National League power rankings

1. Mets: With the best rotation in baseball and a full season of OF Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets can follow the Royals' path to a title.

2. Cubs: Their rotation is experienced and accomplished. Their lineup is young with high-level producers and others with upside. A lot to like on the North Side this year.

3. Giants: Don't rely on the every-other-year thing. The Giants have bolstered their rotation and have a dangerous lineup capable to getting them deep into the playoffs.

4. Nationals: OF Bryce Harper could overtake Mike Trout as the game's best player, but can he help change the perception that Washington is a group of underachievers?

5. Cardinals: OF Jason Heyward is gone to a division rival, but St. Louis has shaken off free-agent departures before. RHP Carlos Martinez about to go to the next level.

6. Dodgers: The lineup should be productive, especially with rookie phenom SS Corey Seager for a full season. Rotation health will hold this team back.

7. Pirates: Timing is everything. Pittsburgh has superstars in OF Andrew McCutchen and RHP Gerrit Cole and a good lineup. But it's hard to be more than a wild card in the NL Central.

9. Marlins: Barry Bonds, the all-time home run leader, gets to work with a team that was 12th in OPS and 14th in home runs last season. Pack a lunch, Barry.

10. Brewers: This team is in rebuild mode, and it wouldn't be shocking if C Jonathan Lucroy and LHP Will Smith are dealt.

11. Padres: San Diego went for it last season — and flopped. The Padres need to take a step back, and RHP James Shields can be had for the right price.

12. Reds: Another rebuilding project in its infancy. They have some interesting young arms, but things could get ugly this season as they pitch in that offense-friendly ballpark.

13. Phillies: 3B Maikel Franco looks as if he has star potential. RHP Aaron Nola has promise, too. But this team is going to take some lumps this year.