MLB Power Rankings: Week 35 — Who's Hot, Who's Not

The St. Louis Cardinals pulled off one of the week's most shocking upsets, taking down the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-6 in a battle that sent ripples through the MLB power rankings. This victory marks a significant turning point for a Cardinals team that has quietly been building momentum, while the Dodgers' stumble raises questions about their consistency down the stretch. As we head into Week 35, the MLB landscape is shifting beneath our feet, with several teams making bold statements and others facing uncomfortable realities about their playoff positioning.

The Houston Astros remain the clear class of the American League, continuing their dominant stretch with elite pitching and clutch offensive production. Their depth is unmatched, and with Kyle Tucker and José Altuve both firing on all cylinders, they're positioned perfectly for a deep October run. The New York Yankees hold steady at number two, their pitching staff keeping them competitive despite recent offensive inconsistencies that have cost them in close games. However, their schedule tightens significantly next week, which could either silence doubters or expose vulnerabilities.

The Tampa Bay Rays sit at number three, their scrappy brand of baseball translating into consistent wins against quality opponents. Their bullpen remains baseball's deepest secret weapon, and with Shane Baz returning to health, they're dangerous. The Los Angeles Dodgers drop to number four after their Cardinals loss, a humbling reminder that even the most talented rosters can stumble when facing teams with nothing to lose. They still possess the strongest lineup in baseball, but their pitching depth has been stretched thin by injuries. The Atlanta Braves round out the top five, their recent resurgence behind Austin Riley's bat and a reinvigorated rotation has them heading in precisely the right direction at the most important time.

Keep a close eye on the St. Louis Cardinals, whose victory over Los Angeles wasn't luck but rather a reflection of improved discipline at the plate and stellar pitching performances from their rotation depth. They're suddenly looking like legitimate playoff contenders rather than rebuilding afterthoughts. Meanwhile, monitor the Baltimore Orioles carefully, as injuries to their outfield have them trending downward in a crowded wild card race despite their earlier season promise.

The bold prediction this week is that the Houston Astros will rattle off four consecutive victories against their next four opponents, effectively clinching the AL West and sending a championship-caliber message throughout baseball. Their schedule is favorable, their roster is healthy, and their confidence is sky-high following recent dominant performances. When you combine superior talent with momentum and matchup advantages, October success becomes almost inevitable.

Read all MLB Power Rankings coverage on SportsPulse →