Emily Chen
February 5, 2026
Spring training provides the perfect opportunity to assess the MLB landscape. After an active offseason of trades and signings, the competitive balance has shifted across both leagues.
Several teams made aggressive moves to position themselves as World Series contenders. Big-market clubs flexed their financial muscle while smaller-market teams got creative with trades and international signings.
The top tier features familiar faces alongside some surprising risers. Young cores are maturing while established contenders reloaded. The National League appears particularly deep with championship-caliber teams.
As always, injuries and performance will reshape these rankings throughout the season. But heading into Opening Day, these projections represent the current state of Major League Baseball.