Ad News Live
April 07, 2025
MLB Power Rankings: Even though the MLB season is just starting there has already been a shakeup in the power rankings.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were widely expected to win before Opening Day; some even declared them the greatest team ever.
They were the clear favorites because of their championship pedigree, deep pitching staff, and star-studded roster. Baseball is still unpredictable, yet.
The Philadelphia Phillies, not the Dodgers, are in the number one spot as the season's first full week draws to a close.
Dodgers' Hot Start Hits a Roadblock
With a loud 8-0 record, the Dodgers came out fire. It looked like a statement when they swept the Atlanta Braves in the early season.
In baseball, but momentum can change quickly. The Phillies, who had a great start themselves, delivered Los Angeles a wake-up call by losing two of their three games in their series.
The Dodgers continue to lead the league in wins with an outstanding 9-2 record. They aren't even in charge of their own division, however.
The San Francisco Giants, who are 8-1, deserve that honor. The Phillies now have the greatest winning percentage in the National League at 7-2.
Head-to-Head Wins Matter—But Not Always
The Phillies' series victory over the Dodgers isn't just a chance event; it's a testament to their balance and commitment.
Head-to-head wins cannot be the only factor in power rankings. A single series doesn't define a season, but every outcome matters given the small sample size of early April.
A significant factor of the series? Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia's ace, didn't even need to start.
But they won two of the three games after that. Although playing at home was helpful, the Phillies' total record says it all. The Dodgers just lost a series, but they haven't yet.
Strength of Schedule: A Fair Debate
The Phillies had an easier schedule before the Dodgers series, according to skeptics.
The Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, their former rivals, aren't exactly candidates for the World Series.
At first, the Dodgers' sweep of the Braves looked to be an important achievement. But now that Atlanta is off to a 1-8 start, that win doesn't seem as impressive.
There is no obvious advantage even in the run differential comparison, an important factor to judge overall dominance.
READ ALSO
Marco Wilson Re-Signs with Bengals: CB Gets $1.52M Deal
The Phillies are at +16 and the Dodgers are at +22. The difference is hardly noticeable because the Dodgers have two more games to play.
The Verdict: Phillies Earn the No. 1 Spot
On-field results and team strength are still combined for the early-season rankings.
Without a doubt, the Dodgers are an incredible team and are still a good pick to end up with the best record in baseball.
The Phillies, who were ranked No. 2 in the preseason, haven't done anything to earn a lower ranking, however. Actually, they have taken the exact opposite action.
The Phillies have earned their spot at the top of the MLB power rankings with a series win over the strong Dodgers and an undefeated series record so far. They are the team to beat for the time period.
Follow Us
AD News Live
