As spring training begins, CBS Sports has released its power rankings for the best projected offenses in the 2026 MLB season. The list highlights teams with strong lineups, potential bounce-backs, and key additions, led by the Los Angeles Dodgers. It ranks the top 10 teams based on expected power and depth.
Spring training is underway, prompting early projections for the 2026 MLB season. CBS Sports analyst R.J. Anderson compiled a subjective top 10 list of teams expected to feature the strongest offenses, focusing on power, depth, and lineup potential. He notes that predictions can falter, as seen when the Atlanta Braves ranked second in a similar 2025 exercise but finished 13th in runs scored.
The Los Angeles Dodgers top the rankings as defending champions, having placed second in runs, sixth in batting average, and second in OPS in 2025. Their lineup includes Shohei Ohtani, described as the second-best hitter in baseball, along with former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Additions like Kyle Tucker address age concerns, while Will Smith and Teoscar Hernández provide offensive strength at catcher and outfield, respectively. Andy Pages hit .272 with a 114 OPS+ and 27 home runs last season and is projected to bat eighth or ninth.
The New York Yankees rank second after leading MLB in runs, home runs (by 30 over the next closest), and OPS in 2025. Aaron Judge is highlighted as the best hitter in baseball, outperforming Ohtani at the plate over recent seasons. Despite expected declines from Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr. achieved a 30-30 season, and Ben Rice is set for more plate appearances.
Third is the Atlanta Braves, with significant bounce-back potential after a down 2025. Ronald Acuña Jr. returns for a full season post-ACL recovery, having won MVP the last time he played a complete year. Austin Riley, 28, earned top-seven MVP votes from 2021-23, while Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II regained form late last season. Matt Olson remains a middle-order threat, and Drake Baldwin won Rookie of the Year.
The New York Mets place fourth, ninth in runs and sixth in OPS in 2025, with Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto forming a strong top of the order. They miss Pete Alonso's power but added Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Marcus Semien. Potential from Mark Vientos, Luis Robert, and Francisco Alvarez adds upside.
Fifth are the Athletics, seventh in home runs and fifth in slugging in 2025, benefiting from their Sacramento ballpark. Nick Kurtz excelled late last year, hitting .309/.409/.691 with 24 doubles, 35 homers, and 80 RBI in 94 games, on pace for nearly 50 homers. Shea Langeliers hit 31 homers, and Brent Rooker is a reliable All-Star slugger.
The Seattle Mariners rank sixth, ninth in runs and 10th in OPS despite a pitcher-friendly home park. Julio Rodríguez, 25, has two 30-30 seasons and may overcome slow starts. Additions include Josh Naylor and Brendan Donovan via trade.
Seventh are the Toronto Blue Jays, defending AL champions and fourth in runs, third in OPS in 2025. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchors the middle, with Daulton Varsho hitting over 20 homers in half a season, though departures like Bo Bichette and Anthony Santander's injury pose challenges.
The Chicago Cubs are eighth, seventh in OPS and fifth in runs in 2025 after early success faded due to slumps. They signed Alex Bregman after losing Kyle Tucker, with Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ providing consistency.
Ninth are the Philadelphia Phillies, eighth in runs and fourth in OPS in 2025, led by Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper, but with questions surrounding Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, Adolis García, Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto, and rookie Justin Crawford.
Rounding out the top 10 are the Baltimore Orioles, who endured a poor 2025 but added power hitters Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso. They ranked fourth in runs in 2024, with upside from Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, Dylan Beavers, and Samuel Basallo.
Honorable mentions go to the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas City Royals.
