2021 MLB power rankings: Where each team stands as spring training games begin

Dodgers, Padres set up wild, wild west

1.   Los Angeles Dodgers
2.   San Diego Padres
3.   New York Yankees
4.   Atlanta Braves
5.   New York Mets

The rich got richer this offseason as the defending World Series champion Dodgers added National League Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer to their long list of quality pitchers in Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Julio Urias and David Price.

Yet, the Padres aren't far behind, having added aces Yu Darvish and Blake Snell to their staff in addition to locking up star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. to a long-term deal to set up what should be an epic showdown all year long between these two NL West squads.

The Yankees are the lone AL team to crack our top five after they retained DJ LeMahieu and added low-risk, high-reward pitchers Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon to a questionable rotation.

Then there's the Mets, who also crack the top five despite not making the playoffs last year. The addition of Francisco Lindor was one of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason, and the inclusion of Carlos Carrasco in the trade was no throw-in as he adds to an already impressive Mets rotation.

White Sox, Blue Jays on the rise

6.   Chicago White Sox
7.   Minnesota Twins
8.   Toronto Blue Jays
9.   Houston Astros
10.  Tampa Bay Rays

The White Sox took a huge step forward last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2008. They've added Lance Lynn behind Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel and have a strong core with reigning American League MVP Jose Abreu and rising young star Luis Robert.

The Blue Jays are also an intriguing team to watch after winning the George Springer sweepstakes, adding him to a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with the Yankees in the AL East. The Tampa Bay Rays, despite winning the AL pennant last year, slip behind Toronto after losing Snell and Charlie Morton out of their rotation. Still, don't sleep on their ability to get the most out of the additions of Chris Archer and Collin McHugh.

While the Astros lost Springer, they've reached the AL Championship Series in each of the last four seasons. So they certainly still deserve some respect, especially with Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman still comprising of the core in Houston.

Arenado a difference-maker for Cardinals

11.   St. Louis Cardinals
12.   Washington Nationals
13.   Oakland A's
14.   Milwaukee Brewers
15.   Cleveland

The Cardinals are the unquestionable favorites in the NL Central after trading for Nolan Arenado this offseason — a move that gives them a much-needed power bat behind Paul Goldschmidt in the middle of their lineup. The Nationals hope to bounce back with a healthy Stephen Strasburg this season and the addition of Josh Bell to the lineu and Brad Hand in the bullpen.

While Cleveland continues to trade away central pieces of its team, it still ought to be a tough club with Shane Bieber atop the rotation and MVP candidate Jose Ramirez in the lineup.

Will Phillies finally click?

16. Los Angeles Angels
17. Philadelphia Phillies
18. Chicago Cubs
19. Boston Red Sox
20. Cincinnati Reds

The Phillies re-signed J.T. Realmuto, their top priority, and Didi Gregorius while adding Archie Bradley to a suspect bullpen. Yet Realmuto may not be ready for Opening Day as he already has a broken thumb, which he insists isn't a big deal. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are a solid one-two punch at the top of the rotation, which should, on paper, make the Phillies a playoff contender.

The Angels added veterans to their rotation in Jose Quintana and Alex Cobb but still lack a true ace on the staff. So do the Cubs, who dealt Darvish to the Padres this offseason and lost Jon Lester in free agency, making their rotation suspect in a weak NL Central.

The Red Sox are returning from a dreadful 2020 season but should at least be better with Eduardo Rodriguez expected back in the rotation and Chris Sale returning from Tommy John surgery at some point.

Can the Marlins keep up their success?

21.   San Francisco Giants
22.   Miami Marlins
23.   Seattle Mariners
24.   Kansas City Royals
25.   Arizona Diamondbacks

The Marlins surprised many last season by making the playoffs amid the COVID-19 drama that they experienced throughout the season, but they may have been the biggest beneficiaries of the shortened season. They have some nice, young talent, but it will be tough to replicate last year's success.

The Royals have had a quietly busy offseason, highlighted by a trade for Andrew Benintendi, while the Mariners could be a team that surprises this year as more players from their loaded farm system get called up.

All eyes on A.J. Hinch in Detroit

26. Detroit Tigers
27. Texas Rangers
28. Baltimore Orioles
29. Colorado Rockies
30. Pittsburgh Pirates

Don't expect any of these teams to sniff contention this year, especially the Pirates and Rockies as they continue to sell off pieces of their teams. The Tigers are perhaps the most interesting to watch,having hired A.J. Hinch as their new manager this offseason. Could the disgraced former Houston Astros manager turn the ship around in Detroit?