MLB Standings 2021: Dodgers, Giants, A's, Mariners Have Best Records In Baseball

Three weeks into the 2021 MLB season, the teams with the best records all reside on the West Coast.

It’s no surprise that the Los Angeles Dodgers (14-5) have the most wins in baseball, but the San Francisco Giants (12-7) and Seattle Mariners (12-7) were not expected to be near the top of the overall standings.

The Oakland Athletics (12-7) are the sport’s hottest team with 11 straight victories. The A’s, Giants and Mariners are in a three-way tie behind the Dodgers for MLB’s top mark after 19 games.

The four best teams in baseball so far this season are all on the West Coast. pic.twitter.com/NomFO1rYYJ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 23, 2021

The defending champion Dodgers are on track for their ninth straight NL West title. Entering the season as the clear World Series favorites, Los Angeles could threaten the all-time record of 116 wins in a season. The top of the division was projected to be competitive, though it was supposed to be the San Diego Padres (11-10), not San Francisco, directly behind L.A.

For now, the Giants lead the NL wild-card standings. A remarkable stretch of pitching has carried San Francisco. The Giants have shut out their opponents in five of the last 11 games. Four members of San Francisco’s rotation have an ERA south of 2.50.

The Athletics and Mariners are tied atop the AL West. Oakland has rebounded from a 0-6 start, recording three walk-off victories in their 11-game hot streak. Seattle has only outscored its opponents by a single run, but the team is finding ways to win.

Neither Seattle nor San Francisco is expected to keep this pace. Both teams are World Series long shots at FanDuel Sportsbook with 120/1 championship odds. Oakland has 22/1 World Series odds. Los Angeles is the heavy favorite at 3/1.

The Mariners outlasted the Boston Red Sox (12-8) in 10 innings Thursday night at Fenway Park. The Red Sox lead the AL East and are a half-game behind both Seattle and Oakland for the AL’s best record.

The Kansas City Royals (10-7) sit atop the AL Central. The New York Mets (7-7) and Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) are also in first place in their respective divisions.