One third of the 2026 MLB season is in the books, and the standings look almost nothing like the preseason projections. The Atlanta Braves have emerged as the most dominant team in baseball, while the Chicago Cubs are putting together one of the hottest starts in MLB history. The defending champion Dodgers remain strong but no longer alone at the top, and a handful of preseason locks — including the Yankees and Phillies — are scrambling to stay in the race. Here is the complete May 24 power rankings update plus the World Series futures movement that's reshaping the betting board.
Quick answer: The Atlanta Braves are the No. 1 team in MLB through Memorial Day weekend 2026, with the Cubs, Dodgers, Rays, and Tigers rounding out the top 5. Atlanta became the first team to 30 wins, while the Cubs have two separate 10-plus game winning streaks. The Angels are projected to lose 100+ games. World Series futures: Braves +475, Dodgers +600, Yankees +750.
Top 10 Power Rankings
- Atlanta Braves (34-15): First to 30 wins, +175 run differential, locked-in pitching
- Chicago Cubs (33-16): Two distinct 10+ game winning streaks, hottest team since the 1955 Dodgers
- Los Angeles Dodgers (32-17): Defending champs, deepest roster in baseball
- Tampa Bay Rays (31-18): Top-3 pitching, lineup figuring it out
- Detroit Tigers (30-19): Skubal Cy Young pace, division leaders in AL Central early
- Houston Astros (29-20): Old guard still grinding, bullpen excellent
- Seattle Mariners (29-21): Best run-prevention in baseball, offense still finding its level
- Milwaukee Brewers (28-21): Hot 8-of-10 stretch puts them ahead of the Cubs in division
- New York Yankees (27-23): Underperforming preseason expectations but still in the mix
- Cleveland Guardians (27-22): 5-game winning streak vaults them to AL Central contention
Division Races: Where the Money Is
The most compelling division race right now is the NL Central. The Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals are within 4.5 games of each other, with the Cubs holding the slight edge on Memorial Day. The Cubs' +120 NL Central futures price has shortened from +280 a month ago, while the Brewers have stayed steady at +180.
In the AL East, Tampa Bay leads at -130 with the Yankees +250 and the Red Sox a surprising +400. The AL Central is wide open with Detroit -110, Cleveland +220, and Kansas City +450. The NL East is essentially Braves -550, Phillies +400, everyone else longshot.
World Series Futures Movement
Updated World Series prices as of Sunday morning:
- Atlanta Braves: +475 (was +700 preseason)
- Los Angeles Dodgers: +600 (preseason favorite at +320)
- New York Yankees: +750
- Chicago Cubs: +850 (was +2200 preseason — major mover)
- Tampa Bay Rays: +950
- Detroit Tigers: +1400
- Houston Astros: +1500
- Philadelphia Phillies: +1800
The Cubs' move from +2200 to +850 represents the most significant futures change of the season. The Braves have eclipsed the Dodgers as the betting favorite, with sharp money flowing to Atlanta over the past three weeks.
Most Hot Streaks and Cold Spells
The Cubs and Braves are obviously red-hot, but other notable trends:
- Cleveland Guardians: 5-game winning streak, climbing AL Central rankings
- Milwaukee Brewers: 8 wins in 10 games, taking control of NL Central
- San Diego Padres: Cold 4-12 stretch, futures price doubled in 3 weeks
- Texas Rangers: Bullpen meltdown — 8 blown saves in May alone
- Colorado Rockies: 19-31 record, on pace for franchise-worst season
- Los Angeles Angels: On pace for first-ever 100+ loss season
Player Award Watch
The MVP and Cy Young races have started to crystallize:
AL MVP: Tarik Skubal is leading the race despite being a pitcher (+250), followed by Bobby Witt Jr. (+350) and Aaron Judge (+450). Skubal's Cy Young + MVP double campaign has historical precedent — Ohtani won both in 2024.
NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani still leads at +220 even as a part-time pitcher in 2026. Ronald Acuña Jr. is +320 and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs is the breakout +500 candidate.
AL Cy Young: Skubal -200 and pulling away.
NL Cy Young: Paul Skenes +180, Spencer Strider +250, Zack Wheeler +320.
Best Bets Going Forward
Three futures plays that offer value relative to current consensus:
- Chicago Cubs to win NL Central (+120): The Cubs have the schedule strength and roster depth to outlast Milwaukee.
- Detroit Tigers Over 90.5 wins (+105): They're already 30-19 with a top-3 starting rotation.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong NL MVP (+500): Long shot, but his all-around profile (BA, HR, SB, defense) tracks like recent young MVPs.
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Trade Deadline Implications
The July 31 trade deadline is 9 weeks out, but contenders are already scouting. The Phillies and Yankees are likely buyers seeking starting pitching depth. The Rockies, Marlins, and White Sox will be the most aggressive sellers. The Padres' cold stretch has them in unusual limbo — they could go either way depending on June performance.
Trade deadline movement directly impacts futures prices. If the Cubs add a frontline starter, their World Series price could move from +850 to +500. If the Dodgers add a top-3 reliever, they reclaim favorite status. Sharp bettors track trade rumors as carefully as on-field stats.
The Yankees Question
New York entered 2026 at +750 World Series odds and remain at the same price — a sign the market still believes in their roster despite the 27-23 start. Aaron Judge is OPS-ing .945 and Juan Soto is at .920. The pitching has been the issue, with Gerrit Cole's elbow soreness creating uncertainty. If Cole is healthy by July, the Yankees become AL East favorites again. If not, the Rays and Red Sox could pull away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favorite to win the 2026 World Series?
The Atlanta Braves are the current World Series favorites at +475, having overtaken the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers (+600).
What team has the hottest start to 2026?
The Chicago Cubs at 33-16 have produced two separate 10+ game winning streaks within their first 40 decisions — a feat not matched since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who is leading MLB MVP races?
Tarik Skubal leads the AL MVP race despite being a pitcher (+250), and Shohei Ohtani leads the NL at +220 even in a reduced pitching role.
What is the worst team in MLB right now?
The Los Angeles Angels are on pace for the first 100+ loss season in franchise history. The Colorado Rockies are also struggling, with the fewest wins in the National League.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31 at 6 PM ET. Contenders typically begin serious negotiations in the first two weeks of July.
Conclusion: Lock Futures Before Memorial Day Bumps
The 2026 MLB season has produced surprises in every division. The Cubs from +2200 to +850, the Braves overtaking the Dodgers, the Angels in free fall — markets adjust faster than perception. If you've been waiting to bet futures, this week's prices reflect both 50 games of evidence and uncertainty about what trade-deadline reinforcements will reshape the picture. For full lines coverage and current operator boosts, see our BetMGM review. Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest betting volume days of the baseball season — get your lines locked early.
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