MLB Power Rankings Week 5: Mets Take Top Spot as NL Teams Continue to Surge
We’re five weeks into the 2025 MLB season and, well, it’s hard to deny how things are shaping up — particularly in the National League. Another week, another reshuffling at the top. But the real headline? The dominance of NL squads. Out of the ten highest-ranked teams, seven call the Senior Circuit home. That’s not nothing.
The American League isn’t fading completely, though. Two teams from the East and one unexpected Central contender are making things interesting. But let’s be honest: as the calendar turns to May, that “early-season sample size” excuse starts to wear thin. What we’re seeing might just be who these teams are. Or maybe not. Hard to say for sure — that’s the fun (and frustration) of it.
1. New York Mets
Record: 21-10
What’s striking about the Mets right now is how surgical their pitching has been. Even without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas fully healthy, and closer Edwin Diaz not quite himself, the numbers are almost unreal — lowest home run rate in the league, second in ground balls, third in strikeouts, fourth in strand rate. It’s like everything is working at once. — Olney
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 21-10
Even as the Dodgers deal with bumps (see: Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow injuries), the offense is showing flashes. Shohei Ohtani finally went deep again, and Max Muncy broke his homer drought. Still, the inconsistency is noticeable. You get the sense they haven’t really hit their stride yet. — Gonzalez
3. New York Yankees
Record: 18-13
Bullpen reliability has always been a Yankee trademark, but cracks are forming. Devin Williams is out of the closer role, and while Jonathan Loaisiga’s return could help, the team is watching innings pile up. Still, they’re in a good spot. — Olney
4. San Diego Padres
Record: 19-11
Xander Bogaerts might not have felt like a $280M guy last year, but there’s life in that bat again. His first homer of the season came at a crucial moment, ending a four-game skid. This offense has gaps, but also pieces ready to explode. — Gonzalez
5. Chicago Cubs
Record: 18-13
Manager Craig Counsell is already tinkering — moving Carson Kelly up, Dansby Swanson down. It paid off quickly, with Kelly going deep. These are the types of decisions that can stabilize a lineup long-term. — Rogers
6. San Francisco Giants
Record: 19-12
Back-to-back walk-offs? That’s how you finish a homestand. Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos stepped up, and the “Posey era” front office has this team feeling kind of… magical? Too early to call it, but there’s definitely something brewing. — Gonzalez
7. Detroit Tigers
Record: 19-12
Javier Baez has quietly turned things around. His grand slam against Houston was a statement, and paired with Spencer Torkelson’s resurgence, the Tigers’ offense suddenly looks legitimate. — Gonzalez
8. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 17-13
They feel a lot like the old Tigers teams Dombrowski built — power bats, elite starters, and, yes, bullpen question marks. It’s a tried formula. Whether it holds in October… we’ll see. — Olney
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 16-14
Closer Justin Martinez has been battling shoulder fatigue, which could be a red flag. Kevin Ginkel is back, which helps, but if Martinez falters, things could unravel late in games. — Gonzalez
10. Boston Red Sox
Record: 17-15
Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony are both raking in Triple-A, giving the Red Sox options. Whether they promote or trade from depth, Boston’s future is looking a bit brighter than many expected. — Olney
…and the list goes on, with Seattle climbing, Atlanta clawing back, and Colorado — well, existing. For the full list and team-by-team insights, here’s the complete ESPN ranking.
