Griff’s End-of-April MLB Power Rankings
Several Big Spenders off to surprisingly slow starts
The first month of the 2026 season has seen many predictable results, like the Dodgers and Yankees flexing their muscles early, but also has seen teams that had been forecast as mortal locks to make it to the post-season, struggling out of the gate.
Consider that through Wednesday’s action, the AL champion Jays, the Red Sox, M’s, Astros, Phillies and Mets were a combined 36 games below the .500 mark. Yes, we all know the cliches seemingly always out there – “it’s early”, “water finds its own level”, “cream rises to the top”, “it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” and more. But try and tell that to impatient fanbases in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and across Canada.
MLB DIVISION RANKINGS BASED ON W/L (through April 22): Overall the National League is a surprising 26 games above the break even mark in inter-league play. 1-NL Central + 24 (above .500) … 2-NL West +13 … 3-AL East -3 … T4-AL West -11 … T4-NL East -11 … 6-AL Central -12
BLUE JAYS ROTATION ISSUES: The Jays are having trouble in their first defence of an AL title since 1994. Sure, the team has suffered significant starting pitcher injuries, but they had stockpiled eight starters for such an eventuality. What had been a perceived surplus now seems prescient, acquired in anticipation of Shane Bieber’s expected 2026 delay, the Trey Yesavage slow build they knew would happen but they had hoped the could manage better, the Jose Berrios fallout with the uncertainty stemming from his leaving the team during the World Series. What the Jays didn’t anticipate was the season-ending injury to Cody Ponce. In light of that difficult blow, the Jays then signed another veteran starter off the street in LHP Patrick Corbin. It doesn’t get any easier. Now, it seems, they must deal with the mini-tempest surrounding their disgruntled fifth starter, lefty Eric Lauer.
The perceived split began with the 30-year-old losing his arbitration case in February, settling for $4.4M instead of his demand of $5.75M, then returning to training camp complaining about the process and how he was being undervalued because of his swing-man status even though he had been told the team would take care of him. That’s the ugly truth of arbitration. Then came an incident early in this past road trip. It surrounds his non-start, entering in the second inning as a bulk pitcher, coming in behind the opener. Lauer complained about his starting routine being disrupted and how much he hated the role. Problem is he didn’t tell manager John Schneider first. He did say to media that the decision was above his pay grade, which Schneider, when asked later, repeated and agreed with, telling his hurler to stay in his lane and just pitch when handed the ball. Finally came Lauer’s Sunday start in Anaheim, battling despite his velocity and stuff being below what it normally is and seemingly wrapped in more shoulder and upper back tape than a police action at a downtown shooting. Lauer maintained, “Nothing to see here”, while his manager, Schneider, maintained he had, in fact, first seen his gift-wrapped lefty when he was already out on the field. Hmm! On the road trip, Lauer spent more time under the bus than the Jays spent on it in a forced Greyhound ride from Phoenix to Anaheim on Sunday night.
Bottom line is that while there are injuries about to rejoin the team and the 50th anniversary of MLB in Toronto will continue to be a celebration for the Blue Jays. However winning the division and going deep into October, again, is not a given.
Here are the first month’s team power rankings, with some huge changes from the pre-season edition, which is always based on the previous season and the traditional spring mirages.
1-Dodgers
’26 Opening Payroll: $390.5M (1)
Manager: Dave Roberts
SUMMARY: You always have to just shake your head. Dodger arrogance knows no bounds. They lose a game to the Rockies and hint that there must be cheating going on. They lose their closer Edwin Diaz and rumours begin about acquiring Padres closer Mason Miller. Hello! The Pads sincerely believe they can beat you.
ACTIVE POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: CF Andy Pages 25 … 2B Alex Freeland 24 … C Dalton Rushing 25
2-Padres
’26 Opening Payroll: $262.1 (6)
Manager: Craig Stammen (R)
SUMMARY: Rotation took a blow with injury to Nick Pivetta, but if the Pads get to the 9th inning with a lead, Mason Miller makes sure it’s over. Great city, great ballpark, great chance to finish second again.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: CF Jackson Merrill 23
3-Yankees
’26 Opening Payroll: $333.2M (3)
Manager: Aaron Boone
SUMMARY: Bombers began the season on fire, but hit an 8-game speed bump. They are back on track now. The rotation cavalry is looming with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Meanwhile a team with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton mid-order should never finish under .500.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Anthony Volpe 25
4-Braves
’26 Opening Payroll: $246.5 (8)
Manager: Walt Weiss
SUMMARY: This is the often dominant Braves performance that people thought they would get last year. Weiss brings a fresh approach to the dugout and DH Dom Smith has been a pleasant surprise. Ronald Acuna Jr and Austin Riley are huge.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: C Drake Baldwin 25 … CF Michael Harris II 25
5-Cubs
’26 Opening Payroll: $240.09M (9)
Manager: Craig Counsell
SUMMARY: The Cubs were off to a concerning start and did not reach above .500 until Game 19 on April 19, but now back on track in the best division in baseball, a five-team fact that nobody ever saw coming.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: DH Moises Ballesteros 23 … CF Pete Crow-Armstrong 23 … IF Matt Shaw 24
6-Reds
’26 Opening Payroll: $146.7M (19)
Manager: Terry Francona
SUMMARY: Feeling good for Tito Francona (friend of Griff’s The Pitch) and his quick start in the, suddenly, powerful NL Central. 1B Sal Stewart and SS Elly de la Cruz leading the way with eight homers each in the Great American Bandbox.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS de la Cruz 24 … 1B Stewart 22 … RF Rece Hinds 25
7-Brewers
’26 Opening Payroll: $129.1M (21)
Manager: Pat Murphy
SUMMARY: The Jays can surely confirm the Brewers if they wish to claim the title as kings of small-ball, a style of play necessary when you’re bottom third in team payroll. But bottom line is they are in the playoffs year-after-year.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: OF Jackson Chourio 22 … OF Luis Matos 24
8-Tigers
’26 Opening Payroll: $236.7M (10)
Manager: A.J. Hinch
SUMMARY: Tigers are built for this year and the immediate future with a lineup featuring just one 30-year-old and a pitching staff of well-paid veterans who have been there, done that, including Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez and CL Kenley Jansen.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Kevin McConigle 23 … 3B Colt Keith 25 … LF Riley Greene 25 … IF Hao-Yu Lee 23
9-Pirates
’26 Opening Payroll: $120.7M (22)
Manager: Don Kelly
SUMMARY: Pirates are doing a good job thus far in proving to their lone superstar Paul Skenes that they can be contenders, before he can demand to leave. But is it sustainable. After a brutal start to thew season, Oneil Cruz is showing all-star form.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Connor Griffin 20 … IF Nick Yorke 24
10-Cardinals
’26 Opening Payroll: $118.6 (24)
Manager: Oliver Marmol
SUMMARY: One of the youngest teams in terms of position players, this was expected to be a total rebuild year, but don’t tell the Cards’ clubhouse. Rotation reads like a firm of Buffalo Injury Attorneys.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: 2B JJ Wetherholt 24 … RF Jordan Walker 24 … SS Masyn Winn 24 … LF Nathan Church 25 … CF Victor Scott II 25 … IF Thomas Segese 24
11-Diamondbacks
’26 Opening Payroll: $186.3M (16)
Manager: Torey Lovullo
SUMMARY: Playoff won’t be easy once again playing in a division with Dodgers and Padres, but a talented, versatile offence led by Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte is a good place to start.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: RF Carroll 25 … DH Jose Fernandez 23 … OF Jorge Barrosa 25 … 1B Tyler Locklear 25 … OF Jordan Lawler 24
12-Rays
’26 Opening Payroll: $105.2M (27)
Manager: Kevin Cash
SUMMARY: Back playing in the worst ballpark in baseball after a year as reluctant tenants at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays rely on Junior Caminero, on team speed and a new crop of overachieving pitchers. Shane McClanahan returns after a full year off.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: LF Chandler Simpson 25 … 3B Junior Caminero 23 … IF Ben Williamson 25
13-Guardians
’26 Opening Payroll: $97.7M (29)
Manager: Stephen Vogt
SUMMARY: Jose Ramirez at age 33 is on pace for a 30HR-60SB season. Parker Messick flirted with a no-hitter two starts ago and combines with Gavin Williams atop a steady rotation. Stephen Vogt going for AL Manager-of-the-year hat trick.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: RF Chase de Lauter 24 … 1B Kyle Manzardo 25 … LG George Valens 25 … SS Brayan Rocchio 25 … IF Juan Brito 25 … OF Angel Martinez 24
14-Rangers
’26 Opening Payroll: $200.1M (14)
Manager: Skip Schumaker
SUMMARY: The trade for Brandon Nimmo, a rebound by Evan Carter and the continued development of Wyatt Langford give the Rangers one of the best outfields in the AL. Danny Jansen 15 starts and has thrown out 43% of base stealers.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: LF Langford 24 … CF Carter 24 … IF Cody Freeman 25
15-Orioles
’26 Opening Payroll: $201.5M (13)
Manager: Craig Albernaz (R)
SUMMARY: Rookie manager suffered a broken jaw in the dugout on a linedrive foul. He is forced to eat baby food while his team is taking baby steps to contention. Found a bonus in team RBI leader 2B Jeremiah Jackson, filling for injured Jackson Holliday.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Gunnar Henderson 25 … DH Dylan Beavers 25 … C Samuel Basallo 22 … 3B Coby Mayo 24 … 2B Holliday 22
16 Athletics
’26 Opening Payroll: $131.9M (20)
Manager: Mark Kotsay
SUMMARY: A’s want their contending team to be ready for the move to their future pleasure palace in Vegas. They look to be well on the way with players like Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler and more.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: 1B Kurtz 23 …LF Tyler Soderstrom 24 … SS Wilson 24 … 3B Max Muncy 24 … RF Butler 25 … IF Darrell Hernaiz 25
17-Mariners
’26 Opening Payroll: $181.2M (18)
Manager: Dan Wilson
SUMMARY: M’s rotation is still imposing but the offence has sputtered early. Big Dumper and Josh Naylor are both batting under .190 and have combined for just six homers. CDN Matt Brash with 9 shutout appearances in relief.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: CF Julio Rodriguez 25 … 2B Cole Young 23
18-Twins
’26 Opening Payroll: $119.2M (23)
Manager: Derek Shelton
SUMMARY: After trading away most of last year’s bullpen and losing starting ace Pablo Lopez to injury, not much was expected but they “wanna party like it’s 1991”. Taj Bradley has stepped up to head the rotation in his first full Twins season.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: 2B Luke Keaschall 24 … SS Brooks Lee 25
19-Blue Jays
’26 Opening Payroll: $300.3M (5)
Manager: John Schneider
SUMMARY: Thankfully flying under the radar with their fans as the first round of Stanley Cup playoffs unfold with three CDN teams alive, the Jays need to sort out the bullpen and welcome some healthy bodies back to the fold. Have $104.5M in payroll currently on the IL.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: C Brandon Valenzuela 25
20-Phillies
’26 Opening Payroll: $311.2M (4)
Manager: Rob Thomson
SUMMARY: Another Top 10 payroll team struggling to win games in April. Ace starter Zach Wheeler and dominant closer Jhoan Duran already on IL and will now be joined by all-star catcher J.T. Realmuto.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: CF Justin Crawford 23 … IF Felix Reyes 25
21-Red Sox
’26 Opening Payroll: $256.1M (7)
Manager: Alex Cora
SUMMARY: Mix in a terrible version of Garret Crochet with an IL’d Sonny Gray and with being out-homered 30-13 by opponents and you have the ’26 Red Sox. Things will improve but for now they’re no better than 21 in the power rankings.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: LF Roman Anthony 22, CF Ceddanne Rafaela 25 … 2B Marcelo Mayer 23
22-Giants
’26 Opening Payroll: $223.6M (12)
Manager: Tony Vitello (R)
SUMMARY: You’re not in college, anymore, Coach Vitello. The former Tennessee Volunteers head coach and his (originally from New York) Giants are 1-6 at home vs. the current NYC teams, Yankees and Mets. Giants are in tough in a division led by the Dodgers, Padres and D’backs.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: OF Drew Gilbert 25 … C Daniel Susac 25
23-Marlins
’26 Opening Payroll: $78.1M (30)
Manager: Clayton McCullough
SUMMARY: The Fish have settled back into a losing record after an 8-5 start, but have a high development ceiling led by a trio of Canadian position players, C Liam Hicks, SS Otto Lopez and OF Owen Caissie (call them the RCM3). Nice to see former Cy guy Sandy Alcantara off to a solid start to his ‘26 season.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: CF Jakob Marsee 25 … C Agustin Ramirez 25 … OF Caissie 24 … IF Leo Jimenez 25 … IF Javier Sanoja 25 … 3B Graham Pauley 25
24-Angels
’26 Opening Payroll: $187.0M (15)
Manager: Kurt Suzuki (R)
SUMMARY: The resurgence of Mike Trout, the dominance of Jose Soriano, the athleticism of Jo Adell, the development of Zack Neto and maybe even the bench coaching of John Gibbons has made this an interesting Angels early season.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Neto 25 … 1B Nolan Schanuel 24 …IF Vaughn Grissom 25 … IF Oswald Peraza 25
25-Astros
’26 Opening Payroll: $228.2M (11)
Manager: Joe Espada
SUMMARY: Astros have a ridiculously high total of 16 players on the IL, including Hunter Brown, plus three other starting pitchers, their closer Josh Hader and all-star shortstop.Jeremy Pena. Thankfully, a healthy Yordan Alvarez with 11 HR, 26 RBIs and a 1.245 OPS is making a bid for MVP.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: RF Cam Smith 23 … OF Brice Matthews 24 … IF Zack Dezenzo 25
26-Mets
’26 Opening Payroll: $368.7M (2)
Manager: Carlos Mendoza
SUMMARY: The Dirty Dozen of Mets consecutive losses came to an end when Juan Soto returned to the lineup on Wednesday night, but that was balanced with an injury to Francisco Lindor (right calf strain) and the continued struggles of Bo Bichette.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: OF Carson Benge 23 … C Francisco Alvarez 24
27-Nationals
’26 Opening Payroll: $102.4M (28)
Manager: Blake Butera (R)
SUMMARY: The youngest front office in baseball is leaning on its young offence to lead them into the future. Pitching is a problem, with a Team ERA of 5.65. How bad? Conside that they felt a need to add LHP Dick Lovelady for a second go-round. That is all we need to know.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: RF James Wood 24 … 3B Brady House 23 … SS CJ Abrams 25 … LF Daylen Lile 23 … 2B Nasim Nunez 25 … DH Jose Tena 25 … IF Curtis Mead 25 … IF Jorbit Vivas 25
28-Royals
’26 Opening Payroll: $181.7M (17)
Manager: Matt Quatraro
SUMMARY: The Royals were one of the trendy picks to take the next step, building off of last year’s 82 wins. Team ended an 8-game losing streak recently, but don’t blame consistent, veteran starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. Vinnie Pasquantino has struggled coming off his WBC celebrity and success.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Bobby Witt Jr 25 … DH Carter Jensen 23 … RF Jac Caglianone 23
29-White Sox
’26 Opening Payroll: $105.2M (26)
Manager: Will Venable
SUMMARY: This team has nowhere to go but up. Have made off season moves to be better, with the best Japanese signing of 2026 being 1B Munetaka Murakami. The Team ERA of 5.12 needs to improve for them to move up in the rankings. But they are young and trying to get better.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: SS Colson Montgomery 24 … RF Everson Pereira 25 … LF Sam Antonacci 25 … C Edgar Quero 23 … 2B Chase Meidroth 25 … CF Luisangel Acuna 21 … C Kyle Teel 24 … OF Brooks Baldwin 25
30-Rockies
’26 Opening Payroll: $105.3M (25)
Manager: Warren Schaefer
SUMMARY: Rox have showed six pitchers make more than one start in the first month and the youngest was 29-years-old, with an average age of 33.5. At Mile High altitude, the toughest part of a Rockies build is attracting and keeping young pitchers. Add to that, they are in tough with other division opponents in the NL West.
POSITION PLAYERS 25 OR YOUNGER: 1B TJ Rumfield 25 … SS Ezequiel Tover 25 … 3B Kyle Karros 24 … OF Jordan Beck 24