Undefeated Dodgers Lead Early MLB Power Rankings

NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 — The 2025 MLB season is just one week old, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have already established themselves as the team to beat, starting with an impressive 8-0 record. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves are struggling, having lost their first seven games and igniting a flurry of questions about their future performance.

With the Dodgers and San Diego Padres both starting the season undefeated, the contrast in fortunes is stark. The Braves, expected to contend in the National League, currently sit at the bottom of the standings, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike.

“It’s early, but 0-7 is a tough start,” said ESPN analyst Alden Gonzalez. “The Braves have not only struggled to find their rhythm but also face mounting pressure as the season progresses.”

Dodgers’ superstar Mookie Betts, having overcome a recent illness, continues to shine, displaying surprising power and depth in the lineup even with key players absent. Betts’s ability to bounce back is a bright spot in an otherwise chaotic start for some teams.

The Dodgers’ resurgence after winning the previous season’s championship positions them well, becoming the first defending champion to start a season 8-0 since the 1985 Tigers, who oddly missed the playoffs that year. The current Dodgers lineup, featuring Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, shows formidable firepower, leading to offensive dominance despite absences.

Meanwhile, other teams in the league are also making headlines. The San Diego Padres, propelled by young star Fernando Tatis Jr., are facing high expectations after a stellar start, achieving a franchise-best 7-0 record. Tatis, who recently signed a significant contract extension, has contributed to the team’s strong performances.

“Tatis’s growth and development are crucial not just for the Padres but also for the league in general,” said ESPN MLB analyst David Schoenfield. “His energy and production elevate the team’s play and excite fans about what’s ahead.”

On the other hand, the Braves’ early struggles can be attributed to offensive droughts and inconsistency on the mound. Atlanta managed only 9 runs in their first six games, marking one of the lowest outputs in MLB history over that stretch.

“We need to capitalize on opportunities and not let early losses define our season,” stated Braves manager Brian Snitker. “The talent is there, but it takes more than that.”

The first week of the MLB season has brought both surprising outcomes and reaffirmed expectations, as teams like the Dodgers establish themselves solidly as contenders, while others, like the Braves, face pivotal moments that could shape their campaigns going forward.