MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers Land Skubal as Rutschman Moves to Boston

The Dodgers maintained their No. 1 spot in the MLB Power Rankings after acquiring Tarik Skubal from the Tigers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured the top spot in the post-deadline MLB Power Rankings with a 69-46 record after acquiring starting pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. This blockbuster deal occurred on Saturday night, preceding a flurry of activity before the Monday 6 p.m. ET cutoff. The Baltimore Orioles executed a major intradivisional trade, sending franchise catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Alex Hoppe and pitching prospects Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon.

Starting pitching dominated the market as the Chicago White Sox landed Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners, while the Chicago Cubs acquired Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. The San Diego Padres finalized a deal for Casey Mize from the Tigers just before the deadline closed, adding him to a rotation that now includes Robbie Ray, formerly of the San Francisco Giants. Philadelphia bolstered its infield by landing second baseman Luis Arraez from the Giants, alongside relievers Caleb Kilian and Brooks Raley.

Top Five Contenders and Rotation Overhauls

Following the Dodgers at No. 1, the Milwaukee Brewers hold the No. 2 rank with a 71-43 record. Milwaukee’s deadline haul featured starting pitcher Dustin May and reliever JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, Antonio Senzatela from the Rockies, and catcher Bo Naylor from the Guardians. The Atlanta Braves remain at No. 3 with a 69-45 record, having added starter Tyler Mahle from the Giants, reliever Brent Suter from the Angels, and outfielder Lane Thomas from the Royals.

At No. 4, the 68-46 Tampa Bay Rays integrated catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks from the Marlins, starter Freddy Peralta from the Mets, and reliever Tyler Wells from the Orioles. The Chicago Cubs jumped to No. 5 with a 66-49 record. Beyond Gausman, the Cubs added pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets, plus relievers Ryan Zeferjahn and Aaron Civale.

American League Roster Shifts

The New York Yankees fell to No. 6 despite a 64-51 record, acquiring first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. from the Nationals and outfielder Heliot Ramos from the Giants while trading away relievers Camilo Doval and Jake Bird. The Boston Red Sox climbed to No. 8 in the rankings at 62-51. In addition to Rutschman, Boston brought in reliever Erik Miller and infielder Curtis Mead, while parting with infielder Marcelo Mayer and pitcher Connelly Early.

The Chicago White Sox, ranked No. 9 at 59-54, added outfielder Brenton Doyle from the Rockies but traded reliever Seranthony Dominguez to the Mariners. Seattle, at No. 16, utilized that trade to offset the loss of Castillo, also adding outfielder Taylor Ward from Baltimore. The Cleveland Guardians (57-58) acquired starter Foster Griffin, outfielder Jo Adell, and Nathaniel Lowe, while sending Bo Naylor and Codi Heuer elsewhere.

National League and Rebuilding Moves

The Arizona Diamondbacks moved to No. 10 after acquiring outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the Cardinals. The Pittsburgh Pirates, now No. 14, focused on their bullpen by landing Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, Lake Bachar, and Camilo Doval. Conversely, the Miami Marlins traded away Liam Hicks, Braxton Garrett, and Lake Bachar, receiving reliever Victor Vodnik in return.

In the lower third of the rankings, the Toronto Blue Jays (54-61) overhauled their roster by trading Gausman, Daulton Varsho, and prospect Arjun Nimmala. Toronto received starters Jose Soriano, Spencer Arrighetti, and Jameson Taillon. The New York Mets, sitting at No. 25 with a 49-66 record, acted as major sellers, moving Holmes, Peralta, Weaver, Raley, Minter, and Taylor to acquire prospects Aidan Smith, Émilien Pitre, Sammy Stafura, and Gary Gill Hill. The Los Angeles Angels (43-71) traded five veterans to acquire catcher Moises Ballesteros, Nacho Alvarez Jr., and prospect Mason McGwire.