The offseason is over, and Spring Training is underway in Major League Baseball, so it is time to rank the Top 10 teams! Surely these won’t be controversial at all.
Teams Considered for the Top 10 but just missed: Astros, Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Guardians, Mariners, Cubs
10. Boston Red Sox
Boston had a very nice offseason by signing Alex Bregman, Walker Buehler, and Aroldis Chapman. The most notable move, however, was swinging a trade for Garrett Crochet, who instantly became the ace of the Red Sox. The offense could also be very dangerous in 2025, with the newcomer Bregman joining Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Tristan Casas. This team has what it takes to compete with the Orioles and Yankees for the American League East title.
9. San Diego Padres
The Padres gave the Dodgers their biggest challenge in last year’s postseason, coming one game away from eliminating them in the NLDS. They did not sign any big-name free agents but brought in some depth/platoon players. This includes Jose Iglesias, Jason Heyward, Connor Joe, and Nick Pivetta. There have been some trade rumors floating around Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, and Michael King, but nothing has happened yet. The Padres are a very good team with plenty of stars, but they could take a slight step back in 2025.
8. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers lost a lot of talent this offseason, but fans should be used to that by now. Last February, Corbin Burnes was traded to Baltimore, and all the “experts” thought the young Brewers team would struggle. They went on to win the NL Central for the 2nd straight season. This offseason, Willy Adames left for San Francisco, and Devin Williams was traded to the Bronx. The loss of Willy Adames will hurt, but full healthy seasons for Christian Yelich and Garrett Mitchell will help replace that production. Losing Williams won’t hurt as much as some people think. Trevor Megill will slide into the closer role, and there is an abundance of quality arms in the pen. Signing Jose Quintana will help fill out the rotation until Brandon Woodruff returns from a shoulder injury. The media expectations seem to be low for Milwaukee again, but they will likely prove them wrong.
7. Texas Rangers
I am pretty high on the Rangers heading into the 2025 season. The champs in ‘23 missed the postseason altogether last season due to injuries and underperformance from several star players. Their ability to stay healthy and bounce back statistically will be huge for their chances at a division title. Texas had a very underrated offseason as well. They signed Joc Pederson and traded for Jake Burger, who will both bring good power to the lineup. Bringing back SP Nathan Eovaldi was another good move, especially if Jacob DeGrom cannot remain healthy.
6. New York Mets
The biggest signing of the offseason went down on December 8th, when the Mets stole Juan Soto from the cross-town rival Yankees. Bringing in Frankie Montas (who will miss time with a high-grade lat strain), Clay Holmes, and AJ Minter are solid additions to the pitching staff and bullpen. They also brought back 1B Pete Alonso, SP Sean Manaea (who will also miss Opening Day with an oblique strain), and OF/DH Jesse Winker. Starting catcher Francisco Alvarez is another player who has suffered an injury, as he will miss 6-8 weeks with a fracture in his left hand. After going on an incredible run to the NLCS in 2024, the Mets will look to make it to the World Series for the first time since 2015.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona won 89 games last season but missed the playoffs in a loaded National League. They had a very productive offseason, signing the best pitcher available (Corbin Burnes) and replacing Christian Walker (who left for Houston) at first base by trading for Josh Naylor from Cleveland. This team can be very dangerous heading into 2025, and they will look to get back to the World Series like they did in 2023.
4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves had a tough year last season on the injury front, losing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider early on, two of their best players. Second baseman Ozzie Albies also missed 60+ games. Their return to action, along with bounce-back seasons from Matt Olson and Austin Riley (who also missed 50+ games), will provide a huge boost for Atlanta. The injury bug has already hit them though, with catcher Sean Murphy heading to the IL with a cracked rib. Losing Max Fried hurts, but they still have a very good top 3 in the rotation even without Strider. Signing Jurickson Profar was a nice addition to the outfield as well. This team will still compete for the NL East crown.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are looking to run it back with mostly the same squad as last season. Making an in-division trade for Jesus Luzardo was a nice addition, but they were quiet this offseason outside of a few reliever additions and outfielder Max Kepler. This is a great team, but they have gone backwards in the postseason the last three seasons (‘22 lost in WS, ‘23 lost in NLCS, ‘24 lost in NLDS). Bryce Harper and company will try to finally get over the hump in 2025.
2. New York Yankees
When you lose a generational talent like Juan Soto, you rarely see a team this high in the rankings. However, the Bronx Bombers were smart with their money this offseason, spreading it out among multiple good players. Signing Max Fried was a great addition to their rotation, and swinging trades for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger will help out their roster. Paul Goldschmidt might not be the same hitter he used to be, but he was very good down the stretch in St. Louis last season. This spring, injuries to Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Luis Gil could greatly affect them throughout the season. However, with no clear favorite in the AL, the Yankees could be on their way to another World Series appearance.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The reigning champions got even better this offseason. Signing one of the best starters available (Blake Snell), the best reliever (Tanner Scott), the top international player (Roki Sasaki), and good depth pieces (OF Michael Conforto, RP Kirby Yates, IF Hyeseong Kim), headlined one of the busiest offseasons in the league. That doesn’t even include the re-signings of Teoscar Hernandez, Blake Treinen, Clayton Kershaw, and Kike Hernandez. Oh yeah, they also extended 2024 NLCS MVP Tommy Edman for the long term. For a team that already has Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, it is an embarrassment of riches.
Austin Huber is a writer and blog manager for the CUW Beacon. He is a sophomore majoring in Sport and Entertainment Business and minoring in Sports Media.