit 373 homers in his career for the Tigers. — Doolittle
Record: 59-97
Previous ranking: 28
The Pirates have returned to the mean after their early season promise to avoid a final place finish. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds He continues to put up solid performances. Last week, he had an OPS of 1.100. This included two home runs. Reynolds has 26 home runs and an OPS of.800 for the season. It has been a strong campaign. Now, the question is: How long will Reynolds be a Pirate? Reynolds has two more years to go before he is eligible for free agency. However, trade talk will heat up as Reynolds looks for a switch-hitting outfield defender. — Rogers
Record: 56-99
Previous ranking: 29
Although Oakland won two of the three games against Seattle last Wednesday, the team is still on the way to its first 100-loss season in 1979. Outfielder Conner Capel This has been a positive spot since it was claimed off waivers from Cardinals a few week ago. While the Athletics continue to explore other options, the clock is ticking on the city of Oakland to make a deal with the Athletics for a new baseball park. — Lee
Record: 54-101
Previous ranking: 30
The Nationals lost their three first games in 2022. From there, the season went downhill. They were at 0-1, 2-3, 3-4, and 6-7. But an eight-game losing streak in April sealed their fate. This will probably be the worst season in franchise history. It was also the first time since 1969 when the expansion Expos lost 110 of their games. Which team MVP is it? Soto and Josh BellThe deadline expires on the day that a trade of 1-2 will result in WAR. Ouch. Schoenfield