It's never too early: 2023 Power Rankings
The 2022 World Series trophy has been handed out and the dust has settled on the Astros' victory parade, which can mean only one thing ...
It's time for the way-too-early 2023 Power Rankings.
Sure, free agency hasn't even started yet and a lot of teams will look very different when they report to Spring Training in three months than they do right now, but that's not going to stop us.
Taking into consideration how each club stacks up right now -- as well as how they might look come Opening Day -- our voters did their best to rank all 30 teams with a focus on next season. Each of the top three clubs were unanimous selections, but then things got interesting.
Here's a closer look at the full rankings.
Power Rankings Top 10:
1) Astros
Postseason result: Won World Series
The Astros have lost Gerrit Cole, George Springer and Carlos Correa to free agency in recent offseasons, but they just keep rolling right along. They've won the AL West in five of the past six seasons (with the COVID-shortened 2020 season being the lone exception) and just turned in a 106-win season followed by cruising through the postseason with an 11-2 record on their way to winning the World Series. Justin Verlander, Michael Brantley and Yuli Gurriel are among the players who could test the free-agent market, but Houston is bringing back plenty of talent regardless.
2) Dodgers
Postseason result: Lost NLDS
No team has won more games over the past decade than the Dodgers, who have turned in 12 consecutive winning seasons and won nine of the past 10 NL West titles. They have plenty of big names set to hit free agency this offseason -- including Trea Turner, Clayton Kershaw and Craig Kimbrel, among others -- but they figure to be busy this winter as they look to avenge their early postseason exit.
3) Braves
Postseason result: Lost NLDS
Atlanta has won five consecutive NL East titles and is coming off its first 100-win season since 2003. However, the Braves came up short in defending their World Series title, falling to the division rival Phillies in the NLDS. The biggest offseason decision will center around whether Atlanta can bring back free-agent shortstop Dansby Swanson, but the club is otherwise primed for another postseason run.
4) Padres
Postseason result: Lost NLCS
San Diego figures to have one of the most potent offenses in the Majors next season, especially if Juan Soto settles in and returns to being one of the best hitters on the planet. Soto struggled a bit following his midseason trade from the Nationals, but he looked like himself in the Padres' NLCS loss to the Phillies and he could hit the ground running in his first full season with the club. It also wouldn't hurt if San Diego gets Fernando Tatis Jr. back following his suspension.
5) Mets
Postseason result: Lost NL Wild Card Series
The Mets were one of the hardest teams to rank for our voters, who slotted them in anywhere from No. 4 to No. 9. Though New York already brought back All-Star closer Edwin Díaz (who reportedly agreed to a five-year, $102 million contract), the Mets have significant work to do this offseason. Not only are three of their starting pitchers -- including ace Jacob deGrom -- hitting free agency, but so is New York's leadoff hitter (Brandon Nimmo) and its top two setup men for Díaz (Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo). Depending on how free agency plays out, the Mets could move up -- or down -- significantly in the Opening Day Power Rankings.
T6) Yankees
Postseason result: Lost ALCS
Despite spending most of the season atop our Power Rankings, the Yankees stumbled down the stretch before being swept by the Astros in the ALCS. All eyes now turn to Aaron Judge, who is a free agent following his historic 62-homer season. The Yanks have some other needs to address also, but their offseason grade will hinge almost entirely on whether they can bring back Judge.
T6) Phillies
Postseason result: Lost World Series
Yes, the Phillies were two wins away from a World Series title this season -- but it also took until the final series of the regular season just to clinch their postseason spot. The only potential loss offensively is Jean Segura, meaning the Phils, if healthy, could boast one of the best lineups in baseball. Of course, they still need to clean up their defense a bit and they could benefit from adding some bullpen depth. It'll also be interesting to see how their top rotation arms -- Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez -- respond following deep postseason runs and therefore a shortened offseason.
8) Cardinals
Postseason result: Lost NL Wild Card Series
St. Louis finished strong down the stretch on its way to running away with the NL Central, but now the franchise has to prepare for its first season without Yadier Molina since 2003. The legendary Cardinals catcher retired following the season, along with fellow franchise icon Albert Pujols, though the Cards were able to re-sign Adam Wainwright to a one-year deal. St. Louis has made the postseason each of the past four seasons, though the team has been knocked out in the Wild Card round three straight years.
9) Blue Jays
Postseason result: Lost AL Wild Card Series
Despite back-to-back 90-win seasons, Toronto hasn't won a postseason game since 2016. Still, with the emergence of Alek Manoah atop the rotation and a lineup anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernández, George Springer and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays will be looking to end that drought in 2023.
10) Mariners
Postseason result: Lost ALDS
The Mariners ended their 21-year postseason drought in 2022, but the club is hoping that's just the start. With Julio Rodríguez immediately establishing himself as one of the game's top players in a remarkable rookie season, the future certainly seems bright in Seattle.
The rest of the field of 30:
11. Rays
12. Guardians
13. Brewers
T14. White Sox
T14. Orioles
16. Giants
17. Red Sox
18. Twins
19. Rangers
20. D-backs
21. Angels
22. Cubs
23. Marlins
24. Reds
25. Royals
26. Tigers
27. Rockies
28. Pirates
29. Nationals
30. A's
Voters: Alyson Footer, Anthony Castrovince, Paul Casella, Mark Feinsand, Nathalie Alonso, Sarah Langs, David Venn, Andrew Simon, Douglas Gausepohl