The 2026 MLB season has begun to form some long-term narratives, as the top teams have started to separate themselves from the pack. And the league’s standings contain a bunch of surprises.
The NL Central continues to be excellent, with all five teams floating above .500. Meanwhile, the NL West is a puzzle as the Padres have a far worse run differential than the Dodgers but are tied with the defending World Series champs in the loss column. The reigning American League pennant winners are in fourth place in their division, with the Blue Jays 9 1/2 games behind the AL East-leading Rays. Then there are the White Sox, baseball’s biggest surprise. Chicago rides a five-game win streak into the weekend and sits above .500 at 22–21. Where will the South Siders wind up in this week’s power rankings? Let’s find out as we highlight a player from each team who entered this season with higher expectations.
