BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 31: The Boston Red Sox World Series Trophies on display at Fenway Park before the Victory Parade around Boston on October 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
As we enter the final week of April and the first week of May, these are the 10 teams in MLB who are World Series contenders.. There are two honorable mentions as well:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a single in the 3rd inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 20, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
This team hasn’t even played their best yet, but on paper, no one is better and no one will be better when the season ends.
2. New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 12: Juan Soto of the New York Mets poses with his new uniform after his introductory press conference at Citi Field on December 12, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Their starting pitching has been better than expected, and their lineup is great. The Mets are off to a great start, tied for the league lead with 19 wins this season.
3. San Diego Padres
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 21: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a grounder resulting in a fielding error of Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 21, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Have been playing great baseball so far, with 17 wins, which is the 3rd most in the NL and would be the second most in the AL.
4. Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 01: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after retiring the side in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies during his MLB debut at Wrigley Field on April 01, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The offense has been excellent, the pitching has been good too. The Cubs have the second best run differential in the National League.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) reacts after scoring a run during the tenth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
They are a very good team, maybe just not as good as the four teams ahead of them… right now.
6. New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees points to the dugout after hitting his third home run of the game against the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Other than Devin Williams’ issues in the 9th inning, the Yankees have been great this season. They should only get better as the season goes on.
7. Cleveland Guardians
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 08: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a one-run triple off Alek Manoah #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Progressive Field on May 08, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
They are playing much better baseball lately. The offense has been better than expected, and their pitching always seems to be among the leagues best.
8. Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 13: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Comerica Park on August 13, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Great rotation and getting production from young hitters. They are currently ahead of the Guardians in the standings, but the Guardians have been great lately too and are the defending champs in the Central.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 30: Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 30, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Diamondbacks 3-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Great lineup and improved pitching. They just play in one of the best divisions in baseball right, with the exception of the Rockies.
10. Texas Rangers
Apr 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (36) hits a two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
They are off to a very strong start after a down season a year ago.
Honorable Mention: Giants
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 12: Jung Hoo Lee #51 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of the MLB spring game at Camelback Ranch on March 12, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Giants are tied for the most wins in MLB right now. I still don’t think it will last, but because of how well they have played so far, they need to be included on this list.
Honorable Mention: Astros
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 15: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros delivers during the twelfth inning against the Seattle Mariners in game three of the American League Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Astros have started playing better baseball lately and always seem to be one of the last teams standing.
