First 2026 MLB power rankings correct offseason disrespect shown to Brewers

As is often the case, the Milwaukee Brewers entered the 2026 season facing skepticism from outside evaluators, with many analysts once again questioning their ability to stack up against the rest of the league. MLB.com’s preseason power rankings reflected that doubt, placing Milwaukee just outside the top 10 at No. 11 to start the year.

With all 30 teams now nine or 10 games into the season, MLB has updated its power rankings and quickly restored the respect the Brewers deserve. Milwaukee has vaulted up to No. 3 in the new rankings, coming in behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, all three of whom have just two losses on the season.

As impressive as that is, it raises the question: is third place truly fair for the Brewers, or have they earned a spot even higher?

Milwaukee Brewers come in at No. 3 in MLB's first power rankings of 2026 season

Offensively, the Brewers and Dodgers have clearly outpaced the Yankees. Milwaukee and Los Angeles have both scored 68 runs on the season, compared to the Yankees' 47. The Brewers have tallied seven more doubles (22) than the Dodgers, drawn more walks (56 compared to the Yankees’ 46 and Dodgers' 35), and dominated on the bases with 21 stolen bases versus New York’s 12 and Los Angeles' five.

As expected, the Dodgers lead the league in home runs with 21, 11 more than the Brewers and 12 more than the Yankees. Los Angeles also holds the advantage in total hits with 104, topping Milwaukee by 12 and New York by a whopping 39.

On the pitching side, the Yankees have stood out the most. They allowed just eight runs over their first seven games, tying an MLB record for the fewest, and own a 2.35 ERA, the best among the three. Milwaukee follows with a 3.44 ERA, while Los Angeles trails the group at 3.60.

Supporting their pitching has been strong defense, with both the Brewers and Dodgers committing just one error compared to the Yankees’ four. Milwaukee has done this despite missing Jackson Chourio in the outfield and having rotating a mix of Jake Bauers and Gary Sánchez at first base, while the other teams are missing key shortstops -- Mookie Betts for the Dodgers and Anthony Volpe for the Yankees.

Overall, all three teams can be pleased with the wins they’ve racked up so far. In terms of schedule, Milwaukee has claimed series victories over the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Kansas City Royals, including a sweep of the White Sox. Los Angeles swept the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals but dropped two of three to the Cleveland Guardians. Meanwhile, New York has taken series wins against the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Miami Marlins.

With their strong starts, the Brewers, Dodgers, and Yankees have all proven why they’re top contenders. Each team has its strengths. And while the argument could maybe be made that Milwaukee deserves the second spot on the list, it's nevertheless encouraging to see the Brew Crew earn the respect that they so clearly deserve.