MLB power rankings: Can anybody stop Dodgers' quest for a three-peat?

We're less than two months from non-fake baseball. And almost every gain to be had over the winter has been spoken for.

With that, USA TODAY Sports rolls out its first power rankings for 2026, an alignment with many nods to the year that passed, yet allowances for all that transpired since theLos Angeles Dodgersconverged in a disbelieving dogpile on the Rogers Centre infield, their consecutive World Series championships narrowly secured.

No, nobody "wins the winter," but it's impossible to ignore the many seismic shifts that unfolded. Check back around Opening Day, but for now, here's howMajor League Baseball's 30 title hopefuls (well many have such hope) stack up:

<p style=$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $218,000,000: Max Fried, New York Yankees (2025-32) <p style=$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $202,000,000: CC Sabathia, New York Yankees (2009-17) <p style=$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

MLB's $200+ million contracts

$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

  • If you think a threepeat is a fait accompli, keep in mind: These guys finished fifth in these here power rankings at the end of last season.

2.Philadelphia Phillies

  • A tentative bet on contributions from Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford.

3.Toronto Blue Jays

  • A very different look in 2026 - but perhaps an even more consistent one.

4. Seattle Mariners

  • They gotta hope the conviction gained from best season ever outweighs ALCS Game 7 hangover.

5. New York Yankees

  • Assuming the winter rehabs of Cole, Rodón, Judge and Volpe continue apace.

6.Chicago Cubs

  • Not much boom, more bust potential for pitching staff.

7.Boston Red Sox

  • Wilyer Abreu set for All-Star campaign. And these guys probably need that.

8. New York Mets

  • Not often a team with a half-billion dollar luxury tax payroll also has a "so crazy, it just might work!" vibe.

9. Detroit Tigers

  • Tarik Skubal arbitration hearing not the sort of preseason spice a fan hopes for.

10.Milwaukee Brewers

  • Famous Wisconsinite Harry Houdini would be impressed if the Brewers can pull off their next trick.

11.San Diego Padres

  • Wild to see how long they can keep this going.

12. Houston Astros

  • The Framber Valdez-Tatsuya Imai de facto swap will be fascinating to track.

13.San Francisco Giants

  • Harrison Bader and Luis Arráez fill highly specific needs at little commitment beyond this year.

14.Texas Rangers

  • Some aggressive and potentially strong moves (hello, MacKenzie Gore), but '24 additions Joc Pederson and Jake Burger need to get going.

15.Cincinnati Reds

  • Almost like they expected an "At Least You Tried" cake for pursuing Kyle Schwarber.

16.Baltimore Orioles

  • Gunnar Henderson getting over a shoulder impingement a significant winter development.

17.Kansas City Royals

  • If Tigers underachieve again, they can take advantage.

18.Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Seemed inevitable they'd wind up with Nolan Arenado.

19. Cleveland Guardians

  • The Jose Ramírez track record: Six division titles, six Silver Sluggers, seven All-Star selections.

20.Tampa Bay Rays

  • Shane McClanahan aiming once again to get to the starting line.

21. Atlanta Braves

  • Still expecting a pitching addition before that Grapefruit League tipoff.

22. Miami Marlins

  • Swapping a mid-rotation starter for Owen Caissie's upside is wise.

23. St. Louis Cardinals

  • Arrival of the J.J. Wetherholt train worthy of excitement.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Crazy experiment they got going, aiming to pair a great pitching staff with a potentially league-average offense.

25. Athletics

  • Jacob Wilson joins Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler Jr. and Brent Rooker in the group of Yolo County survivors bound for Las Vegas.

26. Los Angeles Angels

  • Yoan Moncada is back, in case you were waiting on that decision.

27. Minnesota Twins

  • Manager fired. New ownership control person. President of baseball operations nudged out. Your basic slow drip of news.

28. Chicago White Sox

  • Raise your hand if you'll miss all the Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors. Anybody?

29. Washington Nationals

  • There does appear to be a framework of a plan, but this year? Avert the eyes, perhaps.

30.Colorado Rockies

  • (Hands keys to No. 30 to Paul DePodesta) "Not much to it, but we can get you two hots and a cot. Try not to stay here too long."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:MLB power rankings 2026: Dodgers reign, can Phillies or Jays stop LA?

byAdministrator
in
February 02, 2026

MLB power rankings: Can anybody stop Dodgers' quest for a three-peat?

We're less than two months from non-fake baseball. And almost every gain to be had over the winter has been spoken f...
Read More
Trump border aide allegedly made offensive comments about Jewish official

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, a top aide in PresidentDonald Trump's nationwide immigration enforcement operations, is once again under fire after he allegedly made offensive comments about a Jewish official in Minnesota,the New York TimesandCBS News reported.

Unidentified sources told the outlets that Bovino allegedly made the comments on a Jan. 12 call with other federal officials to discuss recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in Minneapolis.

Bovino reportedly made the remarks after learning that Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, could not attend the call because he was observing the Sabbath, or Shabbat. The tradition requires rest from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset. Bovino reportedly was frustrated by Rosen's absence, allegedly asking if "Orthodox criminals" take Saturdays off and using the phrase "chosen people" in a belittling way.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

<p style=U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks next to U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli, Assistant Director in Charge at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-Los Angeles Akil Davis, HUD Regional Administrator William Spencer, U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino and ICE Field Office Director Ernie Santacruz at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 20, 2025. Chief patrol agent of the El Centro sector, Greg Bovino, stands on a street corner with federal agents after patrolling several tourist districts in the downtown area, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 28, 2025. Greg Bovino, a roving Border Patrol operations commander leading President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the area, and U.S. federal agents walk through a neighborhood during an immigration raid, after Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in the East Side neighborhood of Waukegan, Ill. on Nov. 7, 2025. A woman blows a whistle in front of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, at a gas station, as immigration enforcement continues after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7, in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 21, 2026. US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino leaves federal court at Dirksen Federal Building after his hearing in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 28, 2025. Bovino was ordered to appear in federal court for violating a temporary restraining order issued by District Judge Sara Ellis that orders immigration enforcement agents to limit use of tear gas and other crowd-suppression items except when there is an imminent threat. US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino leaves a gas station while leading a raid in Metairie, Louisiana, on Dec. 3, 2025. The US Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday it has launched a federal immigration enforcement operation, named A protestor holds sign reading US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (C) looks at a supporter of immigration raids while conducting an operation in Kenner, La. on Dec.5, 2025. The US Department of Homeland Security announced on December 3 it has launched a federal immigration enforcement operation, named US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (C-R) poses for photos with customers inside a gas station convenience store while conducting an immigration raid in Kenner, La. on Dec.5, 2025. The US Department of Homeland Security announced on December 3 it has launched a federal immigration enforcement operation, named US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (R) exits the convenience store of a gas station while conducting an immigration raid in Kenner, La. on Dec. 5, 2025. The US Department of Homeland Security announced on December 3 it has launched a federal immigration enforcement operation, named U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino pushes through a crowd of media and protesters as he enters the Dirksen Federal Building on Oct. 28, 2025, in Chicago, Ill. Bovino is appearing before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis amid accusations that he and agents under his command have defied court limits on tear gas and other crowd control tactics during President Donald Trump's Operation Midway Blitz enforcement surge across Chicago and the suburbs. US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino leaves federal court at Dirksen Federal Building after his hearing in Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 28, 2025. Bovino was ordered to appear in federal court for violating a temporary restraining order issued by District Judge Sara Ellis that orders immigration enforcement agents to limit use of tear gas and other crowd-suppression items except when there is an imminent threat. U.S. Chief Border Patrol Agent, Gregory Bovino knocks on a door of a suspected undocumented immigrant while conducting an immigration enforcement operation in a neighborhood on Dec. 6, 2025 in Kenner, La. Federal agents are conducting 'Operation Catahoula Crunch,' launched by the Department of Homeland Security as a part of an immigration crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the United States. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino patrols with fellow agents in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood on Dec. 16, 2025 in Chicago, Ill. The patrol through the city's southwest side and nearby suburbs was the most visible immigration enforcement activity in the area since the border patrol chief left the area last month. US Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino argues with protesters near Roosevelt High School during dismissal time as federal immigration enforcement actions sparked protests in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 7, 2026. Clad in tactical gear with a helmet and hurling a tear gas canister at protesters, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has become the public face of President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation campaign. US Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino holds a canister munition during an operation to detain a man in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 8, 2026. Clad in tactical gear with a helmet and hurling a tear gas canister at protesters, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has become the public face of President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation campaign. US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino walks to his vehicle at a gas station in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan.21, 2026. Clad in tactical gear with a helmet and hurling a tear gas canister at protesters, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has become the public face of President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation campaign. U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino looks on as he is confronted by community members on Jan.21, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino speaks during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.. Bovino, joined by ICE Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Marcos Charles, addressed ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the state. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region.

US Border Patrol Chief Bovino under fire after Minneapolis deaths

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at LargeGregory Bovinospeaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The news conference comes after 37-year-old legal observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region.

Bovino's alleged statements come as the federal official has faced increasing pressure and criticism from many Americans and lawmakers, most recently for immigration action in Minneapolis that has turned deadly.

Five days before the call, ICE agentJonathan Rossfatally shot 37-year-old mother of threeRenee Nicole Good. A little over two weeks later, federal agents shot and killed ICU nurseAlex Pretti. An internal investigation found that two border officers fired their guns during the incident.

The Trump administration's immigration action in Minneapolishas drawn criticismthat has grown steadily stronger as tensions and clashes increased between federal officials and protestors.

Demonstrationshave spread across the United States, withlarge protests recently taking placeon Saturday, Jan. 31. Federal officials say the thousands of immigration officers deployed to Minnesota are a critical part of the Trump administration's deportation crackdown.

Multiple publications reported last week thatBovino was set to leave Minneapolisfollowing the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti. The White House announced thatborder czar Tom Homanwas beingsent to the stateas the Trump administration's new point person for immigration enforcement operations.

More:White House slides into damage control over Minneapolis ICE operation

However, Bovino's permanent future remains unclear. Reuters reported that Bovino has been removed from his role as Border Patrol "commander at large" and will return to his former job as a chief patrol agent along California's El Centro sector of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Still, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlindenied reportsthat Bovino was being removed from his assignment, saying in a previous statement to USA TODAY: "Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties."

As of the afternoon of Feb. 1,Bovino's X accountdescribed him as "Commander Op At Large CA" and set his location as Los Angeles.Bovino's Instagram account'sbiography reads "USBP Chief Patrol Agent - Commander of Operation At Large in California." Los Angeles saw protestersclash with federal officials on Friday, Jan. 30as other protests took place across the country.

Anti-discrimination group, lawmaker condemn Bovino's alleged comments

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt in a post on X called Bovino's alleged comments "disgraceful" and an "antisemitic mockery" of Rosen and his faith.

I just finished observing Shabbat and appalled to read about the antisemitic mockery of U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen — his Jewish faith, his Shabbat observance — by DHS official Greg Bovino is disgraceful. The fact that Bovino felt comfortable expressing these views on a call with…

— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL)February 1, 2026

"The fact that Bovino felt comfortable expressing these views on a call with multiple prosecutors speaks volumes," Greenblatt wrote. "Orthodox Jews are the most vulnerable segment of our community and need support, not slander, from DHS."

More:Border Patrol chief calls agents the 'victims' in Pretti shooting

U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, also responded to Bovino's alleged comments, calling them antisemiticin an X post.

Gregory Bovino has already proven himself unfit to serve in ANY position of power, and his antisemitic comments are further proof that he should be fired ASAP.https://t.co/RLG0zHpdR7

— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen)January 31, 2026

"Gregory Bovino has already proven himself unfit to serve in ANY position of power, and his antisemitic comments are further proof that he should be fired ASAP," she wrote.

USA TODAY's Fernando Cervantes Jr., James Powel, Trevor Hughes, Michael Loria, and Terry Collins contributed to this report.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Gregory Bovino allegedly made offensive comments about Jewish official

byAdministrator
in
February 02, 2026

Trump border aide allegedly made offensive comments about Jewish official

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, a top aide in PresidentDonald Trump's nationwide immigration enforcement ope...
Read More

 

AB MAG © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com