MLB Power Rankings Week 26 of the 2024
As the 2024 MLB season approaches, it’s getting easier to see who will make the playoffs. Teams are vying for spots in the playoffs; some are holding on to their dreams of making it. Here is MLB Power Rankings Week 26. It shows which teams are at the top and trying to make it to October and which are close but still need to be quite there. That’s why we’re giving you this in-depth look at the top ten teams and what’s at stake.
1 Philadelphia Phillies (94-65)
The Phillies won the NL East for the first time since 2011 and have been on a roll. Aaron Nola has become a real star, winning his 13th game of the season. The Phillies are ready for a deep playoff run thanks to Kyle Schwarber’s powerful 37th home run. They’re focused on getting the top spot in the National League now that they have the tiebreaker over the Dodgers.
2 Los Angeles Dodgers (94-64)
The Dodgers always have a chance to make the playoffs, and 2024 will be no different. With star starter Jack Flaherty in charge of the rotation, LA is almost certain to win their division. However, losses to important bullpen arms raise some questions as October approaches. Still, no one wants to play them because they have a strong group and a lot of good pitchers.
3 New York Yankees (92-66)
Aaron Judge is the Yankees’ most important player, and he’s having one of the best seasons in recent memory, leading the team in almost every offensive measure. The Yankees have already secured a spot in the playoffs, so they will need Judge to keep playing at an MVP level. As always, the Yankees are a scary threat because they have been to the playoffs before and have a strong lineup.
4 San Diego Padres (91-67)
The Padres have found their rhythm after a slow start to the season. They got into the wild card spot with a strong second half, and their staff is one of the best in baseball. The Padres’ relief has also been great, which makes them a dark horse that could make a splash in the playoffs. They’ll be hard to beat if their big players keep hitting well.
5 Milwaukee Brewers (90-68)
The Brewers will probably play either the Braves or the Mets in the wild-card round. Their pitching could make a big difference. They’ve been consistent all season, which has kept them in the hunt, but their bullpen will need to do well to get through a tough wild-card game.
6 Cleveland Guardians (92-67)
The Guardians have locked up the AL Central title, even though they are dealing with illnesses. With important players returning in time for the playoffs, Cleveland is in a good place thanks to a well-balanced team and timely hitting. The Guardians are a tough team that should be watched, even though they don’t have as many huge stars as some of the other teams in the running.
7 Houston Astros (86-73)
Do not give up on the Astros. They came back from a slow start to win their fourth straight AL West title. Their ability to make the playoffs depends on Yordan Alvarez’s health. But they have a strong playoff history and a team that has played many tough games.
8 Arizona Diamondbacks (88-71)
The Diamondbacks are very close to making the NL wild card. They have had a great late-season run but must finish strong to ensure they get in. Arizona is in charge of its fate because of an important series against the Padres. Their young team is eager to play in the playoffs.
9 Baltimore Orioles (88-70)
Even though the Orioles have been hurt, they are still in the running for a wild-card spot. The Ravens could make a last-ditch effort now that some key players are back from illness. Their offense can be potent when they’re fit, but they’ll need everyone to work together to make the playoffs.
10 New York Mets (87-70)
The Mets are on a very thin line. Key players like Francisco Lindor are hurt, and an important series against the Braves could decide whether they make the playoffs. Even if they make it, they’ll have to draw on their pitching staff to get them through.
Playoff Outlook: Key Storylines to Watch
As we move into the playoffs, these scores will change based on several stories:
The Phillies’ Championship Quest
With their first NL East title in over a decade, the Phillies want to go from being strong in the regular season to being unbeatable in the playoffs. Their starters are good, but their bullpen needs to be able to handle the load. Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner have been leading an explosive offense. If they can keep it up, Philadelphia is a real contender for the World Series.
Can the Dodgers Overcome Pitching Woes?
The Dodgers are a great team, but there are worries about their starting staff. There is a hole in their rotation because Walker Buehler got hurt. Jack Flaherty has filled it, but it still needs to be clarified if their arms can handle October. LA’s offense can get them far, but they might need help against the best teams in the NL if they don’t have a steady starter.
The Yankees’ Aaron Judge Show
Aaron Judge has been amazing this season, putting up numbers that are on par with some of the best in baseball history. Judge’s play will be very important for the Yankees as they prepare for the playoffs. Judge could be the key to winning another World Series for the Bronx, and he could bring home another MVP award.
Wild-Card Chaos
It still needs to be made clear who will win the wild card spots, especially in the American League. A single game could make all the difference between teams like the Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Mariners fighting for the last few spots. A one-game wild-card playoff makes things even more exciting because any of these teams could shock everyone and make it to the next round.
Astros’ Dynasty Under Threat?
The Astros have made the playoffs yearly for almost ten years, but this year feels different. They are weak because of injuries and inconsistent play, but their playoff experience is still very important. They must dig deep if the Astros want to keep their dynasty going. Their string of AL West wins is in danger.
The Road to October
A lot is going on in the last week of the regular season. MLB Power Rankings Week 26, brought to you by The Power Rankings, shows how intense this playoff push is. Teams aren’t up against their opponents; they also have to deal with illness, tiredness, and the stress of playing important games in September.
The stories of these teams could change a great deal with every ball, hit, and play. There’s no doubt that the 2024 MLB playoffs will be exciting. The top-seeded Phillies will try to become the NL champions, and teams like the Cubs and Mariners will fight for a spot in the wild-card round.
As we watch these teams fight for spots in the playoffs. The Power Rankings will keep giving you the most up-to-date, data-driven information on who’s growing, who’s falling, and who could win the championship in October. Do not fall asleep, baseball fans! The playoffs are almost here!
