Why the Los Angeles Dodgers Are Undeniably Baseball’s Best Team Right Now

No one would question that the Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off back-to-back World Series championships, are the team to beat in Major League Baseball. Their dominance is not just evident in wins and titles but also in talent distribution, depth, and roster construction, which few organizations can match.

The MLB Network Top-100 Right Now rankings, released recently, offer further validation of the Dodgers’ preeminence. The list, which ranks the best 100 players in baseball at this very moment, placed eight Dodgers players in the top 100 — the most of any team in MLB. The next closest are the New York Yankees, who placed six players on the list, underscoring the gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league.

This depth is remarkable. In a sport where even a single superstar can dominate headlines, the Dodgers boast a roster loaded with elite talent from the rotation to the bullpen and throughout the lineup, making them arguably the most complete team in baseball history.

Top of the Top: Shohei Ohtani

Not surprisingly, Shohei Ohtani claims the No. 1 spot overall. While Ohtani doesn’t play for the Dodgers, his ranking reminds fans why baseball’s elite talent is spread across multiple franchises — but even without him, the Dodgers’ collection of players reads like an all-star roster in itself.

Dodgers’ Stars in MLB Network’s Top-100

The Dodgers’ representation on the list is impressive. Yoshinobu Yamamoto checks in at No. 13, a testament to his exceptional postseason performance, where he repeatedly shut down opposing lineups with precision pitching and mental toughness. Yamamoto’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure mirror the traits the Dodgers prioritize in their rotation.

Then there’s Mookie Betts, ranked No. 18. Betts, known for his speed, defensive prowess, and high-contact bat, remains a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ lineup. His ability to impact games both offensively and defensively keeps the Dodgers competitive even when other stars have off nights.

Will Smith, the Dodgers’ top catcher, lands at No. 20. Smith has been instrumental both behind the plate and at bat, providing leadership, game-calling expertise, and offensive production. A catcher who can manage a deep rotation while contributing at the plate is a rarity, and Smith’s ranking reflects just how crucial he is to the team’s success.

The new addition, Kyle Tucker, lands at No. 21. Tucker’s combination of power, plate discipline, and athleticism fits perfectly into Los Angeles’ championship formula. His ability to hit for average and power in critical situations strengthens the Dodgers’ lineup, giving them more options against both right- and left-handed pitching.

Freddie Freeman, a veteran first baseman, continues to show that consistency matters. Ranked 22nd, Freeman has proven over the years that he can anchor a lineup, drive in runs, and provide stability in both the regular season and postseason. His presence is critical for a team balancing young talent with experienced veterans.

Beyond the top 25, the Dodgers have more depth. Blake Snell, a proven postseason pitcher, appears at No. 54. While some fans may underestimate Snell’s value, his ability to deliver dominant innings in high-stakes matchups makes him a vital component of Los Angeles’ rotation.

Even in the bullpen, the Dodgers excel. Closer Edwin Diaz, a new free-agent signing, ranks 83rd. Diaz’s presence gives Los Angeles a formidable late-inning weapon, capable of shutting down games and preserving slim leads. Having a reliable closer like Diaz allows the Dodgers to manage high-leverage situations with confidence.

Other Contenders and Depth Players

There are strong arguments for including other Dodgers players in the Top-100. Tyler Glasnow, when healthy, possesses elite strikeout ability and nasty breaking stuff that could dominate lineups. Similarly, Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernandez provide offensive depth and versatility, while former phenom Roki Sasaki, after closing in the playoffs, is poised to regain his form as a dominant starter in the rotation.

This combination of elite talent and depth is why analysts argue the Dodgers are not only the best team in MLB but perhaps the best-constructed roster in the sport’s modern era. Few teams can match the combination of power, pitching depth, speed, defense, and postseason experience that Los Angeles brings to every game.

Roster Construction and Organizational Philosophy

Part of what makes the Dodgers so dominant is their philosophy of balancing veteran stars with emerging talent. Every player on the roster is evaluated for both current impact and long-term value, creating a system where development and immediate success coexist.

The front office’s approach to free agency, trades, and player development ensures that the team maintains depth across all positions, avoiding the weaknesses that plague other franchises. For example, the acquisition of Kyle Tucker adds power and athleticism, while maintaining the team’s core of proven winners like Betts, Freeman, and Smith.

Additionally, the Dodgers’ rotation is designed to maximize postseason success. With starters like Yamamoto and Snell, and depth arms capable of stepping into high-pressure games, Los Angeles can rotate strategically, limit fatigue, and maintain high-level performance throughout October.

Why Other Teams Struggle to Keep Up

The presence of eight Top-100 players on a single roster is remarkable in a league where talent is spread across 30 teams. The Yankees follow with six, but even their star-studded lineup doesn’t match Los Angeles in terms of balance, depth, and postseason readiness.

What sets the Dodgers apart is not just talent, but how the pieces fit together. Betts covers ground in the outfield, Smith manages pitchers expertly, and Freeman and Tucker provide offensive insurance. Combined with elite pitching, the Dodgers have a roster capable of winning in nearly any scenario.

Even the bullpen is deeper than many rotations. With Diaz securing games and other relievers able to handle high-leverage situations, the Dodgers’ late-game reliability is unmatched. This makes them especially dangerous in playoff series, where single innings can decide outcomes.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Dodgers’ roster continues to generate buzz. Fans and analysts alike recognize that this isn’t just a strong team — it’s a dynasty in motion. The combination of veterans, young stars, and depth arms ensures they remain contenders for years to come.

It’s not just about the players’ individual rankings; it’s about how the Dodgers deploy that talent collectively. A balanced lineup with multiple All-Stars in the rotation and field allows them to compete in every matchup, against any opponent.

Even as other teams attempt to catch up through trades, free agency, or minor-league development, the Dodgers’ blend of elite talent and organizational excellence creates a formidable barrier. They are, for now, baseball’s team to beat — and perhaps the team to admire.

Conclusion: The Best Team in Baseball

The 2026 MLB Network Top-100 Right Now list underscores what many have known for years: the Los Angeles Dodgers are baseball’s best team, period. With eight players ranked among the elite, a strategic balance of youth and experience, and a rotation built for postseason dominance, the Dodgers have raised the bar for excellence in the sport.

From Shohei Ohtani at No. 1, to Yamamoto at No. 13, to closer Edwin Diaz at No. 83, the Dodgers’ roster is a masterclass in talent, depth, and strategic roster construction. Few teams can match their balance, and even fewer can consistently execute at the level necessary to win consecutive championships.

In short, Los Angeles isn’t just good; they’re stacked. They’re deep. And as the 2026 season unfolds, the rest of Major League Baseball will be chasing them, game by game, inning by inning, swing by swing.