It’s time for one last go-round: Before October swings into full madness, here are your MLB power rankings, playoff edition.
1. Atlanta Braves (104–58)
Surprise, surprise. Atlanta has been the best team in baseball for much of the year and retains that status heading into October. This is a historically powerful offense: It tied the record for most home runs in a season (307) and finished with the highest OPS+ of any team since MLB integrated in 1948. A whopping 10 players finished the season with double-digit home runs. There isn’t a weak spot in this lineup. Yes, there are some concerns around the starting pitching right now: Max Fried finished the season on the IL with a blister, though he should return for the NLDS, and Charlie Morton is out with a finger injury. But with ace Spencer Strider and a solid bullpen, there’s still plenty to like about this staff. And besides—this lineup can do a lot to cover for any weak spots there. Atlanta is the favorite for a reason.
