SportsGrid’s Weekly MLB Power Rankings: Who Takes No. 1?

1. Atlanta Braves

First Two Series: 3 @ PHI, 3 @ CHW

The Atlanta Braves' regular season success in recent years speaks for itself. Elite starting pitching, historic offenses, and clutch bullpens have propelled the Braves into a regular-season juggernaut. While they have yet to be able to finish the job the past two seasons, this is a team as talented as they come and certainly hungry to win it all.

League Championship Odds: +250

World Series Odds: +450

9. Toronto Blue Jays

First Two Series: 4 @ TBR, 4 @ HOU

It’s concerning that Kevin Gausman is beginning the season injured, given his history on the IL. That said, this pitching staff is deeper than many want to admit in the AL. The Jays lineup is also loaded with offensive firepower. 2023 didn’t go as planned for this club, but in 2024, there is no reason why they can’t turn it around.

League Championship Odds: +1000

World Series Odds: +1800

8. Tampa Bay Rays

First Two Series: 4 vs. TOR, 4 vs. TEX

Despite the Tampa Bay Rays dealing away Tyler Glasnow to the Los Angeles Dodgers, we know this farm system pumps out elite pitchers like it’s nobody’s business. I’m fully confident that the other guys in the rotation will step up to replace Glasnow. With a strong lineup behind them, they can hit the cover off the baseball despite what the team payroll may be.

League Championship Odds: +1300

World Series Odds: +3000

7. Arizona Diamondbacks

First Two Series: 4 vs. COL, 3 vs. NYY

The reigning National League champions came together at the right time last October. Arizona was fueled by timely hitting, strong pitching performances from their starters, and clutch bullpen showings deep in tight games. Most of the roster is returning in 2024, with Corbin Carroll emerging as a potential NL MVP candidate. The additions of Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery bring elite pitching depth. They probably won't win the NL West, but like with their NLCS opponents last fall, this squad is very dangerous.

League Championship Odds: +1700

World Series Odds: +3500

6. Baltimore Orioles

First Two Series: 3 vs. LAA, 4 vs. KCR

Corbin Burnes was brought into Baltimore to serve as the O’s new ace. His addition went from a luxury to a necessity as Kyle Bradish is now dealing with an elbow injury that could keep him out of the rotation for quite some time. The pitching staff is still a work in process, but they’ll need to constantly find a way to put guys out there to win games, just like they did last season when they still managed to win 101.

Looking at their offense, we know the youth explosion all over the field. They also have plenty of elite prospects waiting in the wings for their names to be called. It will be interesting to see if any of those names get moved to land a legit No. 2 starting pitcher to pair with Burnes atop the rotation.

League Championship Odds: +650

World Series Odds: +1400

MLB: Spring Training-Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals

First Two Series: 3 vs. CHC, 3 @ TBR

The Texas Rangers might be the least talked about World Series champions in recent memory. It’s almost as if everyone forgot they won and also doesn’t believe they can do it again. Well, the Rangers return their entire lineup, which should not have any drop-off, with Corey Seager emerging as a prime AL MVP threat. 

The pitching remains a question mark as Jordan Montgomery is now in Arizona while Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Dane Dunning will all start the season on the IL. For the Rangers, I’m sure their only priority is staying afloat enough to allow themselves to get healthy.

League Championship Odds: +650

World Series Odds: +1400

4. Houston Astros

First Two Series: 4 vs. NYY, 3 vs. TOR

All the Houston Astros do is win baseball games and make deep postseason runs, as they’ve been in every ALCS since 2016. Like the Rangers, the Astros return their entire offense while dealing with a plague of injuries to start the season. For Houston, all they are worried about is getting to October healthy because, as we’ve seen, all they need is a chance.

League Championship Odds: +360

World Series Odds: +700

3. Philadelphia Phillies

First Two Series: 3 vs. ATL, 3 vs. CIN

No team in baseball is built to win in October more than the Philadelphia Phillies. While they haven’t hoisted the trophy just yet, they are on the brink. They’ve shown they can beat anyone with their top two aces on the mound, a clutch offense behind them, and baseball’s best home-field advantage. They won’t back down from the Braves or Dodgers talent come October. They’ll say bring it on. Philly is my pick to win it all because, sometimes, vibes matter.

League Championship Odds: +800

World Series Odds: +1500

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Next Two Series: 4 vs. STL, 3 vs. SF

The Los Angeles Dodgers have all the talent in the world, but will it all work? The offensive potential speaks for itself, with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani atop the order. Still, will the defense be too much of a liability to overcome? The starting rotation will be just fine, so baseball fans everywhere should be excited about how this superteam ultimately plays out.

League Championship Odds: +165

World Series Odds: +320

1. Atlanta Braves

First Two Series: 3 @ PHI, 3 @ CHW

The Atlanta Braves' regular season success in recent years speaks for itself. Elite starting pitching, historic offenses, and clutch bullpens have propelled the Braves into a regular-season juggernaut. While they have yet to be able to finish the job the past two seasons, this is a team as talented as they come and certainly hungry to win it all.

League Championship Odds: +250

World Series Odds: +450