2025 LitZone MLB Power Rankings: #10 - #6

LitZone’s list of the top 10 teams to start the season is officially here! Let’s take a look at the teams who hope to make the leap to contender status in time for the playoffs in the fall.

10. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers slot in at tenth in our rankings after their surprising playoff appearance last season.

Tarik Skubal emerged as one of baseball's elite pitchers, capturing the pitching triple crown and Cy Young award with his dominant performance. Can he maintain that elite level of excellence for a second straight season?

Jack Flaherty joins Detroit to form what could be a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Once considered one of baseball's brightest young pitching stars, injuries derailed his career trajectory. The Tigers are betting that he can stay healthy and recapture the form that once made him so special.

Riley Greene showed promising power development with a career-high 24 home runs last season. The young outfielder has always had the tools to be a star, and now Detroit needs him to take another step forward and become their offensive centerpiece.

Last season's playoff appearance came earlier than expected in the Tigers' rebuilding timeline. Now the pressure increases for the young core, can they prove last season wasn’t a fluke?

9. New York Yankees

The Yankees land at number nine in our rankings despite dealing with some major obstacles this season.

Aaron Judge remains baseball's premier power hitter. Fans wonder if this is the year he challenges Barry Bonds' record of 73 home runs, or if his peak power years are behind him. His massive frame and perfect swing make pitchers nervous every time he steps to the plate.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. brings excitement in his second season with the Yankees. His combination of speed and power creates electricity, but can he consistently perform under New York's intense spotlight?

Max Fried, the team's major offseason acquisition, must fill the void left by injured ace Gerrit Cole. His outstanding control and terrific curveball make him tough to hit, but leading a Yankees rotation brings enormous pressure.

The Yankees' motivation increased after watching Juan Soto sign with their crosstown rivals, the Mets. They're trying their best to prove they're still New York's top baseball team despite this high-profile loss.

8. Texas Rangers

The Rangers come in at number eight after their championship season two years ago.

Corey Seager continues to be a model of consistency at shortstop. With three straight 30-homer seasons, he's established himself as one of baseball's premier power-hitting shortstops. The Rangers' success depends heavily on Seager maintaining this elite level of production while anchoring their infield defense.

Jacob deGrom represents baseball's ultimate "what if" story. When healthy, he remains perhaps the most dominant pitcher in the game with his triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider. However, staying on the field has been his greatest challenge. At 36, can his body finally cooperate long enough to give Texas the ace they paid for?

Wyatt Langford stands ready to become the Rangers' next homegrown star. The young slugger showed flashes of brilliance in his debut, and now the Rangers expect him to secure a spot in the middle of their lineup. His development could be the key to Texas returning to championship contention.

After experiencing both the highs of a World Series victory and the disappointment of missing the playoffs, the Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. Their season hinges on deGrom's health, Seager's continued excellence, and whether Langford can take that crucial next step toward stardom.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks start the season at seventh in our power rankings, as they look to bounce back after a down season last year.

Ketel Marte emerged as a true star last season, crushing a career-high 36 home runs. The switch-hitting second baseman has steadily improved over the years, but now faces a crucial question,has he already reached his peak? At 31, Marte needs to prove he can maintain this elite level of play.

Corbin Carroll burst onto the scene by winning Rookie of the Year in 2023, but his follow-up season didn't meet expectations. With his blazing speed and developing power, many believe this is the year Carroll finally becomes the superstar everyone predicted.

Corbin Burnes arrives as the team's huge free agent signing. The star pitcher brings his impressive array of pitches to Arizona, where he'll team up with Zac Gallen to give the Diamondbacks a powerful one-two punch on the mound.

After disappointing fans with a down season last year, the Diamondbacks hope their mix of rising stars and proven veterans can get them back to the playoffs.

6. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs secure the sixth spot in our rankings as they attempt to end their playoff drought.

Kyle Tucker brings his elite bat to Chicago after years of success in Houston. The smooth-swinging outfielder combines power, patience, and solid defense in a package the Cubs desperately needed. Can Tucker's winning experience from the Astros help change the culture on the North Side and lift this team back into contention?

Seiya Suzuki enters a critical season in his MLB career. After showing flashes of the power that made him a star in Japan, the Cubs need him to take the next step and become a consistent 30-homer threat in the middle of their lineup. Suzuki's development could be the difference between another disappointing season and a return to October baseball.

Justin Steele has quietly established himself as one of the more reliable left-handed starters in baseball. Now, the Cubs need him to not just pitch well every fifth day, but to emerge as the leader of their rotation. His consistency on the mound will be crucial for a team looking to climb back into the playoff picture.

After years of frustration and rebuilding, Cubs fans are growing restless for a return to playoff baseball. This new-look roster with Tucker's addition gives them hope, but in a competitive division, nothing will come easy for this team trying to recapture their former glory.