Full Breakdown
Braves Overtake Dodgers in MLB Power Rankings
4/28/2026, 5:00:19 AM
Core Event: Braves Claim Top Spot Over Dodgers
The latest MLB power rankings from CBS Sports place the Atlanta Braves at No. 1, displacing the Los Angeles Dodgers, who remain the league’s second-ranked team. The shift reflects the Braves’ league-leading record and a +65 run differential, while the Dodgers, two-time defending champions, are still viewed as a strong World Series contender.
Background & Context: Recent Seasons and Rankings
Atlanta missed the 2024 postseason, finishing 10 games below .500, but the 2025 squad has rebounded to resemble its 2021 World Series-winning roster and the back-to-back 100-win teams of 2022-23. The Dodgers captured the last two championships and have consistently occupied the top tier of weekly rankings. CBS Sports’ power rankings assess teams on recent performance, run production, pitching quality, and overall differential.
Key Figures & Performances
- Atlanta Braves: Right-hander Chris Sale earned his 150th career win, delivering six scoreless innings in a 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and moving to 28th on the career strikeout list with 2,617. Supporting starters include Bryce Elder (1.95 ERA) and Martín Pérez (2.70 ERA). The offense is led by Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki secured his first major-league win against the Chicago Cubs, allowing four runs while crediting the lineup and bullpen for the outcome. He noted ongoing adjustments to his fastball and breaking pitches.
Data & Statistics: Offensive Firepower and Pitching Excellence
- Braves average 5.72 runs per game, rank third in MLB with a 3.12 rotation ERA, and hold a +65 run differential.
- Sale’s 150th win featured nine strikeouts, one hit allowed, and two walks. The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and 8-0-1 overall, having not lost a series this season.
- Dodgers’ Sasaki surrendered three solo home runs in his start; his performance is framed as a developmental milestone rather than a statistical outlier.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS Sports’ commentary cites the Braves’ “robust +65 run differential” and “dominant bullpen” as justification for the top ranking, while acknowledging the Dodgers as “a decent bet to win the World Series.” No formal team statements were released in the source material.
Criticism & Opposition
The ranking author anticipates dissent: “I’m sure there will be people out there arguing against this move and it’s totally fair to believe it shouldn’t happen.” Some observers argue that the Dodgers’ recent championship pedigree merits the No. 1 spot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I honestly feel good about it,” — Roki Sasaki, Dodgers pitcher
- “He gives me strong words every day,” — Roki Sasaki, Dodgers pitcher
- “It was just what can we get around the zone and what can we get in the zone early to get strike one in the first two pitches,” — Dalton Rushing, Dodgers pitching coach
- “There were pitches I executed that were hit,” — Roki Sasaki, Dodgers pitcher
- “The result would be going deeper into the game,” — Roki Sasaki, Dodgers pitcher
What’s Next
The Braves will aim to preserve their league-leading record as the season progresses, facing division rivals in upcoming series that could test their run differential and pitching depth. The Dodgers will focus on developing Sasaki and other young arms, seeking to close the gap in future power-ranking assessments.
