MLB Power Rankings Week 24: Playoff Races Heat Up in Mid-September
With September approaching its halfway point, the 2025 MLB playoff picture is becoming clearer, although several races are tightening. While no team has clinched a postseason berth or division title, numerous contenders have high probabilities of making the playoffs. The Giants and Rangers are surging in the wild-card races, while division battles in the AL East, AL West, and NL West remain competitive.
Key Takeaways from Each Team's Ranking
This week's power rankings, compiled by an expert panel, consider both performance to date and preseason expectations. ESPN MLB experts Jesse Rogers, Alden Gonzalez, and David Schoenfield provide insights on all 30 teams, highlighting key observations as the regular season winds down.
Top Teams and Their September Priorities
Here's a look at some of the top teams and their main focus for the remaining games, according to analysts Grant Brisbee, Johnny Flores Jr., and Andy McCullough.
- Brewers (89-56): Addressing the bullpen situation is paramount, especially with multiple relievers on the injured list. Pat Murphy needs to evaluate his options and integrate players like Erick Fedde and Tobias Meyers effectively.
- Phillies (84-60): Seeking reassurance from their bullpen. The Phillies aim to solidify their relief pitching depth, particularly with David Robertson returning.
- Tigers (82-64): Securing the best record in the American League and gaining home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is the goal.
- Blue Jays (82-61): Winning the AL East and earning a top-two seed in the American League is their primary objective.
- Yankees (80-63): Outperforming the Blue Jays in the standings is their focus.
- Cubs (81-63): Prioritizing the health of key players like Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong before the anticipated wild-card series.
- Dodgers (80-64): Resolving the bullpen woes is crucial, especially with relievers like Tanner Scott struggling.
- Red Sox (80-65): Maintaining player health is paramount, with Trevor Story returning and Garrett Crochet thriving.
- Astros (78-66): Establishing a reliable bridge to closer Bryan Abreu, considering Josh Hader's injury.
- Padres (79-65): Chasing down the Dodgers for the NL West title is the ambition, requiring improved starting rotation performance.
Mid-Tier Teams and Their September Challenges
- Mets (76-68): Getting Ryan Helsley back on track is crucial for their postseason aspirations.
- Mariners (76-68): Preventing wasted opportunities and getting the starting pitchers in form for October.
- Rangers (75-70): Overcoming injuries and remaining competitive despite numerous key players being sidelined.
Bottom-Tier Teams and Their September Focus
- Royals (73-71): Evaluating Carter Jensen as a potential future catcher.
- Reds (72-72): Continuing to play competitively and chasing a wild-card spot against the odds.
- Guardians (73-70): Getting into the postseason.
- Giants (73-71): Assessing what they have in Carter Jensen
- Rays (71-72): Determining what Griffin Jax will be in 2026
- D-backs (72-73): Find clarity on the 2026 rotation
- Cardinals (72-73): Have Jordan Walker end things positively
- Braves (65-79): Get everyone excited for 2026
- Orioles (66-77): Get everyone excited for 2026
- Marlins (66-78): Keep Kyle Stowers cooking
- Angels (67-77): Hope Jo Adell ends on a high note
- Athletics (66-79): Enjoy Nick Kurtz’s breakout
- Twins (64-80): Get Byron Buxton to 30-30
- Pirates (64-80): Pick a lane for Bubba Chandler and stick with it
- White Sox (55-89): Appreciate the rookies
- Nationals (59-84): Beat the other bad teams, at least
- Rockies (40-104): Help Chase Dollander manage the elements at Coors Field
Conclusion
The final weeks of the MLB season promise excitement and drama as teams battle for playoff spots and division titles. The success of teams like the Giants and Rangers, coupled with the tight division races, underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball. The focus for each team in September ranges from solidifying bullpen roles to assessing young talent, setting the stage for a compelling postseason.