For the next 100 days, 30 Major League Baseball franchises will change their shapes, increase their ceilings, dream big and buy low, all in service of improving by the time pitchers and catchers reassemble in February.
Yet all of them have to start their grand offseason remakes in some position, be it of strength or futility. Before the first major trade, free agent signing or startling release takes place, USA TODAY Sports ranks the 30 clubs from top to bottom, with defections and expected departures already reshaping the landscape.
A look at our post-World Series rankings:
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1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Until proven otherwise. Related: They gotta re-sign Walker Buehler, right?
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2. San Diego Padres
Who knew the NLDS was really a de facto World Series?
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Perhaps still the best on paper. But you gotta win at some point.
4. New York Yankees
What’s Plan B if Juan Soto flees?
5. Milwaukee Brewers
The young core is pretty darn scary.
6. New York Mets
The first big winter pairing Steve Cohen’s checkbook with David Stearns’ ruthless pragmatism.
7. Atlanta Braves
Can Chris Sale repeat his Cy Young-worthy performance?
8. Kansas City Royals
2025 might be Cole Ragans’ year to win a Cy Young Award.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
Pitching should be healthier, but is Christian Walker gone?
10. Baltimore Orioles
Suddenly look very thin in the pitching department.
11. Cleveland Guardians
Can’t survvie in AL Central with minimal external help.
12. Detroit Tigers
Would look daunting with a solid free agent pitching acquisition.
13. Minnesota Twins
Will shaking up the hitting department prevent season-killing slumps?
14. Houston Astros
Jose Altuve would look awfully lonely if they allow Alex Bregman to leave.
15. Chicago Cubs
They seem due for a difference-making acquisition.
16. Texas Rangers
Really interesting if Jacob deGrom comes back as Jacob deGrom.
17. San Francisco Giants
Cupboard’s not bare, amibitions are high.
18. Seattle Mariners
Don’t seem to have the heart to remake offense in one winter.
19. Cincinnati Reds
Terry Francona probably didn’t come back if they didn’t have plans.
20. St. Louis Cardinals
Nolan Arenado turns 34 in April.
21. Boston Red Sox
Remember when they made things interesting over the winter?
22. Tampa Bay Rays
The strain is real playing in a temporary home – or homes.
23. Pittsburgh Pirates
Been a decade since their last playoff appearance.
24. Toronto Blue Jays
Does Vladdy need to see signs of improvement to be convinced to stay?
25. Washington Nationals
Seems like it’s about time to start spending some cash again.
26. Los Angeles Angels
First goal should be to finish ahead of Sacramento.
27. Colorado Rockies
Is it Chase Dollander time in the rotation?
28. (Sacramento) Athletics
Perhaps river rafting and craft beer can be used in recruiting pitches.
29. Miami Marlins
Sandy Alcantara should be ready for Opening Day start.
30. Chicago White Sox
An interesting choice for Will Venable, who’s had and will have his choice of managerial options to pursue.
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