Mariners, Padres Heat Up Division Races in Pivotal Week 20

With only six weeks remaining in the 2025 MLB season, many division leads that once seemed secure have nearly disappeared. The National League West boasts a new leader, and an intense competition has emerged in the American League West. At the same time, the Milwaukee Brewers maintain their impressive performance, affirming their position as the leading team in all of baseball.

Our expert panel has ranked every team based on a combination of their performance so far and their overall talent. Here is a look at some of the key takeaways from Week 20.

Top Contenders and Contender Shake-ups

1. Milwaukee Brewers (76-44) The Brewers have ascended to the top of the league and show no signs of slowing down. With an incredible 12-game winning streak, they own the best record in all of baseball. Their success is a testament to more than just talent; it's a byproduct of a collective belief that has propelled them to victory after victory. The offense has been led by a pair of unstoppable bats in Brice Turang and William Contreras, who have combined for 12 home runs in a matter of weeks. The team's combination of power and small ball has made them a true force in the NL Central.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (69-51) The Phillies are in a comfortable position, but not without some recent concerns. The starting rotation's ERA has risen above 4.00 since the All-Star break, highlighted by a rough outing from Ranger Suarez. However, with a healthy division lead, the team's priority now shifts to managing their top starters, including Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo, to ensure they are fresh and ready for the postseason.

3. Toronto Blue Jays (70-51) The Blue Jays are preparing for a major pitching decision with Shane Bieber returning from his minor league rehabilitation stint. Manager John Schneider could opt for a six-man rotation to give his veterans extra rest, or he could move a starter like Eric Lauer to the bullpen, where he has experience. This is a good problem for a team with a comfortable lead in the AL East.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (68-53) The Dodgers have been one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. After building a commanding nine-game lead in the NL West, they have been a sub-.500 team since the start of July, with a bullpen that has been ravaged by injuries. A recent injury to a key trade deadline acquisition, Brock Stewart, has further complicated things. The team's struggles have allowed the Padres to overtake them, making for an awkward weekend as they host their surging rivals.

5. Detroit Tigers (70-52) The Tigers find themselves in a tight race with the Guardians for the top spot in the AL Central. Despite the pressure, Detroit has a favorable schedule over the last quarter of the season, facing a much weaker lineup of opponents than many of the other teams in the playoff picture.

The Race for the West

6. Seattle Mariners (67-54) The Mariners have been red-hot, winning nine of their last 11 games to move into a first-place tie with Houston in the AL West. Their win-now moves at the trade deadline have paid off, and with Bryce Miller rejoining the rotation and Victor Robles returning to the lineup soon, the vibes in Seattle are on another level. This team is gunning for its first division title since 2001.

8. San Diego Padres (69-52) The Padres have become the "best version of themselves" for the season's stretch run. With a stellar 23-12 record over the past six weeks, they have erased a nine-game deficit and now lead the Dodgers by one game in the NL West. Their aggressive trade deadline moves, including the addition of reliever Mason Miller, have paid off, and the team is poised to make a run at the division title.

9. Houston Astros (68-53) The Astros are in a tight race with the Mariners. The team will have to fend off their rivals without star closer Josh Hader, who landed on the IL with a shoulder strain. Hader had a 2.05 ERA and converted his first 25 save chances, and his absence significantly weakens the bullpen at a crucial time.

Mid-Tier Teams and Standout Performances

7. Chicago Cubs (68-51) The Cubs are now likely to shift their focus to a Wild Card spot after an offensive slump has allowed the Brewers to run away with the NL Central. The starting staff has been a bright spot, but a power outage in the middle of the order is a major concern.

10. Boston Red Sox (66-56) The Red Sox are riding a hot streak, with rookie Roman Anthony being the catalyst. Anthony has made an immediate impact, drawing comparisons to Fred Lynn, the 1975 Rookie of the Year and MVP.

11. New York Mets (64-55) The Mets are in a collective offensive slump, with stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso struggling at the plate. However, Alonso recently set a franchise record for home runs, which could be a turning point.

12. New York Yankees (64-57) The Yankees' trade deadline acquisitions are starting to provide stability for the team. Reliever David Bednar has been a revelation, and manager Aaron Boone appears to have settled on a new closer for the bullpen.

13. Cincinnati Reds (64-58) The Reds’ starting staff got a boost with the return of Hunter Greene. The team's playoff push will depend on whether they can find consistent offense, with Miguel Andujar providing a much-needed spark recently.

14. Cleveland Guardians (62-57) The Guardians have been on an improbable surge, winning 21 of their past 30 games despite a number of challenges, including losing their closer and trading their ace.

15. Texas Rangers (61-61) The Rangers, who have struggled to find consistent offense, are running out of time to make a move. After a brief winning streak, they were swept at home, totaling just seven runs over four games.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (61-61) The Cardinals have focused on developing their young players, and Jordan Walker is starting to show his potential, hitting around .300 since the All-Star break.

17. San Francisco Giants (59-62) The Giants are playing for next year, but their mid-June acquisition, Rafael Devers, is finally starting to figure things out at Oracle Park, slashing .267/.389/.556 in August.

18. Kansas City Royals (60-61) The Royals’ offense, which ranked 29th in the first half, has been significantly better since the All-Star break, ranking sixth in runs scored. The team credits the stabilizing influence of new acquisition Adam Frazier.

19. Tampa Bay Rays (59-63) The Rays, known for their development of talent, have seen Christopher Morel, who they acquired last year, have a disappointing season with a minus-0.6 WAR.

20. Miami Marlins (58-62) The Marlins' Wild Card hopes have taken a hit after they batted just .218 as a team and lost five of their six games last week.

21. Arizona Diamondbacks (59-62) Geraldo Perdomo has been one of the game's best shortstops, and he is in the midst of his best season.

22. Los Angeles Angels (59-62) The Angels, who have nothing to play for this season, completed a sweep of their crosstown rivals, the Dodgers, and finished the season with a perfect 6-0 record against them. Zach Neto had a memorable week, hitting two home runs and turning a triple play against Shohei Ohtani.

23. Minnesota Twins (57-63) The Twins' front office was never open to the idea of trading Joe Ryan. With the team announcing new minority owners, a long-term deal for Ryan is a top priority, but his trade value remains high.

24. Baltimore Orioles (54-66) The Orioles, with their thin pitching staff, are beginning the process of building a rotation for 2026.

25. Atlanta Braves (52-68) For the Braves to return to contender status next season, Spencer Strider will need to get back to his best. In his first season back after elbow surgery, Strider’s fastball velocity is down 3 mph from 2022.

26. Athletics (54-69) The A's offense is legitimately promising, with catcher Shea Langeliers ranking second in the majors with a 1.227 OPS since the All-Star break and tied for the league lead with 12 home runs.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (51-71) The Pirates can't hit, and it's their biggest problem. They have the worst home run total in the league with just 86 and recently lost a Paul Skenes start 14-0.

28. Chicago White Sox (44-77) The White Sox have almost no payroll obligations for 2026, with Andrew Benintendi being the only player under contract.

29. Washington Nationals (48-72) The Nationals' pitching staff has been horrendous, giving up 80 runs in eight losses this month, and the team needs a major overhaul in the offseason.

30. Colorado Rockies (32-88) The Rockies are having a historically bad season and are on pace for 119 losses, two shy of the modern-day record. They have suffered through five eight-game losing streaks and have a whopping minus-326 run differential.