2025 LitZone MLB Power Rankings: #30 - #21

The 2025 MLB season is officially underway, and baseball fans are already seeing some surprises. With Opening Day behind us, teams are settling in for the long season ahead. With big offseason moves, breakout performances, and unexpected struggles, the rankings are already starting to shift. Who’s rising, who’s falling, and who has the best shot at the World Series? Let’s break it all down in our first edition of the 2025 MLB Power Rankings!

30: Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox find themselves at #30 to start 2025, with outfielder Luis Robert leading a struggling team. Robert is extremely talented but coming off a down year. In 2023, he had a true breakout with 38 homers and 20 steals, but followed it with just 14 homers and 23 steals in 2024. Which is the real Luis Robert? The White Sox would be happy with something in between.

Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn don't bring much star power, but they'll provide a positive impact for a team hoping to escape the cellar. The White Sox have a long way to go, but these players give fans at least some reason for hope.

29: Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies begin 2025 ranked #29, with outfielder Brenton Doyle as their bright spot. He surprised everyone last season with 20 homers and 30 stolen bases, earning an All-Star selection. Can he continue to improve?

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar provides great defense and has developed at the plate, hitting 26 homers with 83 RBIs last season. Doyle and Tovar will try to lead the lineup and continue developing to help the Rockies climb out of the basement.

As usual with Colorado, pitching remains their biggest problem. Until they solve that issue, they'll likely stay near the bottom of these rankings.

28: Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins start 2025 at #28 with former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara still leading their pitching staff. Despite the team's struggles, he remains one of baseball's top arms.

Second baseman Xavier Edwards is an elite speedster who could be a perfect leadoff hitter. He might steal 50 bases this season, but will there be any bats behind him to drive him in? The Marlins' lack of star power means someone will need to step up, or it will be another long season for fans in Miami.

27. Atlanta Braves

The Braves land at 27th place in our rankings while battling a serious enemy: injuries. Ronald Acuña Jr. faces the difficult challenge of returning to MVP form after tearing his ACL. Before the injury, he was among baseball's most exciting talents, combining impressive power with lightning speed. Now, fans wonder if he can recapture the magic that made him special.

Chris Sale brings his elite pitching skills to Atlanta's rotation, but at 35 years old, his body has betrayed him repeatedly throughout his career. When healthy, his wicked slider and fastball combination make him nearly unhittable. The question is: how many games will he actually pitch this season?

Spencer Strider rounds out their star players with his 100 mph fastball, but he too has faced health concerns.

The Braves' season hinges on keeping these players on the field rather than in the training room. If they can stay healthy, they have the talent to challenge anyone. If not, they could quickly slide down the rankings despite their potential.

26: Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals begin 2025 ranked #26, with shortstop CJ Abrams leading the way. The speedy table-setter at the top of the lineup stole 30 bases last year and is developing power with 20 homers. He's looking to become a star player for years to come.

Mackenzie Gore has shown flashes of brilliance and will be counted on as the team's ace. Can he fill that role? He's coming off a solid season but will need to do more.

Young outfielders Dylan Crews and James Wood are the future of this team. Nationals fans should expect big things from these talented youngsters in the years ahead as Washington rebuilds.

25: Athletics

The Athletics (formerly the Oakland A's) start 2025 at #25 while playing in Sacramento as they plan their future move to Las Vegas. Brent Rooker has developed into a serious power threat, coming off two straight 30-homer seasons for the A's.

Luis Severino joined as a free agent from the Mets to lead the rotation. He's been solid but not spectacular, raising questions about whether he's good enough to be the ace this team needs.

Shea Langeliers is excellent behind the plate, calling a great game for the pitching staff. He's also developed into a 20+ homer threat in the middle of the order. To take the next step, he'll need to become a more well-rounded hitter.

24: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates rank #24 to begin 2025, but they have an emerging superstar on the mound. Paul Skenes burst onto the scene as one of the best pitchers in baseball during his rookie year. With his 100 mph fastball and pinpoint control, Pirates fans should be excited about what he might do this season.

Oneil Cruz brings an incredible combination of power and speed from his massive 6'7" frame. He's making the move from shortstop to center field after outgrowing his old position. Coming off a 20-homer, 20-steal season, he could be in for even bigger things if he can cut down on strikeouts.

Bryan Reynolds remains as steady as they come. The reliable outfielder brings consistent production and leadership to this young team. He's not flashy, but he's exactly what the Pirates need as they build toward the future.

23: St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals start 2025 at #23, lacking true star power but featuring a mix of veterans and young players. Sonny Gray will head the rotation and try his best to carry the pitching staff through the season. Nolan Arenado isn't getting any younger, and age is catching up to him. But he's still a Gold Glove defender at third base with some power left in his bat. The Cardinals hope he can prove he's not done yet.

William Contreras is making a big change, moving from catcher to first base. If he can stay healthy, his 20+ home run power will be a welcome addition to the lineup. The Cardinals will need everyone playing their best to be relevant, but you can never count out this historic franchise.

22: Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels rank #22 to start 2025, still led by Mike Trout. One of the best players of this generation has struggled mightily to stay healthy. When he plays, he's still elite, but that's been less and less often. Baseball is simply better when Trout is on the field.

Taylor Ward has been a solid contributor, hitting 25 homers last year. Can he do it again? The Angels need him to produce at the top of the order.

Kenley Jansen signed to close games after coming over from the Red Sox. He's nearing the end of his career but has been one of baseball's top closers. Does he have anything left? With little star power after Trout, the Angels will likely stay near the bottom unless something changes.

21: Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals start 2025 at #21, but they have a superstar who might carry them higher. Bobby Witt Jr. can do it all – hit for power, hit for average, run like the wind, field his position, and throw bullets. He's what baseball people call a "five-tool player." This could be the year he wins MVP and takes the Royals to the next level.

Cole Ragans emerged as a strikeout machine and top starter for Kansas City. The big question is whether he can keep it up and lead this rotation for a full season. The Royals will need him to be just as good as last year if they want to compete.

Salvador Perez remains the heart and soul of this team. The veteran catcher still brings power to the middle of the lineup and leadership to the clubhouse. Can he keep producing at his age? The Royals sure hope so.