When does a small sample size become worrisome? That definition varies across MLB, but it might be time to start paying attention to the troubling starts of expected contenders like the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, among others. While we still expect these teams to finish near the top of their respective divisions, early struggles could be a sign of what’s to come. This week’s MLB Power Rankings will finally, mercifully, start to reflect that.
The same can be said of unexpected contenders. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves would like a seat at the table. The same can be said of the Athletics, which entered Sunday winners of four straight games, with some of those coming against the New York Yankees. It’s time to start paying attention.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2026 record: 11-4
- Last week’s ranking: 1
The Dodgers are who everyone thinks they are: a superteam. They won back-to-back series this week to improve to 11-3 on the season. They have the best record in baseball despite injuries to Blake Snell and Mookie Betts and an uncharacteristically rough start for Kyle Tucker.
There just isn’t much to say here that you don’t already know. The Dodgers are the team to beat, and it feels like they haven’t even hit their ceiling yet. Just wait until we get closer to October — we’ll see just how scary this team truly is. –ZR
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