Dodgers retain top spot in ESPN’s MLB core talent rankings as Brewers surge
ESPN’s 2026 evaluation of Major League Baseball teams places the Los Angeles Dodgers first for star talent under contract through 2028, while the Milwaukee Brewers jump to second.
ESPN has released its 2026 Major League Baseball core talent rankings, assessing all 30 clubs based on the star power of players under contract for the next two full seasons, 2027 and 2028. The Los Angeles Dodgers have retained the number one position, a ranking they have held since 2024, despite concerns regarding an aging core. The organisation’s elite tier is anchored by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with the franchise maintaining a mix of high-salary veterans and emerging young players to sustain its competitive edge.
The most significant movement in the rankings belongs to the Milwaukee Brewers, who have surged to second place, up from 13th in the 2025 evaluation. This climb is attributed to a deep roster of big leaguers and upper-minors talent, including Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio. The Brewers are noted for having the deepest list by a significant margin, with their minor league system producing consistent performance that allows them to compete with higher-payroll teams.
The Boston Red Sox occupy the third position, featuring a strong "plus" tier that includes Payton Tolle, Willson Contreras, and Roman Anthony. The New York Yankees follow in fourth, retaining elite status for Aaron Judge and Cam Schlittler. The Yankees’ ranking benefits from significant payroll control over key stars such as Gerrit Cole and Max Fried, allowing them to maintain a competitive core without the volatility of short-term free agency.
The Atlanta Braves round out the top five, relying on Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, and Ronald Acuna Jr. The franchise is currently navigating the departure of Ozzie Albies from the core control list, as his contract years no longer qualify for this specific evaluation. The Braves are looking to their emergent farm system to replace the previous core, with players like Tate Southisene and Eric Hartman expected to step into key roles.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are ranked sixth, with Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo listed as elite talents. The Philadelphia Phillies sit in seventh, featuring elite pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez, though the team faces regression risks from veterans like Aaron Nola and Trea Turner. The New York Mets are eighth, with Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette as key assets, while the Toronto Blue Jays are ninth, supported by Alejandro Kirk, Louis Varland, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Cleveland Guardians complete the top ten, noted for their ability to churn through homegrown talent to maintain competitiveness within strict payroll constraints. The rankings highlight a shift in the league’s competitive landscape, where organisations with deep developmental pipelines are increasingly challenging traditional powerhouses.
