Brewers claim top spot in MLB rankings as Dodgers’ reign ends
Milwaukee ascends to No. 1, overtaking Los Angeles after nearly two months, while Tampa Bay rises past Atlanta in the latest ESPN assessment.
The Milwaukee Brewers have moved to the number one position in the MLB Power Rankings for Week 20, ending the Los Angeles Dodgers’ reign at the top of the league. The shift marks the first time in nearly two months that the Dodgers have not held the premier spot, with their previous run dating back to Week 12.
The Tampa Bay Rays have also climbed the rankings, leapfrogging the Atlanta Braves to secure the number three position. The Rays have maintained the best record in the American League since late June, winning nine consecutive games and 18 of their past 22 outings. Their strong home record at Tropicana Field and high number of series sweeps have positioned them as significant contenders ahead of the postseason.
Other notable movements in the top ten include the San Diego Padres entering at number ten, while the Chicago White Sox slipped to number eleven. The rankings, compiled by ESPN MLB experts Alden Gonzalez, Jorge Castillo, and David Schoenfield, reflect a combination of current performance and historical context across the 30-team league.
The Brewers’ ascent comes amidst internal roster adjustments, with Brice Turang starting at shortstop and Jihwan Bae taking second base. Despite these changes, the team faces a critical four-game series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have struggled recently, losing eight of nine games prior to their last series win, prompting manager Dave Roberts to publicly challenge his players to play with urgency.
As the regular season progresses, Major League Baseball prepares for the 2026 postseason, with the Wild Card Series scheduled to commence on 29 September 2026. The World Series is set to begin on 23 October, with a potential conclusion on 31 October. The current rankings underscore the shifting dynamics in both the National and American Leagues as teams jockey for position before the playoff push.
