MLB Power Rankings Week 24: Playoff Races Heat Up in Mid-September
As we approach the latter half of September, the 2025 MLB season is reaching its climax. While no team has yet clinched a playoff berth or division title, several contenders are virtually assured of postseason action. Exciting races are developing, and key players are emerging as potential difference-makers for their respective teams. These power rankings analyze each team's standing and highlight their priorities for the final stretch.
Key Takeaways and Playoff Implications
Several teams are making late-season pushes. The Giants have closed in on a wild-card spot, while the Rangers are also surging. In the AL East, the Yankees and Red Sox are chasing the Blue Jays, and the AL West sees the Mariners close behind the Astros. The NL West continues to be a battle between the Dodgers and Padres.
Top Tier: Brewers, Phillies, Blue Jays
The Milwaukee Brewers maintain the top spot despite a series loss to the Rangers. Their pitching depth is a major strength. Freddy Peralta leads a talented rotation. Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies has reached 50 home runs, boosting his free-agent stock. The Toronto Blue Jays aim to win the AL East and secure a top seed. George Springer is having an outstanding offensive season.
Contenders and Their September Priorities
The Detroit Tigers seek a No. 2 starter behind Tarik Skubal for the playoffs. Casey Mize has shown promise. The New York Yankees need more consistency from their bullpen. Aaron Judge's health and performance are critical. The Chicago Cubs focus on getting Kyle Tucker and Daniel Palencia healthy for October. The Los Angeles Dodgers need to solve their bullpen issues and rely on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Boston Red Sox are staying healthy, especially Trevor Story. The Houston Astros require a reliable bridge to closer Bryan Abreu, hopefully replacing injured Josh Hader.
Teams on the Bubble and Their Goals
The San Diego Padres aim to chase down the Dodgers for the NL West title. The New York Mets must fix Ryan Helsley to secure a playoff spot. The Seattle Mariners can't let the opportunity to make a postseason run slip by. The Texas Rangers try to beat the odds, despite injuries to key players. The Kansas City Royals want to see what they have in Carter Jensen at catcher.
Teams Looking to the Future
The Cincinnati Reds must just keep playing. The Cleveland Guardians must get into the postseason, that's it. The San Francisco Giants need to determine what they have in Carter Jensen. The Tampa Bay Rays are focusing on what Griffin Jax can do. The Arizona Diamondbacks need to find clarity on the 2026 rotation. The St. Louis Cardinals hope Jordan Walker finishes positively. The Atlanta Braves hope to get everyone excited for 2026. The Baltimore Orioles also seek to get everyone excited for 2026. The Miami Marlins want to see Kyle Stowers stay cooking. The Los Angeles Angels hope Jo Adell ends on a high note. The Oakland Athletics are enjoying Nick Kurtz's breakout. The Minnesota Twins are hoping Byron Buxton gets to 30-30. The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking at where Bubba Chandler should go. The Chicago White Sox are appreciating the rookies.
Bottom Dwellers and Their Priorities
The Washington Nationals must beat the other bad teams, at least. The Colorado Rockies aim to help Chase Dollander manage the elements at Coors Field.
MVP Standouts
The rankings also highlighted each team's most valuable player: Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Colson Montgomery (White Sox), James Wood (Nationals), Kyle Stowers (Marlins), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Byron Buxton (Twins), Zach Neto (Angels), Nick Kurtz (Athletics), Matt Olson (Braves), Trevor Rogers (Orioles), Junior Caminero (Rays), Willson Contreras (Cardinals), Geraldo Perdomo (Diamondbacks), Jose Ramirez (Guardians), Maikel Garcia (Royals), Hunter Greene (Reds), Logan Webb (Giants), Jacob deGrom (Rangers), Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Juan Soto (Mets), Garrett Crochet (Red Sox), Hunter Brown (Astros), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Tarik Skubal (Tigers), Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Aaron Judge (Yankees), George Springer (Blue Jays), and Trea Turner (Phillies).
