The Chicago Cubs are making Wrigley Field feel like an impenetrable fortress once again. After sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend, the Cubs have now won 11 straight games at the Friendly Confines—their longest home winning streak since 2008. That kind of dominance is exactly why they headline four NL Central teams inside the top 10 of this week's MLB Power Rankings.
But the Cubs aren't the only team making noise. The Philadelphia Phillies have found new life after a managerial change, with Don Mattingly helping to spark a hot start that has fans buzzing. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins are seeing a notable shift in their fortunes, and the Cincinnati Reds? Well, they probably just walked another batter—some things never change.
These rankings blend current performance with long-term outlook, giving you a snapshot of where each team stands as of Monday morning. And there's plenty to unpack across the league.
The Atlanta Braves continue to set the standard, sweeping the Colorado Rockies to improve to 25-10—their best 35-game start in the Modern Era. They've already built an 8.5-game lead in the NL East, giving them breathing room while waiting for Ronald Acuña Jr. to return from a hamstring injury. That kind of cushion is a luxury most teams can only dream of.
In Los Angeles, Justin Wrobleski is turning heads in the Dodgers' rotation. The 25-year-old tossed another scoreless outing against the Cardinals on Sunday, and here's the mind-bender: he has allowed one earned run or fewer in all five of his starts. Even crazier? He didn't strike out a single batter on Sunday and has just 15 strikeouts in 36 innings this season. How is that possible in 2026? It's a testament to pitching to contact and letting the defense work.
On the flip side, Fernando Tatís Jr. is experiencing a rare power outage, leaving fantasy managers and Padres fans wondering when the fireworks will return. And if you're looking for streaming options on the mound, keep an eye on Parker Messick and Davis Martin, who are showing intriguing pitch mix changes worth chasing.
Finally, we take a moment to remember Yankees radio legend John Sterling, who passed away at 87. Sterling was the quintessential showman in the booth, making every game feel important and fun. For those of us who spent long drives listening to his play-by-play, it felt like a friend keeping us company. There will never be another one like him.
Whether you're tracking the Cubs' home streak, the Braves' dominance, or the Dodgers' unlikely strikeout-free ace, this season is already delivering unforgettable moments. Stay tuned—there's plenty more baseball ahead.