Baseball is back — and there’s a special energy that only Opening Day can bring. The last-minute call-ups, the spring training stories becoming reality, and the quiet optimism that each team still has (even those still rebuilding). Sure, the Dodgers’ championship roster didn’t just hold together this offseason — it got even stronger, adding depth and star power to a team already built for back‑to‑back titles. 

But beyond the obvious heavyweights, there are plenty of narratives worth following: the Yankees trying to regroup after a messy offseason, the Mets banking on Juan Soto to change their fortunes, and the Diamondbacks quietly assembling a roster that could surprise.

Whether you’re rooting for a powerhouse or cheering on a long shot, here’s where your team stands as we gear up for Opening Day.

World Series Watch

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Saying the Dodgers are the team to beat in 2025 feels like understating the obvious — they’re the Big Bad Bully of baseball, and they’ve got the resume to back it up. Last season’s World Series title wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement. 

Add Shohei Ohtani pitching AND hitting at potential MVP levels, and suddenly you have a human cheat code. Their offseason spending spree patched the one hole left — rotation depth — by bringing in proven arms to shoulder October workloads. 

Rookie Roki Sasaki isn’t your typical prospect; he’s arguably the most electric arm to debut in years. Early returns from Tokyo (2–0) are just a teaser. At +290 odds to win the World Series, betting against LA feels downright foolish.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Philly’s been knocking on the door of October success for three straight seasons, only to fall short each time. This year, there’s a sense of urgency — their roster is experienced, maybe a touch too experienced, and feels like it’s peaking. 

Offseason pickups Jesús Luzardo and Jordan Romano bolster a rotation and bullpen that were inconsistent down the stretch. The lineup? Menacing doesn’t begin to cover it. With Max Kepler patrolling the outfield and Bryson Stott healthy after a nerve scare, the Phillies can swing through you in a heartbeat. They’re aging, yes — but sometimes that equals savvy in the postseason. 

If this isn’t their best shot at a ring, I don’t know what is.

3. Atlanta Braves

The Braves quietly did… nothing this winter, banking on the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider from injury. 

That’s right: doing less may be Atlanta’s secret weapon. The core that won 101 games in ’23 is intact, and their lineup still ranks among the game’s deepest. Strider’s blistering fastball-slider combo pairs nicely with a rotation that could break out now that health is (hopefully) on their side. 

They’re the rightful NL East favorites, and if Acuña’s calf holds up, cracking 100 wins is far from a pipe dream. In a division that’s taken a half-step back, the Braves’ ceiling might be the highest in the National League after LA.

4. New York Yankees

Losing Juan Soto to the Mets felt like a gut punch for Yankee fans, and Gerrit Cole’s Tommy John surgery compounded that sting. Still, Aaron Judge remains a force of nature — his chase-rate and barrel percentage are up at the top of the league — and Cody Bellinger’s could have a real resurgence in the Bronx. 

Giancarlo Stanton’s power hasn't gone anywhere, but the health of these veterans will determine if the Yanks can grind out another AL East title. Young bats like Jasson Domínguez and Oswaldo Cabrera must contribute sooner rather than later, and the rotation needs an anchor, now suddenly lacking its ace. Expect a rollercoaster season for New York, but they still have enough talent to make it out of the AL if they get hot late.

5. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona nearly snuck into October last year, and they’ve spent the offseason sharpening their teeth. Landing Corbin Burnes was the headline — swapping Christian Walker for Josh Naylor balances offense with elite pitching. And don’t overlook a lineup that scored the most runs in MLB in 2024 despite Corbin Carroll’s slow start. 

Now, Carroll looks primed to fulfill his top prospect billing alongside Ketel Marte in an offense that can overwhelm you in multiple ways. Their pitching depth isn’t a one-man show, either; Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen give this rotation legitimate top-of-the-league upside. They may play second fiddle to LA, but don’t sleep on the D-backs as legit spoilers.

On the Brink

6. New York Mets

If the offseason felt warm and fuzzy for Mets fans, it was because they finally landed Juan Soto. Add Francisco Lindor and a bullpen still flush with talent, and the lineup has a chance to be baseball’s most fearsome. 

Injuries are the main concern for this rotation — Kodai Senga’s health is still a question mark, and Frankie Montas remains sidelined — but depth arms like Tylor Megill bring some hope. 

With true star-power on offense and a rotation that should have no problem keeping them in games, this could finally be the year the Mets' spending pays off. This team’s biggest bet is health; if they stay on the field, Queens could shake the NL hierarchy.

7. Boston Red Sox

Boston had an incredibly aggressive offseason — Alex Bregman fills the lineup’s missing middle bat, Walker Buehler upgrades a rotation that struggled to pitch deep in games, and Garrett Crochet transforms the back end of the bullpen. 

Beyond the stars, promising youngsters like Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony have brought a really bright future to Title Town. If Buehler stays healthy and Crochet delivers high-leverage shutdown innings, the Red Sox could overtake a chaotic AL East. 

They’re a true wild card: one injury could derail them, but all cylinders firing makes them dangerous.

8. Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore quietly improved nearly every facet of its roster. Adding Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano bolsters a rotation that already has studs in Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Gibson. Offensively, Gunnar Henderson projects as a top-five MVP candidate, blending power, speed, and defensive wizardry at third base. 

Adley Rutschman’s plate discipline and leadership can’t be overstated, and supporting hitters like Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins add depth. Baltimore’s balanced roster construction and internal momentum make them one of the sneakiest threats in the AL playoff race.

9. San Diego Padres

The Padres lost Juan Soto and Josh Hader, and are still a loaded roster. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s game-changing talent pairs with Manny Machado’s consistency, while Jackson Merrill’s contact skills hint at a breakout season. 

A rotation headlined by Yu Darvish and Dylan Cease, plus breakout candidate Michael King, can rival any staff in the NL. The bullpen is less airtight without Hader, but they have starters who can take them deep into games. 

San Diego’s challenge: translating raw talent into consistent wins in a brutal NL West.

10. Texas Rangers

Texas is a study in high risk, high reward — all hinging on Jacob deGrom’s elbow. When healthy, deGrom’s strikeout-to-walk ratio and Whiff rate rank among baseball’s elite. Surround him with core bats like Corey Seager and Adolis García, and the Rangers suddenly look playoff-ready. 

Wyatt Langford’s potential 30-30 upside adds intrigue and positional versatility. The rotation outside deGrom needs innings-eaters, but the offense can mask imperfections. In a muddled AL, the Rangers’ ceiling might be the loftiest of any team ranked 5–10.

Mid-Tier Mix

11. Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland’s unexpected run to the AL Central title in 2024 caught everyone by surprise, but now they'll need to prove it wasn’t a fluke. The rotation is definitely still their strength, anchored by Shane Bieber’s rebound and Triston McKenzie’s high-ceiling stuff. 

The real question mark is offense: José Ramírez carries the load, but supporting bats need to step up big for the Guardians to hold onto their division crown. Watch for rookie Jon Michael Redding — his pop and plate discipline could make him a breakout spark plug.

12. Kansas City Royals

KC’s feel-good momentum rolls on, fueled by Bobby Witt Jr.’s MVP-caliber talent. His blend of power, speed, and defense gives the Royals an alpha player they’ve lacked for years. 

Offseason additions like Jonathan India fill holes, but Kansas City’s roster still leans young and inconsistent. If Witt Jr. continues his ascent and vets like Salvador Perez stay healthy, the Royals could overperform in a wide-open AL Central.

13. Minnesota Twins

The Twins are stuck in a holding pattern: when healthy, they boast one of the league’s deepest lineups, but injuries have been a chronic issue. Royce Lewis’ return from another setback is pivotal — if he stays on the field, his five-tool upside vaults Minnesota up these rankings. 

Harrison Bader adds elite defense and clutch hitting, but starting pitching outside of Pablo López remains shaky. The Twins’ season likely hinges on health and whether the back-end of their rotation can consistently deliver.

14. Seattle Mariners

Seattle’s rotation might be baseball’s best, headlined by Luis Castillo and topped off by George Kirby — when healthy. But offense remains Seattle’s kryptonite. Julio Rodríguez can only do so much to carry a lineup lacking depth; players like Josh Rojas and Teoscar Hernández need career years. 

If the M’s can find even average production around Rodríguez, their pitching alone gives them a puncher’s chance in a weak AL West.

15. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs enter 2025 in rebuild mode, but with talent finally bubbling to the surface. Matt Shaw looks like he could be a key part of the Cubs' future lineup, Nico Hoerner continues to impress with his versatility, and Javier Assad is quietly becoming an interesting option out of the bullpen. 

Chicago’s rotation lacks an established ace, but depth pieces like Kyle Hendricks provide stability. Expect the Cubs to flirt with contention in the NL Central if their youngsters mature quickly.

16. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee quietly outperformed expectations last year, winning the NL Central behind strong pitching and a deep lineup. Losing Devin Williams weakens the bullpen, but Jackson Chourio’s arrival promises offensive fireworks. 

Corbin Burnes leaving has brought some serious rotation questions, though Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff can shoulder innings. The Brewers’ season will hinge on bullpen consistency and whether their young hitters can fill offensive gaps.

17. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays always seem to find ways to stay competitive despite dealing with ongoing stadium drama and limited resources. This year, though, that uncertainty feels bigger than usual. On the pitching side, a lot rides on Shane McClanahan staying healthy — if he's good, their rotation can be nasty. 

At the plate, guys like Yandy Díaz and Christopher Morel can get hits, but they're missing that big power bat. If Tampa finds some unexpected contributors midseason and keeps their pitchers off the injured list, they'll be a tough matchup for anyone.

18. Houston Astros

Houston’s dynasty may have peaked, but respect for their rotation keeps them afloat here. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown lead a staff still capable of shutting down opponents, but the lineup and bullpen look decidedly average compared to the last few years. 

Veteran George Springer can still provide a spark on occasion, and young arms like Spencer Arrighetti could emerge. Expect Houston to tread water — winning enough to stay relevant but likely falling in the end.

19. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds boast some of baseball’s flashiest young talent in Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, but translating tools into wins isn't going to be easy with the supporting cast. 

The offense has depth, especially with Matt McLain’s return from injury, but they're far from consistent at the plate. 

Cincinnati’s pitching staff teeters on the brink: Greene’s electric stuff pairs with Brady Singer's steadiness, but depth is, again, questionable. The Reds’ season will hinge on whether De La Cruz can harness his potential and carry this team into the postseason.

20. St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis is in a weird middle ground: some decent talent, but their stars are all closer to the end than the beginning. Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt anchor a lineup that can produce runs, but outside their bats, the offensive upside dwindles. 

The rotation is also veteran-heavy — Miles Mikolas and Sonny Gray offer innings but don't scream "ace." Manager Oliver Marmol’s challenge is melding these pieces into a consistent contender in a division that’s anything but predictable.

Prospect Playground

21. Oakland Athletics

Oakland remains deep in rebuild mode but showed flashes of promise down the stretch in 2024. Their roster is light on MLB-ready impact talent, but prospects like Shea Langeliers and Mason Miller could emerge midseason. The biggest question is whether their young pitching can stay healthy and take leaps. 

22. San Francisco Giants

Life in the NL West is brutal, and San Francisco has really struggled to keep pace. New president of baseball operations Buster Posey has signaled a shift toward youth, but the rotation’s innings-shortage is a real issue. Offensively, Willy Adames adds pop, but the lineup lacks depth beyond LaMonte Wade Jr. The Giants could surprise if veteran arms stay healthy, but a return to contention feels a year away.

23. Detroit Tigers

Detroit’s young core finally looks ready to make noise. Riley Greene’s swing evolved into legitimate power in 2024, and Spencer Torkelson should rebound from his sophomore slump. Their pitching remains the X-factor: Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize have top-end stuff, but consistency eluded them last year.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates’ future rides on Paul Skenes, baseball’s most hyped pitching prospect. The offense centers on Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, but outside of that, they're still in rebuild territory. Expect incremental growth and entertaining flashes from young stars, but don’t pencil the Bucs into contention just yet.

25. Toronto Blue Jays

After a disappointing 2024 filled with injuries and inconsistency, Toronto enters 2025 with pressure to prove it can contend. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains the franchise cornerstone, and Bo Bichette must bounce back to his All-Star form. A revamped bullpen provides hope, but the lineup’s inability to string together quality at-bats kept them stagnant last year.

26. Washington Nationals

Washington’s rebuild enters its third full season. Young arms like MacKenzie Gore and Cade Cavalli headline a pitching staff that could surprise if they avoid injuries. The Nationals should be fun to watch, but aren’t ready to climb out of the cellar.

27. Los Angeles Angels

The post‑Ohtani era hasn't been very bright for the Angels, and it likely won't change this year. The team's projected to lose 80+ games again — something they've done in every full season since 2016. Pitching is a wasteland beyond Reid Detmers, who needs to prove his 2024 breakout wasn’t a fluke. Another long season awaits in Anaheim.

28. Colorado Rockies

Coors Field will continue to pad offensive stats, but the Rockies’ roster lacks MLB-caliber pitching. Prospect Chase Dollander inches closer to his debut, and Jordan Beck’s bat could add pop in the lineup. That won't change the low expectations and growing pains to come in a tough NL West.

29. Miami Marlins

Miami’s strategy of trading top talent has been well documented and has unfortunately struck again, leaving Sandy Alcantara as the lone star. His midseason return from injury will be the season’s biggest story. Young hitters like Agustin Ramirez could provide hope later in the season, but the Marlins’ window is firmly closed until a new wave of prospects emerges.

30. Chicago White Sox

Things aren't looking much better for the White Sox after a brutal 2024. The roster took a huge hit from injuries and trades, and there’s just not much MLB-ready talent left. Luis Robert Jr. might be their best chance to get some valuable pieces back in a trade — assuming he stays healthy. It's shaping up to be another long summer on the South Side.