Braves leapfrog the Dodgers for the best team in MLB

The Atlanta Braves rank as No.1 in ESPN's latest power rankings

According to ESPN's David Schoenfield, the Braves getting healthier and production from Olson and Baldwin are the reasons to have them at one, when they were ranked third last ranking.

"The Braves continued their blitz through the first quarter of the schedule by taking two of three at Dodger Stadium, including back-to-back decisive 7-2 wins," wrote Schoenfield. "The big highlight was Spencer Strider allowing one hit in six scoreless innings in his second start back from the injured list, looking more like the pre-Tommy John surgery Strider of 2022-23 than what we saw of him in 2025. Meanwhile, Matt Olson is playing at an MVP level, leading the NL in runs, doubles, RBIs, total bases, OPS and OPS+ heading into Wednesday's action. He also passed Gus Suhr with his 823rd consecutive game played, and now ranks 10th on the all-time list, with Eddie Yost (829) just a few days away."

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The Braves have also seen right-hander Bryce Elder emerge as one of the better pitchers in the National League this season. After going 2-5 with a 6.52 ERA in 2024 and going 8-11 with a 5.30 ERA last season, Elder has fared better this year, going 4-1 with a 1.81 ERA in nine starts.

Outfielder Michael Harris II has also returned to the player he was in 2023 (.293/.832), batting .309 with an 832 OPS in 41 games.

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