MLB Five-Year Future Power Rankings

MLB Five-Year Future Power Rankings

By Jacob Kornhauser

November 24, 2014

MLB 5-Year Future Power Rankings

Boston Red Sox v Houston Astros — There are teams that should be contending in baseball next season, but some of those teams will have their championship window closing very soon. However, there are some teams that may not be competitive next season, but should be very good very soon. Here are the future power rankings for the entire league based on their outlook over the next five seasons.

There are teams that should be contending in baseball next season, but some of those teams will have their championship window closing very soon. However, there are some teams that may not be competitive next season, but should be very good very soon. Here are the future power rankings for the entire league based on their outlook over the next five seasons.

30. Philadelphia Phillies

Washington Nationals v Philadelphia Phillies

30. Philadelphia Phillies

Washington Nationals v Philadelphia Phillies — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 5
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 6

The Phillies are in deep trouble because they're not very good now and they're stuck with several huge contracts with aging veterans. If they can't trade most of them, they're in for a very long rebuilding process.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 5
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 6

The Phillies are in deep trouble because they're not very good now and they're stuck with several huge contracts with aging veterans. If they can't trade most of them, they're in for a very long rebuilding process.

29. Tampa Bay Rays

Toronto Blue Jays v Tampa Bay Rays

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29. Tampa Bay Rays

Toronto Blue Jays v Tampa Bay Rays — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 6

They lost David Price and manager Joe Maddon and all of a sudden, the outlook for the Rays is bleak. They don't have a great farm system and can't spend big in free agency, so they're stuck for now.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 6

They lost David Price and manager Joe Maddon and all of a sudden, the outlook for the Rays is bleak. They don't have a great farm system and can't spend big in free agency, so they're stuck for now.

28. Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers

28. Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 7

The Brewers were one of the surprise teams in baseball last season even though they faltered down the stretch, but that may not continue. While they have a good young rotation, they have no reinforcements coming from their farm system anytime soon.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 7

The Brewers were one of the surprise teams in baseball last season even though they faltered down the stretch, but that may not continue. While they have a good young rotation, they have no reinforcements coming from their farm system anytime soon.

27. Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins v Arizona Diamondbacks

27. Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins v Arizona Diamondbacks — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 7

The Marlins made it known they want to compete as they signed star Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year, $325 million extension, but that's all they have going for them right now. They can't just go all-out on free agents and they have no elite hitting prospects.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 7

The Marlins made it known they want to compete as they signed star Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year, $325 million extension, but that's all they have going for them right now. They can't just go all-out on free agents and they have no elite hitting prospects.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Francisco Giants

26. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Francisco Giants — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 6

The Diamondbacks had a disappointing year last year, which caused a big change in leadership from the top down. They've made an effort to spend in free agency and on the trade market this offseason, but it could take a few years to be competitive again.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 6

The Diamondbacks had a disappointing year last year, which caused a big change in leadership from the top down. They've made an effort to spend in free agency and on the trade market this offseason, but it could take a few years to be competitive again.

25. Cincinnati Reds

Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds

25. Cincinnati Reds

Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 6
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

While the Reds were able to be competitive for a sustained stretch, their bad contracts and injuries have caught up to them. They have reinforcements coming from the minor leagues soon, and they're going to have to work around their lack of financial flexibility.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 6
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

While the Reds were able to be competitive for a sustained stretch, their bad contracts and injuries have caught up to them. They have reinforcements coming from the minor leagues soon, and they're going to have to work around their lack of financial flexibility.

24. Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets

24. Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 8

In 2014, the Braves took a huge step back. Now, they're trying to re-tool by trading guys like Justin Upton and Evan Gattis. What they're able to get in those potential trades could go a long way in determining the future of this team.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 8

In 2014, the Braves took a huge step back. Now, they're trying to re-tool by trading guys like Justin Upton and Evan Gattis. What they're able to get in those potential trades could go a long way in determining the future of this team.

23. New York Yankees

New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles

23. New York Yankees

New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 7

The Yankees are in a strange spot right now as their major league roster isn't very good and they haven't been spending big in free agency. However, if they decide to start spending big again, you have to consider them a team to be feared in the AL.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 7

The Yankees are in a strange spot right now as their major league roster isn't very good and they haven't been spending big in free agency. However, if they decide to start spending big again, you have to consider them a team to be feared in the AL.

22. San Francisco Giants

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Francisco Giants

22. San Francisco Giants

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Francisco Giants — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 8

Even after winning three World Series titles in the last five years, the Giants' future doesn't look great. They still have a very solid MLB roster even if they lose Pablo Sandoval, but they have no hitting prospects to speak of. That means they'll have to be clever in free agency and the trade market.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 8

Even after winning three World Series titles in the last five years, the Giants' future doesn't look great. They still have a very solid MLB roster even if they lose Pablo Sandoval, but they have no hitting prospects to speak of. That means they'll have to be clever in free agency and the trade market.

21. Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers v Kansas City Royals

21. Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers v Kansas City Royals — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 8

The Tigers, who have dominated the AL Central for years now, could be headed for a bit of a downturn after the 2015 season. Their farm system is among the worst in baseball and if they lose David Price to free agency next offseason, their best starter will be an aging Justin Verlander.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 8

The Tigers, who have dominated the AL Central for years now, could be headed for a bit of a downturn after the 2015 season. Their farm system is among the worst in baseball and if they lose David Price to free agency next offseason, their best starter will be an aging Justin Verlander.

20. Texas Rangers

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Texas Rangers

20. Texas Rangers

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Texas Rangers — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

Texas took a big step back in 2014, but they're built well to recover within a year or two. They have a solid farm system and are looking to still add veterans, which means they're choosing to re-tool rather than rebuild.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

Texas took a big step back in 2014, but they're built well to recover within a year or two. They have a solid farm system and are looking to still add veterans, which means they're choosing to re-tool rather than rebuild.

19. Colorado Rockies

Minnesota Twins v Colorado Rockies

19. Colorado Rockies

Minnesota Twins v Colorado Rockies — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 7

With top players Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez on the trading block, the Rockies could be headed for tough times. With a horrible pitching staff, Colorado has to hope their promising prospects come through in the next couple years.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 7

With top players Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez on the trading block, the Rockies could be headed for tough times. With a horrible pitching staff, Colorado has to hope their promising prospects come through in the next couple years.

18. Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox v Cleveland Indians

18. Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox v Cleveland Indians — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 8

The White Sox have the luxury of having a player to build around in the rotation and the lineup. Chris Sale and Jose Abreu are the cornerstones of this team and if they can surround those two with other talented players, this could be a playoff team by 2016.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 8

The White Sox have the luxury of having a player to build around in the rotation and the lineup. Chris Sale and Jose Abreu are the cornerstones of this team and if they can surround those two with other talented players, this could be a playoff team by 2016.

17. Kansas City Royals

Detroit Tigers v Kansas City Royals

17. Kansas City Royals

Detroit Tigers v Kansas City Royals — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

Coming off of a World Series appearance, the Royals aren't built incredibly well for the future. However, they do have a good farm system and a renewed willingness to spend a bit in free agency. If they can combine that farm system with some solid veterans, they're going to be competitive.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 7

Coming off of a World Series appearance, the Royals aren't built incredibly well for the future. However, they do have a good farm system and a renewed willingness to spend a bit in free agency. If they can combine that farm system with some solid veterans, they're going to be competitive.

16. Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays v Tampa Bay Rays

16. Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays v Tampa Bay Rays — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 8

They've been the surprise of free agency so far by being in on some elite free agents, including Russell Martin, who they signed for $82 million. If they continue this aggressive approach, they could be competitive in the AL East for years to come.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 6
Front Office: 8

They've been the surprise of free agency so far by being in on some elite free agents, including Russell Martin, who they signed for $82 million. If they continue this aggressive approach, they could be competitive in the AL East for years to come.

15. Cleveland Indians

Chicago White Sox v Cleveland Indians

15. Cleveland Indians

Chicago White Sox v Cleveland Indians — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 8

The Indians are becoming one of the better-run franchises in the game as they've been able to continue turning over their roster and stay competitive. Due to this developing track record, it makes sense they should stay competitive for the foreseeable future.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 8

The Indians are becoming one of the better-run franchises in the game as they've been able to continue turning over their roster and stay competitive. Due to this developing track record, it makes sense they should stay competitive for the foreseeable future.

14. Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals v Philadelphia Phillies

14. Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals v Philadelphia Phillies — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 7

While the Nationals have been competitive in recent years, they're facing a crossroads at the end of this season. Several of their top players including Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister will be free agents, and they can't keep everyone. They better choose who to re-sign wisely.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 7

While the Nationals have been competitive in recent years, they're facing a crossroads at the end of this season. Several of their top players including Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister will be free agents, and they can't keep everyone. They better choose who to re-sign wisely.

13. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Texas Rangers

13. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Texas Rangers — MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 7

After winning more games than anyone in baseball last year, the Angels are searching for ways to stay competitive in the playoffs. That starts with signing an ace, and that's how they'll have to add pitching because their pitching farm system is one of the worst in the sport.

MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 7

After winning more games than anyone in baseball last year, the Angels are searching for ways to stay competitive in the playoffs. That starts with signing an ace, and that's how they'll have to add pitching because their pitching farm system is one of the worst in the sport.

12. Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners

12. Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 7

The Mariners already showed their willingness to spend by signing Robinson Cano to a megadeal last year, and that got them to within a game of the playoffs. Now it seems they may be ready to trade for Justin Upton, which could make them competitive now and in the future combined with their farm system.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 7
Front Office: 7

The Mariners already showed their willingness to spend by signing Robinson Cano to a megadeal last year, and that got them to within a game of the playoffs. Now it seems they may be ready to trade for Justin Upton, which could make them competitive now and in the future combined with their farm system.

11. San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers

11. San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 8

Not many people realize it, but the Padres actually finished right around .500 last season. With young pitchers like Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, their rotation seems set. Now, they just need to add some big-time bats to put them in the same company with the Dodgers and Giants.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 8

Not many people realize it, but the Padres actually finished right around .500 last season. With young pitchers like Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, their rotation seems set. Now, they just need to add some big-time bats to put them in the same company with the Dodgers and Giants.

10. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins v Colorado Rockies

10. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins v Colorado Rockies — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

With a promising young rotation and two of the best hitting prospects in the game, the Twins appear ready to compete in the near future. 2015 may be another rebuilding year, but come 2016, the Twins will be a team to be reckoned with.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

With a promising young rotation and two of the best hitting prospects in the game, the Twins appear ready to compete in the near future. 2015 may be another rebuilding year, but come 2016, the Twins will be a team to be reckoned with.

9. Baltimore Orioles

New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles

9. Baltimore Orioles

New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 8

After their most successful seasons in almost 20 years, the Orioles appear like a team built to sustain success. They have young stars like Adam Jones and Manny Machado, and also have a steady stream of prospects working their way up to Baltimore.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 8
Front Office: 8

After their most successful seasons in almost 20 years, the Orioles appear like a team built to sustain success. They have young stars like Adam Jones and Manny Machado, and also have a steady stream of prospects working their way up to Baltimore.

8. Houston Astros

Houston Astros v Texas Rangers

8. Houston Astros

Houston Astros v Texas Rangers — MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

After some brutal seasons, the Astros are finally moving closer to competing. Most of their elite prospects have made their way to the show while they wait for Carlos Correa to fully develop. Following several tough years, the Astros could be ready to compete by 2016.

MLB Roster: 6
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

After some brutal seasons, the Astros are finally moving closer to competing. Most of their elite prospects have made their way to the show while they wait for Carlos Correa to fully develop. Following several tough years, the Astros could be ready to compete by 2016.

7. Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds

7. Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 8

This Pirates team is the deepest it's been in quite some time. They still have top prospects coming up through the system, which they will need when they inevitably lose a star or two to free agency in the coming years.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 8

This Pirates team is the deepest it's been in quite some time. They still have top prospects coming up through the system, which they will need when they inevitably lose a star or two to free agency in the coming years.

6. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners

6. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners — MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 9

The Athletics seemed like World Series favorites for most of last season, but then came the collapse. Despite that, this small-market team has started being more aggressive in free agency and is still a good bet to win it all at some point over the next five seasons.

MLB Roster: 8
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 5
Front Office: 9

The Athletics seemed like World Series favorites for most of last season, but then came the collapse. Despite that, this small-market team has started being more aggressive in free agency and is still a good bet to win it all at some point over the next five seasons.

5. New York Mets

Miami Marlins v New York Mets

5. New York Mets

Miami Marlins v New York Mets — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

The Mets had the steal of free agency so far, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year deal, and they also have the potential to have one of the top rotations in the game soon. With the trio of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, the Mets could be the toast of the NL East very soon.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 8

The Mets had the steal of free agency so far, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year deal, and they also have the potential to have one of the top rotations in the game soon. With the trio of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, the Mets could be the toast of the NL East very soon.

4. St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers

4. St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers — MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 9

As the best-run organization in baseball, the Cardinals are always competitive regardless of circumstances. They added Jason Heyward this offseason and their front office will always keep them in the thick of things. If you want to bet on a team to be competitive in any given year, you can't go wrong with the Cardinals.

MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 7
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 9

As the best-run organization in baseball, the Cardinals are always competitive regardless of circumstances. They added Jason Heyward this offseason and their front office will always keep them in the thick of things. If you want to bet on a team to be competitive in any given year, you can't go wrong with the Cardinals.

3. Chicago Cubs

Atlanta Braves v Chicago Cubs

3. Chicago Cubs

Atlanta Braves v Chicago Cubs — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 9

The years of futility may finally almost be over for the Cubs. Their farm system, the best in the majors, is finally producing players ready to play in the bigs. Also, their willingness to spend on elite pitching is now at its highest point, which signifies the beginning of the end of the rebuild.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 9

The years of futility may finally almost be over for the Cubs. Their farm system, the best in the majors, is finally producing players ready to play in the bigs. Also, their willingness to spend on elite pitching is now at its highest point, which signifies the beginning of the end of the rebuild.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers — MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 9

With the highest payroll in baseball, the Dodgers should be competitive at face value. Luckily for them, they also have a top farm system that should complement their current veterans well. With money and prospects, the Dodgers should be competitive for a long time.

MLB Roster: 9
Financial Flexibility: 8
Prospects: 9
Front Office: 9

With the highest payroll in baseball, the Dodgers should be competitive at face value. Luckily for them, they also have a top farm system that should complement their current veterans well. With money and prospects, the Dodgers should be competitive for a long time.

1. Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox

1. Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox — MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 9

Even though they have some work to do on the pitching rotation, the Red Sox's lineup could be getting much better after the addition of Hanley Ramirez and possibly Pablo Sandoval. With one of the top farm systems in baseball, the Red Sox are going to have reinforcements coming for years to come.

MLB Roster: 7
Financial Flexibility: 9
Prospects: 10
Front Office: 9

Even though they have some work to do on the pitching rotation, the Red Sox's lineup could be getting much better after the addition of Hanley Ramirez and possibly Pablo Sandoval. With one of the top farm systems in baseball, the Red Sox are going to have reinforcements coming for years to come.

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