The Los Angeles Dodgers won’t go wire-to-wire in the National League West – nor will they in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
The preseason No. 1 club may very well win a third consecutive championship this autumn but for now, they’ve been dislodged from the top spot for the first time this season by the Atlanta Braves.
The passing of the torch came head-to-head, as Atlanta won two of three games at Dodger Stadium and improve to a major league-best 28-13. Their plus-87 run differential is also tops in the majors, and they also lead in OPS and ERA.
Uh, any questions?
The Braves’ newfound position will be tested immediately, as they return home for a three-game series against the No. 3 Chicago Cubs, beginning Tuesday, May 10 at Truist Field.
A look at our updated rankings:
Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson are off to red-hot starts in 2026.
1. Atlanta Braves (+1)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)
Mookie Betts is back this week, not a moment too soon for flaccid offense.
3. Chicago Cubs (+1)
Have the Cubs rescued Michael Conforto? Batting .364 with 1.132 OPS in 55 plate appearances.
Nick Martinez’s 1.70 ERA is best in club history through eight games for a starter.
Sweep the Yankees for first time since they were an AL team – in 1989.
1 / 30
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(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)
1. Juan Soto, Mets – $61,875,000
1 / 30
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(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)
1. Juan Soto, Mets – $61,875,000
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2. Cody Bellinger, Yankees – $42,500,000
3 / 30
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3. Bo Bichette, Mets – $42 million
4 / 30
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3. Zack Wheeler, Phillies – $42 million
5 / 30
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5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays – $40,214,286
6 / 30
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6. Aaron Judge, Yankees – $40 million
7 / 30
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7. Anthony Rendon, Angels – $38,571,429
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8. Jacob deGrom, Rangers – $38 million
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9. Mike Trout, Angels – $37,116,667
10 / 30
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10. Gerrit Cole, Yankees – $36,000,000
11 / 30
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11. Jose Altuve, Astros – $33 million
12 / 30
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11. Kyle Tucker, Dodgers – $33 million
13 / 30
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13. Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers – $32,500,000
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14. Francisco Lindor, Mets – $32,477,277
15 / 30
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15. Tarik Skubal, Tigers – $32 million
16 / 30
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16. Carlos Correa, Astros – $31,500,000
17 / 30
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16. Corey Seager, Rangers – $31,500,000
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18. Sonny Gray, Red Sox – $31 million
19 / 30
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19. Corbin Burnes, Diamondbacks – $30,790,069
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20. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees – $29 million
21 / 30
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21. Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers – $28,536,643
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22. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers – $28,206,684
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23. Dansby Swanson, Cubs – $28 million
24 / 30
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24. Carlos Rodon, Yankees – $27,833,333
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25. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (*retired) – $27,814,045
26 / 30
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26. Bryce Harper, Phillies – $27,538,462
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27. Trea Turner, Phillies – $27,272,727
28 / 30
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28. Blake Snell, Dodgers – $27,152,056
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29. Kris Bryant, Rockies – $27 million
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30. Yordan Alvarez, Astros – $26,833,333
A Patrick Bailey-Austin Hedges catching duo won’t make anyone forget Johnny Bench.
12. Athletics (+3)
Not exactly a “Win one for the Gipper” response after Tarik Skubal’s injury.
Kyle Schwarber homers in four straight games for second time in his career.
Jacob de Grom is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA when pitching decisive game of series for Rangers.
Getting ugly: Cal Raleigh in an 0-for-32 hole, average down to .161.
“We’re trying to win. We’re trying to win this year,” GM Peter Bendix says after flurry of roster moves.
After getting outclassed in four-game sweep in Bronx, they get another shot at Yankees.
21. Kansas City Royals (+2)
22. Washington Nationals (-1)
Nasim Nuñez leads majors with 17 steals.
23. Chicago White Sox (+3)
Davis Martin, All-Star Game starting pitcher? Stranger things have happened.
24. New York Mets (-2)
Well, looks like Clay Holmes could fetch a nice haul at trade deadline, at least.
25. Minnesota Twins (-1)
Series win at Cleveland their first since April 15.
26. Houston Astros (-1)
27. Boston Red Sox (-)
Only Texas has scored fewer runs in AL.
28. San Francisco Giants (-)
Pragmatic or desperate? Dumping Gold Glove catcher Andrew Bailey is definitely something.
29. Los Angeles Angels (-)
Alek Manoah experience will begin with a “bulk guy” appearance.
Ethan Holliday with a three-homer week in A ball.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Braves overtake Dodgers for top spot
