MLB Playoff Teams Ranked

Assessing Contenders' Strengths and Weaknesses

With the regular season winding down, the MLB playoff picture is starting to take shape. Here's a ranking of the top teams in each league, based on their overall performance, recent form, and key matchups remaining.

American League

1. **Houston Astros:** The Astros have been the most consistent team in the AL all season, leading the league in runs scored and ERA. They have a deep lineup led by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, and a strong rotation anchored by Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez. 2. **New York Yankees:** The Yankees have been surging lately, winning 13 of their last 17 games. They have a powerful offense led by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, and a solid bullpen led by Clay Holmes and Michael King. 3. **Toronto Blue Jays:** The Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star break, going 25-11. They have a balanced offense with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Teoscar Hernandez, and a strong rotation led by Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman. 4. **Tampa Bay Rays:** The Rays are always a contender, thanks to their deep pitching staff and ability to win close games. They have a strong bullpen led by JT Chargois and Pete Fairbanks, and a solid rotation led by Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen. 5. **Cleveland Guardians:** The Guardians have been a surprise this season, leading the AL Central for most of the year. They have a young and talented pitching staff led by Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill, and a solid offense led by Jose Ramirez and Amed Rosario.

National League

1. **Los Angeles Dodgers:** The Dodgers are the defending World Series champions and have been the best team in the NL all season. They have a deep lineup led by Mookie Betts andFreddie Freeman, and a strong rotation led by Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin. 2. **Atlanta Braves:** The Braves are the defending NL East champions and have been playing well lately, winning 10 of their last 12 games. They have a balanced offense led by Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson, and a solid rotation led by Max Fried and Spencer Strider. 3. **New York Mets:** The Mets have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season, leading the NL East for most of the year. They have a strong offense led by Pete Alonso and Starling Marte, and a solid rotation led by Jacob deGrom and Chris Bassitt. 4. **St. Louis Cardinals:** The Cardinals have been a consistent contender in recent years, and they are once again in the mix this season. They have a strong offense led by Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, and a solid rotation led by Miles Mikolas and Jordan Montgomery. 5. **San Diego Padres:** The Padres have been a bit of a disappointment this season, but they still have a lot of talent. They have a strong offense led by Manny Machado and Juan Soto, and a solid rotation led by Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell.