The Milwaukee Brewers finished the regular season No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings. But are they the team to beat in Major League Baseball’s playoffs?
That’s a question for another day, and another story, even. For now, though, it’s time to pause before the postseason mayhem and toast the demons of Dairyland, who finished the year 97-65, most in the major leagues and a club record, topping their 2018 and 2011 clubs that won 96 games on their way to the National League Championship Series.
‘Nobody was expecting this,’ ace Freddy Peralta told reporters in Milwaukee after a successful two-inning playoff tuneup.
He’s not wrong about that. Now, to get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2018 – though that’s a problem for another day.
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Milwaukee Brewers (-)
- Closer Trevor Megill off the IL just in time for a crisp inning in season finale.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (-)
- Trea Turner’s hamstring heals up in time for regular season return.
3. New York Yankees (+3)
- Aaron Judge, meet Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle: The only dudes to win a batting title and hit at least 50 home runs in a season.
4. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)
- With pitchers scuffling and Bo Bichette mending, can certainly use the five days off as No. 1 seed.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)
- Clayton Kershaw’s final line: 223-96, 2.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 3,052 strikeouts in 2,855 1/3 innings.
6. Chicago Cubs (-1)
- 92 wins their most since 2018.
7. Seattle Mariners (-)
- They’re ‘optimistic’ about Bryan Woo’s return from pectoral injury for playoffs.
8. Boston Red Sox (+1)
- Four dudes (Trevor Story, Ceddane Rafaela, David Hamilton and Jarren Duran) stole at least 20 bases.
9. San Diego Padres (+1)
- Posted consecutive 90-win seasons for first time in franchsie history.
10. Cleveland Guardians (+1)
- Nope, it’s still not Browns season yet.
11. Detroit Tigers (-4)
- 1-5 against the Guardians the last two weeks. That won’t matter come Game 1 Tuesday.
12. Houston Astros (-)
- Will heads roll after first playoff miss since 2016?
13. New York Mets (-)
- Pete Alonso is ready to get paid. Can Mets live without hiim?
14. Cincinnati Reds (-)
- No biggie, just gotta take out L.A. and Philly in back-to-back playoff series.
15. San Francisco Giants (-)
- He did it: Willy Adames posts Giants’ first 30-homer season since Barry Bonds.
16. Kansas City Royals (+2)
- Carlos Estevez led the majors with 42 saves.
17. Texas Rangers (-2)
- Jake Burger bound for surgery to repair tendon in wrist.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks (-2)
- Roller-coaster season ends with five-game losing streak to finish 80-82.
19. Miami Marlins (+1)
- Denying Mets a playoff berth extends good vibes toward 2026.
20. St. Louis Cardinals (-1)
- With roster reconstruction ahead, Sonny Gray now open to waiving no-trade clause.
21. Tampa Bay Rays (-)
- Chandler Simpson’s arrival as offensive threat might be year’s best development.
22. Atlanta Braves (-)
- Emotional goodbye for Charlie Morton a nice touch by organization.
23. Baltimore Orioles (-)
- Tony Mansolino finishes interim manager run with 60-59 record.
24. Athletics (-)
- After disillusioning the Yolo County faithful, they tease using ‘Sacramento’ on uniforms next year.
25. Los Angeles Angels (-)
- Playoff drought extends to 11 years.
26. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)
- Paul Skenes about to win the Cy Young Award with 10 wins.
27. Minnesota Twins (-)
- Rocco Baldelli’s fate unknown as rocky season concludes.
28. Washington Nationals (-)
- A hearty ‘See. You. Later!’ to retiring broadcaster Bob Carpenter.
29. Chicago White Sox (-)
- ‘Just’ 102 losses this time. Beats 120, for sure.
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
- Bar can’t go any lower than 43-119. Right?