10. Boston Red Sox (last year: 81–81)
The Red Sox had one of the most productive offseasons in the league, as they traded for ace Garrett Crochet to boost their rotation and added veteran third baseman Alex Bregman to the lineup. Boston is also expecting three blue-chip prospects — Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer — to make their big-league debuts in 2025.
9. Chicago Cubs (83–79)
Entering this offseason, the Cubs had several very good players, like Seiya Suzuki, Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, but they lacked a real superstar. A blockbuster trade for right-fielder Kyle Tucker in December 2024 filled that hole. They also have two promising young players — Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw — slated to get everyday at bats, which could push this team’s ceiling higher.
8. San Diego Padres (93–69)
Although there were rumors that the Padres would trade starters Dylan Cease and Michael King, both are staying in San Diego, giving the Padres one of the best rotations in baseball. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado and 21-year-old sensation Jackson Merrill highlight a potent lineup.
7. New York Yankees (94–68)
Most will remember this offseason for the loss of Juan Soto, which certainly hurts, but the Yankees also added ace Max Fried while also picking up outfielder Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams, all valuable additions. However, they will be without Gerrit Cole, who will be recovering from Tommy John surgery.
6. Arizona Diamondbacks (89–73)
The Diamondbacks suffered from the cruelty of baseball last year, missing the playoffs with a team that was far better than their 2023 squad that won the National League pennant. Still, they’re bringing back an elite offense, and their surprise acquisition of ace Corbin Burnes gives some teeth to a pitching staff that struggled mightily last year.
5. New York Mets (89–73)
After a surprise run to the National League Championship Series last year, the Mets handed out an astronomical contract to generational talent Juan Soto, poaching him from their crosstown rivals. He joins a star-studded lineup that also includes Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo.
4. Baltimore Orioles (91–71)
The loss of the aforementioned Burnes will hurt, but the Orioles have one of the deepest cores of young talent in baseball, headlined by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. Guys like Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser showed real promise last year, and the Orioles are also banking on improvement from Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad — all highly-touted prospects.
3. Philadelphia Phillies (95–67)
The Phillies are aging, but for now, this team is still among baseball’s best. This offseason, the Phillies added Jesús Luzardo to a rotation that already includes Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. On offense, two-time MVP Bryce Harper and Trea Turner lead an incredibly deep lineup.
2. Atlanta Braves (89–73)
The Braves were ravaged by injuries last year, with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider missing most of the season and Austin Riley playing banged up — and they still made the playoffs. With those key pieces slated to return to the roster, the Braves are one of the scariest teams in baseball.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (98–64)
The defending champs not only added two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki to their rotation, but Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his return to the mound in May after a phenomenal offensive season. Anything less than a World Series would be a disappointment.
