MLB Power Rankings: Where Do All 30 Teams Stand In Early May? (2026)

May 13, 2026

RotoBaller's MLB power rankings for all 30 teams in early May. Where does each MLB team stand in our latest power rankings for the 2026 season?

May baseball is when things start to get really real. You either start to worry about your slow start (looking at you, Mets fans and Astros fans) or you get very excited about your early-season excellence (Cubs fans, that's you).

It's one of the more exciting months of baseball, especially because this is when offenses start to heat up alongside the weather. Last week, we highlighted the pitching of each team, and this week, we're going to focus on the bats. Who's driving the ball successfully and whose bats are letting them down?

Also, has the Cubs' recent hot streak shot them up to the top spot? Read on and let's find out.

Note: Stats and rankings reflect games played through Monday, May 11th.

No. 30 - Los Angeles Angels

At the very least, for Angels fans, Mike Trout is back. The future Hall of Famer is hitting for a 161 wRC+ on the season to go along with 11 homers. Trout hasn't hit this efficiently since the 2022 season, when he posted a 176 wRC+.

But the Angels are still putting up just a 98 wRC+ as a team. There's some punch in the lineup, but it's clearly not enough to overcome their generally woeful pitching. It's looking like a long season in Los Angeles that may result in more of a sell-off at the deadline.

No. 29 - San Francisco Giants

The Giants come in with an 81 wRC+, tied for the lowest mark in the league alongside the Mets. Playing in the tough-hitting conditions of Oracle Park can be tough on teams, but there's simply not enough power in this lineup. Their 25 homers (coming into Sunday's action against the Pirates) were tied for the fewest in the league.

Three of San Francisco's generally better hitters (Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers, Willy Adames) are all hitting for a 79 wRC+ or worse. They're fighting in the cellar of the NL West, and it doesn't look like they're getting out of it any time soon.

No. 28 - Colorado Rockies

The Rockies' 92 wRC+ coming into Sunday doesn't look overly impressive, but it's actually a major step up from where they've been in past seasons. It would be the highest mark they've put up since the 2016 season and a huge improvement over last season's 74 wRC+.

Mickey Moniak and his 1.022 OPS are a huge reason for the increase. That OPS ranks 7th overall among hitters with at least 50 PAs. Hunter Goodman and Troy Johnston are swinging the sticks well, too, but there's still a lot the Rockies need to do before they're able to find themselves in a wild card race.

No. 27 - Minnesota Twins

The Twins clock in with a 98 wRC+, just a touch below league average. A lot of that has been driven by Byron Buxton, who leads the Twins with 13 HR. He's been their main power source.

Byron Buxton leads it off with a homer!

He has 13 HR already this season 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1SfhFuePfQ

— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2026

But his 137 wRC+ isn't even the best on Minnesota's roster. Ryan Jeffers leads the Twins with a 159 wRC+, slashing .300/.408/.520 in 120 PAs. There's more than just Buxton in Minnesota.

But at the same time, the Twins aren't exactly racking up wins. The development of their young guys will be the biggest thing to watch this season, so they can be competitive again in the future.

No. 26 - New York Mets

To say this season has been underwhelming would be an understatement. You expected to lose a bit of power with Pete Alonso leaving for Baltimore, but the drop-off simply is too strong to ignore.

Their 81 wRC+ is tied with the Giants for the worst in the league. Two regular starters (Juan Soto, Francisco Alvarez) have a wRC+ above 100. Francisco Lindor is also out with a calf injury that's expected to keep him out multiple months.

The Mets have been one of the league's biggest disappointments, and the lack of hitting is a major reason. If they can't turn it around, then things will get even more contentious in Queens.

No. 25 - Washington Nationals

An NL East team whose lineup hasn't been disappointing is Washington. Their 104 wRC+ has them tied for seventh in the league alongside the Mariners and Cardinals. Their .157 ISO is ranked 8th, showcasing that when they're up to the plate, you can expect a lot of efficient hits.

A large majority of that power is being produced by two strong lefties: James Wood and CJ Abrams. Wood steals the show with monstrous power, but it's Abrams who leads the Nationals with a 161 wRC+.

They're likely not going to be in contention for the NL East, especially with how good the Braves have been, but if they can figure out some things with their pitching, then there's a chance they could make a surprise wild card run if the offense stays clicking.

No. 24 - Boston Red Sox

From a season-long perspective, it's been a very disappointing year for the Red Sox. Not only are they struggling greatly with their record, but the bats have been a major reason for it, hitting for just an 85 wRC+. It's generally been abysmal.

It hasn't been much better since Alex Cora was fired. Since being fired after a 17-1 victory over Baltimore, the Red Sox have hit for just an 86 wRC+. But that's also added up to a 7-6 record, so it could be worse.

The lineup needs to get things turned around ASAP. If Trevor Story and Jarren Duran can turn the tide on their massively disappointing starts, then there's a chance the Red Sox could make a run in the AL Wild Card race.

No. 23 - Chicago White Sox

I'm going to guess that by now you've heard of Munetaka Murakami. He's hit 15 homers on the season, which has him at third in the league behind Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber. He's been a massive success coming over from Japan and is giving White Sox fans a lot of reasons to be excited about baseball again.

The rest of the lineup has started to produce after a slow start, too. Their 100 wRC+ ranks 11th this season thanks to some strong numbers from Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas. They're helping to support a pitching staff that's actually starting to look decent.

Might I also add that the White Sox currently hold a wild card spot in the AL? It's a wild time in the AL right now, and the White Sox are hoping to keep it that way.

No. 22 - Houston Astros

The good news for the Astros about the insanity in the AL Wild Card race right now is that no one is more than 3.5 games out of it. So even though they've got one of the worst records in the AL, they know if they get healthy, their roster can get them back into things.

Yordan Alvarez is doing everything he can to keep the Astros' offense afloat. His 195 wRC+ ranks second among qualified hitters. He's doing it with more than just power too as his .327/.432/.660 slash line indicates. A 13.6% walk rate with a 12.5% strikeout rate makes him quite possibly the toughest hitter to face in the league.

The Astros as a whole are hitting for a 116 wRC+, more than good enough to rack up wins. But the pitching needs to get healthy and improve dramatically for Houston to make any kind of serious run.

No. 21 - Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles came into this season with not what I would call lofty expectations, but their offseason acquisitions make it look like they strongly believed in their roster. For the most part, those offseason additions of Alonso (116 wRC+) and Taylor Ward (138 wRC+) have been solid. Even Samuel Basallo, one of their top prospects, has made a major impact this season with a 123 wRC+.

But it's their mainstays that are struggling and holding them back. Gunnar Henderson is hitting for just an 88 wRC+ with a batting average just barely above the Mendoza line. Colton Cowser has also been a disappointment with just a 45 wRC+.

The offense needs to pick it up a lot more, especially if the pitching is going to stay as leaky as it has been.

No. 20 - Kansas City Royals

It looked pretty bleak just a week or so ago, but Kansas City has started to get things turned around by going 7-2 over its last nine games. Both hitting and pitching have been clicking in that span, with the Royals averaging five runs per game in that span.

From a season-long perspective, there's still work to be done on the offensive side as they're posting a 96 wRC+. Bobby Witt Jr. has started to get things rolling, now hitting for a 130 wRC+ while leading the league in fWAR. If he can get more help in the lineup, then Kansas City may be able to make a run at the AL Central.

No. 19 - Miami Marlins

The Marlins make for a very interesting offense to follow. They're posting just a league average wRC+ at 100, but the top of their lineup (Xavier Edwards, Otto Lopez, Liam Hicks) all are hitting for a 150 wRC+ or better.

Lopez is actually the league leader in hits with 55 on the season. There's a lot of potential with this Marlins lineup; it just needs to all come together. At 4.5 GB of an NL Wild Card spot, they've got some work to do, but with plenty of time to do it.

No. 18 - Arizona Diamondbacks

It's been so up and down for Arizona this season. May has been especially tough thanks to the offense disappearing. Some of that's tough competition, but mostly it's been an overall lack of power.

Their full season wRC+ sits at 94, down to 23rd overall. In a hitting environment like Chase Field, that just simply isn't going to cut it. Corbin Carroll (140 wRC+) is doing his part, while Ildemaro Vargas is fighting with the Marlins' Lopez for the batting average lead in the league.

But Ketel Marte has been rather quiet, posting just a 74 wRC+. That's very unlike him and is a major reason that Arizona feels a bit held back right now.

No. 17 - Toronto Blue Jays

It's been a rather quiet season for Toronto as they have battled through injuries to their lineup and rotation. That's held them back a bit as they're just 18-22 on the season with a 96 wRC+.

But maybe things are going to start to turn around. George Springer is back in the lineup after missing time with a foot injury. Toronto has also started to see Kazuma Okamoto really figure things out, now hitting for a 128 wRC+ with 10 homers.

Kazuma Okamoto is up to 10 home runs on the season 💥 pic.twitter.com/cqx8fzq5Rj

— MLB (@MLB) May 5, 2026

It's been slow for Toronto, but they should be able to get things turned around here rather shortly.

No. 16 - Athletics

Is it time for us to start considering the A's as a real threat in the AL West? Their 101 wRC+ makes them a top-10 offense, and they hold a two-game lead over the Rangers for the AL West lead.

Nick Kurtz is continuing to back his 2025 campaign that saw him win AL Rookie of the Year as he's hitting for a 139 wRC+. But Shea Langeliers is bringing the power to Sacramento, hitting 11 homers on the year for a 176 wRC+.

Pitching is a worry, but the lineup is doing all it can to force us to ask the question, "Are the A's for real?"

No. 15 - Cincinnati Reds

The Reds started the season hot with an early run at the NL Central lead. Of course, everyone in the NL Central has been cooking this season, but the Reds looked like they had the pieces that contenders look for.

But after a series win over the Rockies that got them to 20-11 on the season, they lost eight straight. An underwhelming offense seems to have caught up with them a bit, as their 87 wRC+ is fourth worst in the league. There's a lot of talent in the lineup, and Sal Stewart is an early contender for NL Rookie of the Year, but some things are getting worrisome in Cincinnati.

No. 14 - Philadelphia Phillies

Safe to say they're getting things figured out? They're 9-3 over their last 12 games and finally look like the NL contender they've been for what feels like most of the 2020s.

A season-long wRC+ of 93 isn't inspiring, but they're hitting for a 112 wRC+ over that 12-game span. Schwarber is back to blasting everything out of the park, now up to 16 homers after sending two deep against the Rockies on Sunday.

The Phillies are starting to figure things out and shouldn't have many issues getting themselves back into a wild card spot when all is said and done.

No. 13 - Texas Rangers

Well, hey, a series win over the Cubs is a great way to instill some confidence into a fan base that may have had questions about just how good they could be this year. There's maybe a bit to be desired in the lineup, whose 94 wRC+ isn't exactly inspiring, but there's a bit more flexibility when your pitching is that good.

Brandon Nimmo has been a great offseason acquisition for the Rangers, hitting in the leadoff spot and posting a 127 wRC+. But it's Josh Jung that's been the unsung hero. His 149 wRC+ leads the Rangers as a threat to always hit the ball hard when he's up.

Things are solid in Arlington right now, but if guys like Corey Seager can find a way to turn things around, then they may become a very, very strong team in the American League.

No. 12 - St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been one of the more unexpected surprises this season, especially since it looked like they were in a position to rebuild. They've started off hot and are in contention in the NL Central, hitting for a 104 wRC+.

The headliner here is undoubtedly Jordan Walker and his team-leading 166 wRC+. But Ivan Herrera is right behind him at 144. JJ Wetherholt is making a strong start as a rookie with his 119 wRC+.

The Cardinals have quite a bit of intrigue in their lineup and are a threat early on. If the pitching starts to improve, then they'll be a serious threat in both the NL Central and the Wild Card race.

No. 11 - Detroit Tigers

There may have been no bigger gut punch that was dealt this week than the news that Tarik Skubal would need surgery on his elbow that would keep him out multiple months. The Tigers had been playing well prior to that, but haven't won a game since the news broke.

From a season-long perspective, their 100 wRC+ is formidable, but they've scored three or fewer runs in four of their last five games.Riley Greene and Kevin McGonigle continue to be strong threats, but the rest of the lineup seems to have quite a few questions.

It's about to get contentious in Detroit, and it'd behoove them to have the bats be as effective as possible.

No. 10 - Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians just consistently find ways to survive and succeed. In 2026, it's no different. You know they've got Jose Ramirez on the roster, but your average fan doesn't know who else is behind him.

Chase DeLauter is an early AL Rookie of the Year favorite, smacking the ball around for a team-leading 152 wRC+. Daniel Schneemann is also a bit of an unsung hero for Cleveland, hitting for a very solid 133 wRC+ that ranks second behind DeLauter.

But the team is only hitting for a 95 wRC+ combined. That's not bad, but you need really solid pitching for that number to succeed. They're winning, but if the pitching slips up, we may see the Guardians struggle a lot.

No. 9 - Seattle Mariners

When you look at the Mariners' offensive stats, you would assume they'd have a better record than 19-22. They've got a 104 wRC+, tied for seventh in the league. They're top 10 in homers and walk rate. Everything screams playoff contender when you look at it.

But some things just haven't added up. They've got a host of players hitting well above league average, but one of those is not Cal Raleigh. He's only hitting for a 67 wRC+, well behind last year's outstanding 161 mark.

If Raleigh can get things clicking, then that would likely push Seattle's offense over the edge and make them a dominant force in the American League.

No. 8 - Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have, for most of this season, been driven by excellent pitching. They're loaded with fantastic starters. But the offense has finally started to pick things up and now has a 105 wRC+ that ranks sixth in the league.

You know about Oneil Cruz and how hard he hits the ball. But it's Brandon Lowe who's leading the charge with a 161 wRC+ and 10 homers. Ryan O'Hearn, Bryan Reynolds, Nick Gonzales, and Spencer Horwitz are all hitting for a 119 wRC+ or better.

THAT'S 🔟 HOMERS ON THE SEASON FOR BRANDON LOWE! pic.twitter.com/NZ8wcRV3rM

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 7, 2026

The Pirates aren't exactly an offensive powerhouse, but they definitely will make you pay if you make a mistake. They're for real in the NL Central.

No. 7 - Milwaukee Brewers

This season hasn't yielded the same fruitful results that Milwaukee got last season, but they're still very much in the thick of things in the National League. They've been incredibly solid from a pitching perspective, but the hitting has been a bit underwhelming for a team with the goals Milwaukee has.

They're hitting for just a 97 wRC+ that ranks 17th in the league. They're tied for the fewest homers in the league alongside the Giants. They're also posting the highest ground-ball rate in the league at 50.6%. A high ground-ball rate usually doesn't translate to offensive success.

A series sweep against the Yankees is fantastic and should be a huge confidence booster. But the offense has worrying signs that may hold them back down the line.

No. 6 - San Diego Padres

The Padres split their four-game series against the Cardinals this weekend. While they would have preferred another win or two, thanks to a slide from the Dodgers, they're now tied for the NL West lead.

A lot of that success this season has come off the mound, though. The offense is posting just a 92 wRC+ that ranks 25th overall, tied with the Rockies. The power just hasn't been there for them. No example of that is better than the fact that Fernando Tatis Jr. still hasn't hit a home run this season.

A host of the Padres' normal offensive contributors have been slacking this year. But once they turn it around, they should be able to get on a nice winning streak and continue to challenge LA for the NL West lead.

No. 5 - Tampa Bay Rays

On April 21st, the Rays lost 12-6 to the Cincinnati Reds to drop to a 12-11 record. Since then, they've been one of the best teams in baseball, going 14-2. That's gotten them atop the AL East in a year where it seemed like a wild card may be their best outcome. But that's just what the Rays always seem to do.

Offensively, though, there may be a lot they need to do in order to stay this competitive. From a season-long perspective, they're hitting for a 96 wRC+ that ranks 18th overall. During their 14-2 run, they're hitting for just a 93 wRC+.

Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Yandy Diaz are the Rays' only continuous starters with a wRC+ above 100. Tampa's pitching is great, but the hitting needs to improve for them to stay atop the AL East throughout the season.

No. 4 - Los Angeles Dodgers

No one's particularly worried about the Dodgers' chances in the postseason. They've been a team that basically plays like they know they're making it to October because, well, they basically always do. But recently they've been in a slide and haven't looked as formidable as you'd expect.

Their 121 wRC+ throughout the season is tied for first, along with the Chicago Cubs. But over the last 14 days, that's dropped to 95. Not bad, but not what you expect for a team like the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani has been spectacular on the mound, but his bat is producing a 126 wRC+. That's still a fantastic number, but it's the lowest it's been for him since 2019. That power should come back, and when it does, the Dodgers will start to look like the team we expect them to look like once again.

No. 3 - New York Yankees

Prior to the Yankees getting swept by the Brewers this weekend, they were primed for elevation in our rankings. But that's going to have to wait for another day.

New York still has the league's fourth-best offense with a 117 wRC+. Judge is the headliner, but it's Ben Rice you need to be looking out for right now. His 203 wRC+ is the highest among all qualified hitters and the strongest in a lineup that doesn't have many easy outs.

The Yankees are down after the weekend, but it won't be for long.

No. 2- Chicago Cubs

One of the hottest teams in the league, the Cubs are winners in 10 of their last 12 games. While the pitching has been outperforming its norms, the offense has been phenomenal. They're hitting for a league-leading 121 wRC+, a huge reason they now have the second-best record in the league.

Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ have been the main power sources for the Cubs. Moises Ballesteros is making an early push for NL Rookie of the Year, hitting for a 139 wRC+.

The Cubs are hitting their stride and are a real threat in the National League.

No. 1 - Atlanta Braves

The top team in our rankings for the second week in a row is the Braves. They are absolutely cruising thanks to a very effective offense. Their 119 wRC+ ranks third overall. Paired with their strong pitching, it makes for an elite combo.

Matt Olson has been one of the league's best hitters, posting a 178 wRC+ that's tied for third best among qualified hitters. That's backed by 13 home runs. Drake Baldwin and Ozzie Albies have also been really efficient at the plate, providing tons of support for the Braves.

Matt Olson clobbers his fifth home run of May 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0VRrmYfxib

— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2026

They should also be getting Ronald Acuna Jr. back from a hamstring injury this week. That's only going to make the Braves stronger. They are our top team and should be in the running throughout the season.

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