Kiley Mc Daniel ranks MLB team cores based on players under contract through 2027-2028, splitting talent into elite (5 WAR), plus (3-5 WAR), and solid (1.5-3 WAR) tiers. Salaries don't matter but age projections do.

Los Angeles Dodgers hold the top spot with elite Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, plus stars Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Andy Pages. Despite aging concerns, they supplement with young talent like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki.

Milwaukee Brewers lead the pack with the deepest farm system, featuring elite Jacob Misiorowski and plus Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio. Their cost-effective approach challenges the Dodgers' dominance.

Ranking methodology considers projected value over two years, including players with likely option pickups while excluding opt-outs.