ESPN's Week 17 MLB Power Rankings show minimal movement post-All-Star break except for the Red Sox, who surged from No. 21 to No. 9 following a 15-game win streak. Boston now sits at 52-49 with a 61.7% playoff probability per FanGraphs, up from 9.4% on June 24, despite missing ace Garrett Crochet and slugger Roman Anthony for months.

In the National League, the Dodgers (65-38), Brewers (64-38), and Braves (59-42) hold the top three spots. Los Angeles is managing injuries to Edwin Diaz, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, while Milwaukee faces pressure to acquire a frontline starter like Tarik Skubal to avoid another early postseason exit.

As the trade deadline approaches, ESPN's expert panel—Buster Olney, Jorge Castillo, and Jesse Rogers—provided observations for all 30 clubs. The White Sox (54-47) rose to No. 8, and the Guardians (54-49) re-entered the top 10 at No. 10. Cleveland seeks outfield help, while Chicago targets rotation depth and bullpen upgrades. The Yankees (57-45) remain at No. 5 but trail Tampa Bay in the AL East race.