Los Angeles Dodgers Drop in Latest MLB Power Rankings by National Outlet as Their Struggles Mount in 2025 Season
As the 2025 MLB season continues to unfold, teams are jockeying for position, with the Los Angeles Dodgers now facing the harsh reality of slipping down the ranks in the latest MLB Power Rankings by a major national outlet. After years of dominance and consistently being a fixture at the top of the standings, the Dodgers find themselves in a surprising and somewhat concerning position as they tumble from their once-secure perch. What’s behind the Dodgers’ fall in the rankings, and how are they planning to turn things around?
The Dodgers have long been considered one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball, and with good reason. Year after year, they’ve assembled rosters stacked with talent, producing a mix of stars, solid veterans, and homegrown prospects that have allowed them to sustain a level of excellence rarely seen in sports. Their ability to contend for World Series titles and maintain consistency in the regular season has set them apart in the National League. However, despite their historical success, the 2025 season has brought challenges that have left fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong.
As the latest MLB Power Rankings reveal, the Dodgers are no longer sitting comfortably within the top tier of teams. This slip in the rankings comes after a series of underwhelming performances, some concerning injuries, and growing concerns about the team’s overall depth. While it’s too early to write off the Dodgers’ chances of turning things around, their struggles are undeniable, and their current form has left many wondering whether they have what it takes to reclaim their place among the league’s elite.
One of the main factors contributing to the Dodgers’ fall is their pitching staff, which has long been the backbone of their success. Over the past few seasons, the team has boasted a world-class rotation, led by ace Clayton Kershaw and backed by up-and-coming stars like Julio UrÃas and Dustin May. However, in 2025, their rotation has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Kershaw, while still effective at times, has been dealing with the wear and tear of age, and his performances have been less dominant than in years past. Meanwhile, UrÃas and May have both faced injury setbacks that have limited their availability, leaving the Dodgers scrambling to fill gaps in the rotation.
In addition to pitching woes, the Dodgers’ offense, which has traditionally been one of the most potent in the league, has been underperforming relative to expectations. Powerhouse hitters like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy have all shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued the lineup. The team’s depth in terms of offensive talent has also been called into question, with the bench not being able to provide the kind of support that has been crucial in past seasons.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has not been immune to the team’s struggles either. While the team has some talented arms in the late innings, their bullpen has often been inconsistent in closing out games, with key relievers struggling to maintain leads or keep the opposition at bay. This inconsistency has led to missed opportunities and a number of blown saves, further eroding the Dodgers’ chances in tight games.
On top of the issues with the pitching staff and offense, there have been concerns about the Dodgers’ defense, which has historically been a strong suit for the team. Errors and lapses in the field have crept into their game this season, leading to unearned runs and a decrease in overall defensive efficiency. These mistakes, while often minor, have had a snowball effect, compounding the team’s issues in other areas and leaving them vulnerable to losing winnable games.
Despite these struggles, the Dodgers still possess a great deal of talent and potential. Their veteran presence, including Kershaw and Freeman, provides a stabilizing force, and their younger players, such as Gavin Lux and James Outman, have the ability to step up and make a difference. However, the team’s ability to rise above their current challenges will depend on how quickly they can address their pitching and offensive inconsistencies. With their division rivals, particularly the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, breathing down their necks, the Dodgers need to make a concerted effort to regain their form before they fall too far behind in the race for playoff spots.
There’s also the question of what moves the Dodgers might make at the trade deadline. Historically, they’ve been active participants in acquiring big-name players to bolster their roster, and 2025 could be no different. A trade for a starting pitcher or a power bat could be just what the team needs to turn the tide. However, with a roster already loaded with high-salaried stars, it may be difficult for the Dodgers to make significant changes without gutting their future prospects or getting creative with their trades.
Another important factor that could play a role in the Dodgers’ resurgence is the leadership of manager Dave Roberts. While Roberts has led the team to multiple postseason appearances, including a World Series title in 2020, there’s no doubt that this season represents a critical test for him. His ability to navigate the current adversity, make the necessary adjustments, and keep the team focused on the bigger picture will be key in determining how far the Dodgers can go this season. There have already been rumblings of fans and analysts questioning whether Roberts is the right man to lead the team during this downturn, but his track record suggests that he’s more than capable of turning things around if given the time and support.
The Dodgers’ fall in the power rankings also highlights the competitive nature of the MLB in 2025. The National League, in particular, is loaded with talent, with teams like the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies all making strong cases for being the top contenders. The emergence of these teams, combined with the rising tide of competition in the American League, has made the postseason picture more crowded than ever. In this environment, even the slightest dip in performance can cause a team to slip down the rankings, and the Dodgers are feeling the effects of that reality.
With so much still up in the air, it’s important not to count the Dodgers out just yet. Their combination of talent, experience, and financial resources means they are always capable of making a run. But to do so, they’ll need to address their pitching issues, get their offense firing on all cylinders, and clean up their defensive mistakes. If they can do that, they still have a good shot at being a contender come October.
For now, though, the Dodgers find themselves in a position they’re not used to: working from behind. Their fall in the power rankings is a reflection of the struggles they’ve encountered in 2025, but it’s far from the end of their story. With plenty of season left, the Dodgers have time to regroup, recalibrate, and perhaps even surprise everyone by climbing back into contention. The key will be whether they can make the necessary adjustments to turn their fortunes around and reassert themselves as one of the top teams in baseball.
As the season continues to unfold, the Dodgers’ performance over the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this is a temporary blip or the beginning of a longer-term decline. One thing is for certain: the Dodgers will not go down without a fight. Whether they can overcome their current challenges and get back to their championship-contending ways remains to be seen, but they still have the pieces in place to make a strong comeback. Time will tell if they can make the adjustments needed to reclaim their spot at the top of the MLB rankings.
