Apr 18, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Padres Ahead of Dodgers in Latest MLB Power Rankings

Originally posted on San Diego Padres on SI
By Nelson Espinal | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The San Diego Padres are among the hottest teams in baseball during the first few weeks of the season.

According to Newsweek's latest baseball power rankings, the Padres are in the top spot, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, whom many picked to challenge for the regular season wins record.

The rest of the top four was filled out by other NL West teams, the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers are likely the favorites to win the World Series, considering the strength of their roster and the fact that they are preparing for a long run into October.

Name this boy band ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nz6kV1t5eT
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 17, 2025

Despite this, it's remarkably impressive that the Padres are competing with a genuine superteam so early in the season. This is especially true given that superstar Jackson Merrill has missed a considerable portion of the season so far, and Yu Darvish has not yet started pitching for the team.

There is still the trade deadline for San Diego to retool if necessary, but the roster already has plenty of depth.

The team has one of the best performing pitching staffs so far this year, and Fernando Tatis Jr. is playing like a legitimate MVP candidate as well.

The Padres are impressively leading the National League in the first few weeks of the season, and if the team can maintain this level, an NLCS spot could be in their future, along with a ticket to the World Series.

For more Padres news, head over to Padres on SI.

This article first appeared on San Diego Padres on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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