As‌ we approach the final week of the MLB regular season, we prepare to bid farewell to 18 out‌ of the 30 teams in these⁢ rankings after Sunday. Many of these teams have already been eliminated, with the remaining ones set to follow suit throughout the week. However, each team has its ​own narrative to share, and in this ultimate Power Rankings, ‍we will provide a brief recap for every ⁣team. For those still in⁢ contention for the World Series, their tales are just beginning. But every team has a story to tell.

These rankings⁣ are once again curated from contributions​ by MLB.com writers, whose names ⁣are mentioned at the end of this article, while the text is my own. ⁤If you disagree with the rankings, feel free ⁢to voice your opinions to all of us. However, if you ⁢take issue with the wording, you’re welcome to direct your critiques my way.

1. Dodgers‍ (previously: 2).
Season high: 1 ‌ | Season low: 6
Since the start of the season, the Dodgers have had a singular focus—achieving a World Series title, ⁤a goal that drove their offseason decisions. this has been a strong season. Nevertheless, aside‍ from Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented‌ achievements, the true narrative of this season will‍ unfold in October.

2. Phillies ‍(previously: 1).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 8
The Phillies boast a roster⁣ rich​ in experienced players who have enjoyed⁤ illustrious ⁤careers filled ⁣with⁣ awards⁣ and⁢ recognition. However, aside from Kyle Schwarber (who won in 2016⁢ with ‌the Cubs) ⁢and Trea Turner (who triumphed in 2019 with the Nationals), none have clinched a⁢ World Series title. This could​ be their best chance to change that.

3. ​Yankees (previously: 3).
Season high:‌ 1 | Season low: 7
Is it possible to be considered a true Yankee ⁢without a World Series win? The question looms large. Aaron ​Judge has ​had an ​outstanding season, a highlight in ​Yankees history, yet this ‌team has not​ reached the World Series in 15 years—a drought that seems unbearable for such a storied franchise. Much anticipation has ​surrounded this⁣ year as a potential turning ‌point. Can they finally make it happen?

4. ‌Guardians (previously: 5).
Season high: 2 | Season low: ‌21
The⁣ Guardians, ⁣champions of‌ the AL Central, appeared relatively unchanged on Opening Day‍ compared to their disappointing showing in 2023,⁤ but ⁢the outcomes have certainly differed.​ They haven’t advanced to the‍ ALCS since⁣ their World Series run in 2016, ⁤despite four ​postseason appearances since ‌then. With a strengthened AL ⁣Central, is this their best opportunity ⁣in quite some time?

5. Brewers (previously: 4).
Season high: 4 | Season low: 19
The​ expectation was that this season⁤ would be⁢ a struggle for the Brewers, following the departure of their manager and their Cy Young-winning ace. Instead, they⁤ secured the‍ NL Central title and are poised for their sixth playoff berth ‌in seven‌ years. However, they⁢ have not won a ⁢postseason series since 2018, the first year of their‌ recent playoff run. Will this be the year that changes?

6.⁣ Astros (previously: 8).
Season high: 5 |‌ Season low: 26
For ⁤a moment, things‍ looked precarious for ⁤the Astros … but only for⁤ a moment. The key players remain intact as ⁣they vie‍ for an astonishing eighth consecutive‍ ALCS appearance.

7. Padres (previously: 6).
Season high: 7 | Season low: 21
The Padres have made a noteworthy recovery following a dismally⁤ disappointing 2023⁢ season; one could say “improving ⁤after the losses of Juan ⁢Soto‍ and Blake​ Snell” is quite an accomplishment. However, this team is still in pursuit of its​ first championship and first World Series appearance in 26 years: San Diego fans are eagerly awaiting that breakthrough.

8. Orioles (previously: 7).
Season high: 1 | Season low: 8
They encountered a noticeable setback late in the season, and some of their young hitters have not developed as expected. Nevertheless, with several ⁣players‍ returning from injury, and the presence of Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Burnes, they possess ⁤the talent to find their stride⁢ at a crucial time. At the very ⁤least: Can we aim to win a playoff ‍series this time around?

9. Mets (previously: ‌11).
Season high: 9 | Season low: 25
Will they secure an NL Wild Card spot in the final week? Achieving‍ that ‍feat would represent an extraordinary ​turnaround for the Mets, who‍ faced a significantly more ‍disheartening 2023 than the Padres. Is everything that⁣ follows a playoff berth merely a bonus? Let’s first see⁢ if the Mets can ​make it to that⁣ stage.

10. D-backs (previously: 9).
Season high: 7 | Season low: 19
As​ the 2023 postseason approached,⁢ the D-backs⁣ were largely underestimated as serious contenders, primarily due to being outscored throughout the season. This year,‍ however, that perception has changed: It has become ‌evident that they are superior to last ​year’s squad — the one that made it to the World Series. This time, they are not being dismissed.

11. Royals (previously: 10).
Season high: 6 ⁣ | Season low: ‍24
The Royals have fallen short ⁤in the late stages with seven consecutive losses, ‍yet‍ let’s not​ misconstrue‍ this: It’s been ‍an exceptional year for⁢ the Royals, exceeding even the most optimistic expectations. Here’s⁢ a reminder that their last three playoff⁣ appearances resulted in World Series games.

12.‍ Braves (previously: 12).
Season high: ‍1 | Season low: 13
Missing the playoffs would feel like a significant ⁣regression ‌for the Braves, and a ⁣cursory look might suggest that. However, considering the numerous injuries they’ve faced, staying competitive in the NL Wild⁢ Card ⁣race is quite remarkable. Regardless ​of the ⁢outcome, it has been a commendable effort, and things should stabilize next season. And who ​knows? They may just have one more run left⁣ in ⁣them for 2024.