With the dust still settling on one of the busiest trade deadline days in recent memory, it is time to reassess the MLB landscape for the final two months of the season. This marks the first weekly power rankings since the distinction between buyers and sellers became clear at the trade deadline. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets boast a wealth of talent on paper and substantial payrolls. However, the absence of a clear No. 1 team in baseball this season is evident, as indicated by the ten different teams that have held the top spot in the weekly rankings so far. The forthcoming rankings will consider both recent performances and the actions or inactions of each team at this year's trade deadline, which may explain why some teams fall despite good weekly performances or rise despite losing series.

The Colorado Rockies, ranked 30th with a record of 30-81, have typically been passive at the trade deadline, seemingly content with mediocrity. This season, however, they accepted their role as sellers, unloading Ryan McMahon's contract and trading away relievers Jake Bird and Tyler Kinley for prospects. While this does not represent the full reconstruction needed, it is a step away from maintaining the same roster for 2026. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals, currently positioned 29th with a 44-67 record, moved several players including Michael Soroka and Kyle Finnegan before the deadline. They managed to part with expiring contracts without compromising their developmental efforts, keeping key contributors such as ace MacKenzie Gore. With numerous matchups remaining against rivals in the NL East, they have opportunities to play spoiler.

The Minnesota Twins, in 28th place with a 52-59 record, have significantly altered their roster after trading ten players from their 26-man roster. This dramatic shift opens doors for prospects like Austin Martin and Edouard Julien to prove themselves. Their trades for controllable pitchers and the Carlos Correa salary dump signal a commitment to a larger rebuild rather than simply resetting. Shifts such as these raise questions about potential further moves in the offseason. The Atlanta Braves, ranked 27th with a 47-63 record, did not make any significant trades for upcoming free agents like Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, which raised eyebrows given their distant position in the standings. Similarly, the Chicago White Sox (42-70), currently 26th, struggled to trade Luis Robert Jr. yet successfully acquired promising prospects in return for additional assets. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates (48-64) opted to hold onto certain free agents while successfully trading notable pieces like Ke'Bryan Hayes and All-Star closer David Bednar.