? Detroit Tigers Explode to No. 1 in MLB Power Rankings
Forget everything you thought you knew about the 2025 MLB season — the Detroit Tigers are rewriting the script. Starting the year buried at No. 18, the Motor City’s boys of summer have shocked the baseball world, claiming the No. 1 spot in this week’s MLB Power Rankings. That’s right — the Tigers are officially on top, dethroning the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers after a dominant run that’s got fans and foes alike doing double takes.
With a red-hot 33-17 record, this isn’t some fluke or feel-good underdog tale. Detroit is for real — and their explosive climb to the top is one of the biggest storylines in all of baseball heading into Memorial Day weekend.
? What’s Fueling the Tigers’ Meteoric Rise?
This Tigers team is firing on all cylinders. Javier Baez is back from the dead, patrolling center field like a Gold Glover and swinging with purpose. Tarik Skubal, last year’s AL Cy Young winner, is building a case for back-to-back honors with electric stuff and elite composure.
Then there’s the reawakening of former No. 1 picks Spencer Torkelson and Casey Mize — names once labeled as busts now becoming believers’ best friends. Add in a bullpen that’s been nearly unhittable, and you’ve got a legit contender storming through the American League.
But here’s the kicker: Gleyber Torres, signed on a one-year, $15M “prove-it” deal, is quietly delivering one of the best seasons of his career. Batting .281 with five home runs and a .794 OPS, Torres looks ready to cash in big this offseason if he keeps it up.
?? No. 2: Dodgers’ Woes Widen as Pitching Falls Apart
The Los Angeles Dodgers (31-19) may still look dangerous on paper, but they’ve slipped out of the top spot for the first time in weeks — and the reason is obvious: pitching chaos.
Yes, they’ve racked up an MLB-best 18 comeback wins, but here’s the twist — they keep falling behind early. Their starters have a 6.30 ERA in the first inning (28th in the league!), and overall, the rotation ranks a shocking 23rd in ERA. Take away Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has allowed just one earned run in the first inning all year, and it’s a disaster.
Injuries, inconsistency, and a bullpen stretched too thin have finally caught up to L.A.
? No. 3: Phillies Soar but Lose Closer to PED Ban
The Philadelphia Phillies (31-18) are red-hot, riding a late April surge to first place in the NL East. But just as they were catching fire, they suffered a major blow: closer Jose Alvarado tested positive for PEDs and is suspended for 80 games, including the entire postseason.
The bullpen drama could’ve derailed them, but Jordan Romano has stepped up with eight scoreless outings and four saves, keeping Philly firmly in the hunt.
? No. 4: Yankees Flip the Subway Script
While Juan Soto’s Bronx return stole headlines, it was Cody Bellinger who blew up the scoreboard. In the Subway Series, Bellinger went 7-for-11 with two homers and a grand slam, dragging the New York Yankees (29-19) past the Mets and into the Top 5.
After starting ice-cold, Bellinger is now on a tear, hitting .357/.430/.686 over his last 18 games. He’s playing like an MVP again — and the Yankees are reaping the rewards.
?? No. 5: Mets’ May Meltdown
Speaking of the Mets — yikes. Once riding high at No. 2, the New York Mets (30-20) are suddenly spiraling, losing crucial series to the Yankees and Red Sox.
The offense? Gone missing. Pete Alonso’s OPS has plummeted from 1.143 to .414 since May 5, and Juan Soto is underwhelming at the plate. Fans are getting restless, and the NL East is slipping away.
? No. 6: Cubs’ Swanson Swings Back
Dansby Swanson has flipped the script on a slow start. Since dropping to 8th in the order, he’s been nearly unstoppable, hitting close to .400 and raising his average from .185 to .262.
The Chicago Cubs (30-20) look legit, and Swanson’s resurgence is adding depth to an already dangerous lineup.
? No. 7: Padres Wait on Darvish
The San Diego Padres (27-20) have stayed afloat thanks to a top-tier rotation and a fill-in phenom named Stephen Kolek (2.33 ERA). But fans are counting the days until Yu Darvish returns.
Darvish threw four rehab innings in Triple-A, and while no return date is set, he could be back as early as this weekend — even if just in the dugout. The Padres are treading water, but help is on the horizon.
? No. 8: Mariners Ride Castillo’s Comeback
Luis Castillo is back in vintage form, tossing 19 innings and allowing just two runs over his last three dominant starts.
With injuries plaguing Seattle’s rotation, Castillo has become the rock that’s keeping the Mariners (28-20) steady. His .189 opponent batting average on four-seamers is helping silence bats across the league.
? No. 9: Giants Pull the Plug on Hicks Experiment
The San Francisco Giants (29-21) made headlines by trying Jordan Hicks as a starter — but after a 6.60 ERA, they’ve moved him back to the bullpen. Rookie Hayden Birdsong replaced him and promptly shut down the Royals.
The move might just stabilize the rotation in time to keep the Giants in contention.
? No. 10: Twins on Fire, Then Bit by Injuries
After a brutal start, the Minnesota Twins (27-22) reeled off 13 straight wins, vaulting from mediocrity to postseason talk. But disaster struck as stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton collided and landed on the concussion IL.
The pitching staff is fifth in MLB ERA, but staying in the AL Central race depends on getting those big bats back ASAP.
? No. 11: Diamondbacks Running Hot and Cold
The Arizona Diamondbacks (26-24) are baseball’s version of a shootout — the only team scoring and allowing more than five runs a game. Their fate hinges on pitching, which is slowly returning to health.
Eduardo Rodriguez, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez are all nearing returns. Martinez recently hit 100 mph in a minor league rehab outing, and fans are itching for stability.
? No. 12: Cardinals Quietly Climbing
Don’t look now, but the St. Louis Cardinals (27-23) are making noise. Their rotation has allowed just 26 home runs, putting them near the top in fewest surrendered.
Veteran Miles Mikolas is putting up the best numbers of his career, and catcher Ivan Herrera is back and raking. A steady blend of pitching and timely hitting has the Cardinals creeping up behind the Cubs in the NL Central.
? Final Word: The Tigers Are for Real
The Detroit Tigers aren’t just this week’s biggest risers — they might be the best story in baseball. From preseason afterthoughts to the new kings of the MLB Power Rankings, they’ve captured the imagination of fans everywhere. And with Memorial Day around the corner, the season is just heating up.
So buckle up — the Tigers are roaring, the Dodgers are wobbling, and the postseason picture is getting wilder by the week.
