MLB The Show 23 Best Teams – Ranking The Top 10

MLB The Show 23 brings comprehensive baseball simulation to gaming platforms with significant gameplay enhancements. The latest installment introduces true two-way player functionality, universal designated hitter implementation, and the groundbreaking Storylines mode celebrating Negro League legends. These additions complement freshly updated rosters and refined player ratings that completely reshape team competitive hierarchies. Understanding these rankings is crucial for franchise mode success and competitive online play.

Team evaluations in MLB The Show 23 assess five core attributes: Contact hitting, Power batting, Pitching effectiveness, Defensive capabilities, and Speed on basepaths. Each category receives numerical rankings that determine overall team strength and suitability for different playstyles. The top ten franchises represent the elite tier for virtual baseball dominance.

The St. Louis Cardinals captured the National League Central title with a formidable 96-69 record, securing the tenth position in MLB The Show 23 rankings. While demonstrating average athleticism with 22nd-ranked Speed and 21st-place Defense ratings, the Cardinals leverage exceptional power hitting to maintain competitive status. Ranking second league-wide in power metrics, trailing only the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis features returning sluggers 1B Paul Goldschmidt and 3B Nolan Arenado alongside newcomer catcher Willson Contreras, formerly with the Cubs.

Strategic Insight: The Cardinals excel for players preferring power-focused offensive strategies. Their below-average speed requires strategic baserunning decisions, while defensive limitations necessitate careful positioning. For franchise mode development, focus on acquiring speed-oriented prospects to balance the roster’s one-dimensional nature. Common mistake: Over-relying on home runs rather than manufacturing runs through small ball tactics.

Securing a Wildcard berth with a 90-72 record, the Seattle Mariners claim the ninth spot in this year’s rankings. With eighth-best power numbers and ninth-ranked pitching staff, Seattle establishes itself as a dark horse candidate both virtually and in actual MLB competition. The roster showcases American League Rookie of the Year center fielder Julio Rodríguez and newly acquired starting pitcher Luis Castillo.

Development Potential: Despite lacking players with 90+ overall ratings, most starting roster members possess either A or B potential ratings, indicating significant growth capacity. This makes Seattle ideal for long-term franchise building, with Rodríguez representing a cornerstone talent. Advanced strategy: Leverage the Mariners’ balanced attack by focusing on pitch selection and defensive positioning to maximize their youthful energy.

The Los Angeles Angels represent the sole top-ten team emerging from a losing season (73-89), capturing eighth position through impressive individual talents. Ranking sixth in Power, tenth in Defense, and twelfth in both Contact and Pitching categories, the Angels feature two 99 Overall rated superstars: two-way phenomenon SP/DH Shohei Ohtani and legendary center fielder Mike Trout.

Additional impact players include right fielder Hunter Renfroe and starting pitcher Tyler Anderson. While real-world championship aspirations remain distant, their virtual roster possesses championship-caliber potential through superstar dominance.

Gameplay Optimization: Maximize Ohtani’s unique two-way capabilities by utilizing him as both starting pitcher and designated hitter in appropriate rotations. Strategic consideration: Build around the superstars with complementary role players rather than seeking additional star power. Time investment: Mastering Ohtani’s dual-role requires 15-20 games to optimize usage patterns.

Despite competing in a division featuring two 100-win franchises, the Philadelphia Phillies mounted an impressive postseason surge to reach the World Series, ultimately falling to the Houston Astros. Philadelphia secures seventh position through elite Speed rankings (1st), strong Pitching (5th), and quality Contact hitting (6th). The roster boasts five players with 90+ Overall ratings: RF Bryce Harper, SS Trea Turner, SP Aaron Nola, C J.T. Realmuto, and SP Zack Wheeler.

Strategic Advantage: The Phillies’ speed-centric approach enables aggressive baserunning and defensive range unmatched by most competitors. For players favoring small-ball tactics and manufacturing runs, Philadelphia offers the ideal toolkit. Common pitfall: Over-aggressive baserunning without proper situational awareness leads to unnecessary outs.

The New York Mets captured sixth position following a 101-61 campaign that fell one victory short of NL East supremacy. The Mets excel with league-best Contact hitting and second-ranked Pitching, while demonstrating average performance in remaining categories. Despite Jacob deGrom’s departure, the pitching staff remains elite with reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander joining established aces Max Scherzer and closer Edwin Díaz.

Position player standouts include first baseman Pete Alonso, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and second baseman Jeff McNeil.

Advanced Pitching Strategy: Leverage the Mets’ rotation depth by implementing pitch count management and bullpen specialization. Their contact-focused offense rewards disciplined hitting approaches rather than power swinging. Development focus: Maintain pitching depth through prospect development and strategic free agent acquisitions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, securing the NL West title with a league-best 111-51 record, surprisingly rank fifth in MLB The Show 23. The Dodgers maintain competitive standing through balanced performance: fourth in Pitching, ninth in Defense, eleventh in Power, and thirteenth in Contact. Despite exceptional team performance, only three players achieve 90+ Overall ratings: RF Mookie Betts, SP Clayton Kershaw, and CP Evan Phillips.

Additional impact contributors include first baseman Freddie Freeman, catcher Will Smith, and starting pitcher Julio Urías.

Strategic Balance: The Dodgers’ well-rounded attributes make them ideal for players seeking flexibility in gameplay approach. Their lack of superstar dominance requires strategic roster management and platoon advantages. Optimization tip: Utilize defensive substitutions and pinch-hitting scenarios to maximize matchups against opposing pitchers.

The Toronto Blue Jays feature exceptional depth across their lineup, resulting in top-ten rankings in every statistical category.

As MLB’s exclusive Canadian franchise, the Toronto Blue Jays finished second in the AL East with a 92-70 record. Toronto secured fourth position by ranking ninth in Contact, fourth in Power, eighth in Pitching, second in Defense, and eighth in Speed. Remarkably, the Blue Jays achieve this comprehensive excellence without any players exceeding 90 Overall ratings, despite All-Star talents like first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and starting pitcher Alek Manoah.

Additional notable roster members include right fielder George Springer, starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, and catcher Alejandro Kirk.

The Toronto Blue Jays have a ton of great players, resulting in them being in the top 10 in every category.

Complete Team Strategy: The Blue Jays’ balanced attributes enable adaptive gameplay, allowing strategic shifts between power hitting, contact approaches, and speed-based tactics as game situations dictate. Their lack of superstar ratings is offset by exceptional depth, making them resistant to injuries and performance slumps. Development approach: Focus on maintaining balance rather than pursuing elite talents at the expense of roster depth.

The reigning World Series champions maintain their elite status with consistently strong performance across all categories. The Astros demonstrate why championship DNA translates to virtual diamond success through balanced offensive production and reliable pitching.

Key contributors include veteran leadership and emerging talents that create a sustainable competitive window. Their balanced approach makes them suitable for both novice and experienced players seeking reliable performance.

Championship Mentality: The Astros’ experience in high-pressure situations provides intangible benefits during close games and postseason scenarios.

The Bronx Bombers live up to their nickname with explosive offensive capabilities anchored by reigning MVP Aaron Judge. The pitching staff, led by Gerrit Cole, provides the stability needed for championship aspirations.

The Yankees combine traditional power hitting with improved defensive metrics, creating a well-rounded championship contender. Their roster construction emphasizes run production through both power and situational hitting.

Offensive Dominance Strategy: Leverage the Yankees’ power by focusing on patient at-bats and working counts to force mistakes from opposing pitchers.

The Atlanta Braves claim the top position through exceptional power rankings and reliable pitching staff. Their well-constructed roster features both established veterans and emerging talents, creating both immediate competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

The Braves demonstrate how balanced roster construction creates virtual baseball excellence, with strengths that compensate for minor defensive limitations.

Championship Blueprint: Study the Braves’ roster construction for insights into building sustainable contenders. Their success stems from identifying and developing talent while maintaining competitive balance across all categories.

Selecting the right team in MLB The Show 23 requires understanding both statistical rankings and personal playstyle preferences. Power-focused players should prioritize teams like the Braves and Cardinals, while speed-oriented gamers excel with the Phillies. Balanced approaches favor the Blue Jays and Dodgers for their adaptability.

Common Rookie Mistakes: Overvaluing overall team ratings rather than category strengths that match your style. Another frequent error involves neglecting defensive ratings, which significantly impact run prevention.

Optimization for Advanced Players: Master platoon advantages by studying opposing pitchers’ tendencies and adjusting your lineup accordingly. Defensive positioning adjustments based on hitter spray charts can prevent 3-5 extra hits per game.

Time Investment Guide: Building proficiency with a specific team requires approximately 10-15 games to understand player tendencies and optimal strategies.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » MLB The Show 23 Best Teams – Ranking The Top 10 MLB The Show 23's top 10 teams ranked with strategic insights for franchise mode success