2026 MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers vs Blue Jays No. 1

ESPN’s 2026 “Way-Too-Early MLB Power Rankings,” written by David Schoenfield, paints a wild picture of baseball’s shifting landscape after a thrilling 2025 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers sit on top heading into next year, fresh off a dramatic repeat World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers’ star-studded rotation has people buzzing about a possible historic three-peat. Meanwhile, a bunch of teams face big decisions — aging lineups, contract calls, you name it. What happens next? Honestly, it could flip Major League Baseball upside down in 2026.

The Dodgers: Chasing History

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the team to beat. Their rotation is loaded with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow.

This group gives L.A. pitching depth that most franchises just dream about. But Schoenfield points out their lineup’s getting older, so there’s some real concern about whether the offense can keep up all year.

The Dodgers already have back-to-back titles. If they pull off a third, that’s a dynasty for the ages.

The Rotation’s Defining Impact

Very few teams have ever opened a season with a starting staff this strong. If the bats stay lively, this could be one of those legendary runs, like the early-’70s A’s or the late-’90s Yankees.

Blue Jays: Building on a Surprise Success

The Toronto Blue Jays just had a Cinderella run to the World Series. Now, they’re staring down a tricky offseason.

Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, and Max Scherzer are all hitting free agency. Management’s got to figure out which contracts matter most.

Key Offseason Decisions

Toronto’s next step probably depends on whether they keep Bichette’s bat and Bassitt’s experience. How they handle these choices will say a lot about whether they’re here to stay or just had a lucky year.

Yankees: Pitching Rich, Power Poor?

Gerrit Cole comes back healthy, and the Yankees added Max Fried and Luis Gil. That rotation could be the league’s best.

But if Cody Bellinger leaves in free agency, the offense might take a real hit.

Balancing the Roster

Yankees fans know you can’t win with pitching alone. The front office has to find ways to replace lost power, or those arms might go to waste.

Surging Mariners and Strategic Brewers

Seattle keeps climbing after the deepest playoff run in franchise history. For the Mariners, it’s all about adding depth without messing up their chemistry.

The Milwaukee Brewers just won 97 games, best in the majors. They might surprise everyone by trading ace Freddy Peralta—a bold move for the long haul, but it could shake up their 2026 chances.

Teams at a Crossroads

Several teams enter 2026 staring down tough roster resets:

• Philadelphia Phillies: Core might break up with aging stars and a bunch of free agents.
• Chicago Cubs: Still have young talent, even after losing Kyle Tucker.
• New York Mets: Need to re-sign Pete Alonso and fix the bullpen, fast.
• Detroit Tigers: Big call coming on whether to trade or extend Tarik Skubal.

Atlanta Braves: Aiming for Redemption

The Braves got hammered by injuries in 2025. They’re hoping a healthier rotation and a return to their usual swagger can put them back on top in the National League.

The Big Picture: A League in Transition

Schoenfield’s rankings show a league in flux. Veterans and rising stars are all over the place, and bold moves are everywhere.

Some teams are swinging for the fences now, while others are playing the long game. It’s going to be a wild 2026 season, no doubt.

What It Means for Fans

For fans, this offseason promises high drama. Superstar contracts, blockbuster trades, and strategic gambits are all on the table.

The Dodgers want to chase history. Meanwhile, underdog teams are hungry to dethrone them.

The race for the 2026 crown? It’s already underway, and honestly, anything can happen.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Way-too-early 2026 MLB Power Rankings: Are the Dodgers or Blue Jays No. 1?