MLB Power Rankings: Where each team stands early in 2024

Welcome to the second edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the offseason. The first edition was published Nov. 13.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Previous rank: 7

The Dodgers have enjoyed a transformational offseason, bringing in three pieces they believe will anchor the roster over the next half decade and beyond. The club dropped a staggering $1.1 billion on contracts for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow. Los Angeles also added Manuel Margot and brought back both Joe Kelly and Jason Heyward to a roster that won 100 games last season. For now, they're the best team on paper.

2. Atlanta Braves

Previous rank: 1

The Braves have been busy, loading up on secondary pieces to surround their talented core. Alex Anthopoulos has improved this team. The bullpen is better with Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer, Chris Sale looks good at the back of the rotation, and Jarred Kelenic is a nice fit for the bottom of one of baseball's best lineups.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Previous rank: 2

The Phillies took care of a major piece of business by re-signing starter Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172-million contract. Otherwise, it's been a slow offseason for Dave Dombrowski, who was aggressive in pursuit of Yamamoto before he signed with the Dodgers. A Zack Wheeler extension is reportedly a priority, as the right-hander is set for free agency at the end of next season.

4. Houston Astros

Previous rank: 3

The Astros are in good shape despite a quiet winter. Houston looks primed to bring back almost its entire roster after reaching the ALCS following a sixth division title in seven years. The departure of catcher Martín Maldonado is the only noteworthy change, as newcomer Víctor Caratini is slated to be the backup to Yainer Díaz.

5. Texas Rangers

Previous rank: 4

The reigning World Series champions boast one of the majors' best lineups and should be even better in 2024 with Evan Carter set for his first full season. Texas' pitching has been hammered by the injury bug, however, and will need the likes of Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, and Andrew Heaney to hold down the fort for the first half of the season until Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer return from injury. Even offseason signing Tyler Mahle is expected to miss a large chunk of 2024.

6. Baltimore Orioles

Previous rank: 5

Baltimore's lone big splash - if you can call it that - this offseason was adding veteran closer Craig Kimbrel on a one-year contract to fill in for the injured Félix Bautista. A big-ticket addition, whether it be trading for an ace like Dylan Cease or making a major move in free agency, would be nice after last year's 100-win season, but if that doesn't happen, the bright young core still has the team in a great spot.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks

Previous rank: 9

The D-Backs followed up their stunning run to the World Series with a tremendous offseason to date. Arizona landed top left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez to pair with Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt in what could be one of the stronger rotations in baseball. The club re-signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and also added slugger Eugenio Suárez.

8. New York Yankees

Previous rank: 13

Brian Cashman hasn't messed around, adding Juan Soto while bringing in outfielders Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham, along with reliever Victor González. After their $300-million run at Yamamoto fell short, the club could pivot to left-hander Jordan Montgomery or another arm. New York still needs to add multiple starting pitchers.

9. Tampa Bay Rays

Previous rank: 6

The Rays are never going to be big spenders in the offseason, but their lack of activity has been somewhat surprising. Tampa Bay did well to land Ryan Pepiot and Jonny Deluca from the Dodgers for Tyler Glasnow, and both youngsters are expected to play key roles in 2024. Still, the club has done nothing yet with the savings from clearing out Glasnow's contract. Wander Franco's status moving forward remains up in the air, complicating matters.

10. Toronto Blue Jays

Previous rank: 8

The Blue Jays came up short in their pursuit of Ohtani, and while that stings, they've tried to move on as best they can. Re-signing Kevin Kiermaier was a decent start, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa essentially takes Whit Merrifield's spot as a (somewhat redundant) depth piece, but more needs to be done here. Toronto still desperately needs to add another impact bat via trade or free agency.

11. Seattle Mariners

Previous rank: 10

The Mariners' offseason has been a head-scratcher. Seattle traded Eugenio Suárez, Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Isaiah Campbell after narrowly missing the playoffs last year. The additions of Mitch Garver and Luis Urías are notable, but the club looks worse on paper than it did in 2023. Seattle's dealing with payroll issues, which is disappointing after looking like a team on the rise in 2022.

12. Boston Red Sox

Previous rank: 14

Craig Breslow has tinkered with the roster in his first few months in charge of the Red Sox. Trading away Sale and Verdugo were major statements and helped clear out some payroll that should be allocated to the pitching staff. Tyler O'Neill was brought in to help balance a left-handed-heavy outfield, but he's on an expiring deal. Lucas Giolito should help provide some much-needed innings, but much more needs to be done.

13. Cincinnati Reds

Previous rank: 18

The Reds have had a notable offseason, adding veterans Jeimer Candelario, Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez, and Emilio Pagán to a budding roster of young talent that won 82 games last season. Barring a trade, Cincinnati's roster seems pretty much set for Opening Day.

14. Minnesota Twins

Previous rank: 12

The Twins have some work to do if they hope to repeat in the weak AL Central. Minnesota hasn't spent any money in free agency but has seen AL Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray head to the Cardinals and Kenta Maeda join the division-rival Tigers. There are questions about whether the Twins will need to continue to cut salary this winter.

15. San Diego Padres

Previous rank: 15

Financial issues forced the Padres to trade Juan Soto to the Yankees, and they haven't attempted to re-sign All-Star reliever Josh Hader or reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Those losses will hurt in a big way. But given the circumstances, the Padres also have done alright. Michael King, a big piece of the Soto trade, can step right into the rotation, and they signed Hader's potential replacement in star Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui.

16. St. Louis Cardinals

Previous rank: 21

The Cardinals revamped their rotation after failing to reach the postseason for the first time since 2018. Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn bring plenty of experience. The moves raise the floor for the pitching staff but not necessarily the ceiling, as the club is still missing a true No. 1. Paul Goldschmidt's potential free agency at the end of next season is a major question mark moving forward.

17. New York Mets

Previous rank: 16

Mets president David Stearns has been active in his first winter on the job, adding depth pieces and reclamation projects in Jorge López, Luis Severino, Joey Wendle, Adrian Houser, and Tyrone Taylor. Those names might contribute in 2024, but they aren't going to appease a restless fan base, especially after they failed to sign Yamamoto. What a difference a year makes.

18. Milwaukee Brewers

Previous rank: 11

The Brewers are attempting to walk the fine line of reducing payroll and remaining competitive. Milwaukee hasn't added much substance to replace Brandon Woodruff, Mark Canha, Houser, and Taylor, who were traded or non-tendered to save money. Jake Bauers, Eric Haase, and Joe Ross are the Brewers' notable additions.

19. Chicago Cubs

Previous rank: 19

The Cubs have yet to sign a major-league free agent this offseason, leaving them heading into spring training with more questions than answers. They still need to either re-sign Cody Bellinger or find his permanent replacement in center field. Adding another power bat like Rhys Hoskins also wouldn't hurt. It would be shocking if this team ends up standing pat all winter.

20. San Francisco Giants

Previous rank: 20

The Giants finally found someone to take their money, as Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee signed a six-year, $113-million deal. Lee isn't the A-list star San Francisco's coveted over the last several seasons, but he should help boost a mediocre offense. Still, the Giants don't feel like the marquee franchise they once were but more of a mishmash of mid-tier players on short-term deals.

21. Detroit Tigers

Previous rank: 24

Detroit is hoping its second shot at coming out of a rebuild goes better than last time. After breakout seasons from Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter, the team opted to add Canha to the lineup while also bringing in Flaherty and Maeda to the rotation. Those veteran arms should provide a boost by taking on some innings, which will allow some younger pitchers to slowly establish themselves and key injured pitchers to be brought along cautiously.

22. Miami Marlins

Previous rank: 17

The Marlins' first offseason under Peter Bendix has been quiet. The president of baseball operations added three players - Christian Bethancourt, Vidal Bruján, and Calvin Faucher - whom he's familiar with from his time with the Rays. Josh Bell exercising his player option helped lessen the blow of losing Jorge Soler's power via free agency.

23. Los Angeles Angels

Previous rank: 23

Losing Ohtani is a seismic loss for the organization on and off the field. The Angels acquired some pitching depth by signing Adam Cimber, Luis García, Adam Kolarek, and Zach Plesac. Yet, Los Angeles appears further away from playoff contention than ever with Mike Trout entering his age-32 season. The franchise feels at a crossroads and doesn't look like it knows which way to go.

24. Kansas City Royals

Previous rank: 28

Shockingly, few teams have been as aggressive as the Royals this winter. President of baseball operations J.J. Picollo has spent close to $90 million to bring in free agents Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Seth Lugo, Will Smith, Chris Stratton, and Garrett Hampson. Kansas City ranked 27th in starters' ERA last season, while the bullpen finished 29th.

25. Cleveland Guardians

Previous rank: 22

Cleveland's only acquisitions have been marginal and have left more questions about the franchise's direction. Shane Bieber's future with the Guardians remains up in the air as he enters his contract year, and the team's next big move could be dealing him to kick-start a rebuild or at least allow them to get something for an expiring deal. Still, in the AL Central, this team might have enough to hang around.

26. Pittsburgh Pirates

Previous rank: 25

The Pirates have been among the busier teams this offseason. Pittsburgh solidified its rotation with veterans Martin Pérez and Marco Gonzales. The addition of Rowdy Tellez gives the club a long-ball threat in the middle of the lineup. Andrew McCutchen returns for a 16th season one homer short of 300.

27. Washington Nationals

Previous rank: 27

The Nationals added a few pieces to their depth charts, signing former top pick Nick Senzel to be their starting third baseman and Dylan Floro to fill out the bullpen. It's pretty much what you would expect from a rebuilding club, that plays the majority of its games in the tough NL East. Signing Candelario last season worked out well, netting the club a pair of prospects at the deadline.

28. Chicago White Sox

Previous rank: 26

Not even playing in the lowly AL Central is going to save these White Sox, who have made it clear they're entering a rebuild. Aside from signing 2023 KBO MVP Erick Fedde to a two-year deal and trading for potential bounce-back candidate Michael Soroka, the White Sox have only added depth pieces on short-term deals who could be moved in July. It's unlikely they're done, though, since Cease has yet to be traded.

29. Colorado Rockies

Previous rank: 29

The Rockies added some arms in Cal Quantrill, Jalen Beeks, and Ty Blach. Otherwise, it's been a somber winter in the Mile High City. Colorado intends to give more playing time to budding stars Nolan Jones, Ezequiel Tovar, and Brenton Doyle.

30. Oakland Athletics

Previous rank: 30

The Athletics have only added reliever Trevor Gott so far after losing an MLB-worst 112 games last season. The team is unlikely to do much more to raise the lowest payroll in baseball amid a rebuild heading into the final year at Oakland Coliseum.