2024 MLB Power Rankings indicate that the National League indeed boasts three of the strongest teams in baseball.
As the calendar turns to September, several elite clubs in Major League Baseball are making significant strides toward securing their playoff positions. Some teams are solidifying their standings in the wild-card races, while others are eyeing division titles as the regular season approaches its climax.
In light of the latest performances, here are the current power rankings, along with World Series odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
10. Kansas City Royals (79-65, last week unranked)
World Series odds: +2900
The Royals are on the verge of their first playoff appearance in nine years after sweeping the Minnesota Twins. Despite a quieter week from Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City’s pitching trio of Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha delivered quality starts, keeping the AL Central title within reach.
9. San Diego Padres (81-64, LW 9)
World Series odds: +1500
San Diego had a mixed week, splitting a six-game series with the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants. While Fernando Tatis Jr. is still regaining his form following a lengthy injury, his presence in the lineup is invaluable. Meanwhile, Michael King has quietly emerged as one of the league’s standout pitchers since the All-Star break, boasting a 2.36 ERA in his last eight starts.
8. New York Mets (78-65, LW 10)
World Series odds: +3900
The Mets are on a roll, having recently enjoyed a nine-game winning streak before a loss to Cincinnati. They are now tied with the Braves for the final wild-card spot. Francisco Lindor continues to bolster his MVP candidacy, while Mark Vientos has become a notable threat at the plate, hitting three home runs last week.
7. Cleveland Guardians (81-62, LW 7)
World Series odds: +1500
The Guardians managed to keep the Royals at bay in the AL Central race, winning two of three games against them. However, their lead is slim, just 2.5 games ahead after losing two out of three to the Dodgers. Key hitters like Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor are currently struggling, but Tanner Bibee continues to deliver strong performances on the mound.
6. Houston Astros (77-66, LW 6)
World Series odds: +850
After a disappointing sweep by the Reds, the Astros bounced back by winning two of three against the Diamondbacks. Their offense has been on fire lately, with Yordan Álvarez hitting seven homers in the last 13 games and Jose Altuve batting an impressive .393 in September.
4. New York Yankees (82-61, LW 4)
World Series odds: +600
Aaron Judge’s power slump continues, as he hasn’t hit a home run in 12 games. Nevertheless, the Yankees remain leaders in the AL East standings. Jazz Chisholm and Gleyber Torres have stepped up recently, easing the pressure on Judge and Juan Soto. Gerrit Cole remains a force on the mound with a 1.58 ERA since August began.
3. Milwaukee Brewers (82-61, LW 3)
World Series odds: +2200
Brewers fans are counting down to the magic number needed to clinch the NL Central, which now stands at 10. They are also in contention for one of the opening-round byes. Rookie Tobias Myers has been a pleasant surprise, maintaining a 2.22 ERA since June.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (85-58, LW 2)
World Series odds: +480
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (86-57, LW 1)
World Series odds: +300
Shohei Ohtani may not have stolen a base last week, but he did hit two home runs, bringing him closer to an unprecedented 50/50 season. The Dodgers still face challenges with their rotation’s health, but Jack Flaherty has been impressive since joining the team, posting a 2.61 ERA in seven starts. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to return to the rotation soon, adding another layer to their formidable lineup.
Out: Arizona Diamondbacks (80-64, LW 8); World Series odds: +2600
