2026 MLB Season Predictions: Playoffs, Awards, and More
As the MLB season kicks off, experts weigh in on playoff predictions and individual awards. Key questions surround team performances and player transitions.
Major League Baseball's regular season begins Wednesday night with a matchup between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, followed by a full slate of 11 Opening Day games on Thursday. This marks the start of the predictions for the 2026 season.
Several questions linger as the season approaches: Can the Los Angeles Dodgers become the first team to win three consecutive World Series titles since the 1998-2000 Yankees? How will players in new uniforms, such as Freddy Peralta with the New York Mets and Alex Bregman with the Chicago Cubs, perform? Which team will dominate the competitive AL East? What can fans expect from Shohei Ohtani in his inaugural full season as a two-way player for the Dodgers? And what surprises might the playoffs bring this year?
While no one can predict the future with certainty, we sought insights from 30 ESPN MLB writers, analysts, and editors to forecast the season's outcomes, including wild-card contenders, World Series champions, and recipients of the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards in both leagues.
In the American League East, the New York Yankees emerged as the favored team to win the division, receiving 16 votes. The Toronto Blue Jays, who were the reigning AL champions, garnered 8 votes, while the Boston Red Sox received 6. Despite the Blue Jays’ dominance over the Yankees last season, both teams finished with identical records of 94-68, making the Yankees a compelling pick. New York has made significant roster changes, losing key players like Marcus Stroman and DJ LeMahieu, while adding potential stars like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Lagrange.
The Boston Red Sox, with 89 wins last season, are also seen as contenders. Their well-rounded roster and strong pitching lineup, featuring Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray, could propel them further this year, especially with the addition of Roman Anthony for a full season.
In the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers are the clear favorites with 23 votes, thanks to a combination of young talent and strategic offseason acquisitions. Many analysts believe this team is on the verge of a breakthrough after coming close to the ALCS the past two years.
The Seattle Mariners topped the AL West predictions with 25 votes, praised for their strong rotation and a promising offensive lineup bolstered by new additions. Their near-miss at the World Series last year adds to the anticipation for this season.
In terms of wild-card teams, the voters identified the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees as the most likely candidates, reflecting the intense competition within the AL East. The division has seen four different winners over the last five seasons, indicating its strength.
The Kansas City Royals are also gaining traction as a potential wild-card team, with a young lineup expected to thrive amid a favorable divisional landscape. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics emerged as a surprising pick for the postseason, buoyed by a strong finish to the previous season.
As the season unfolds, we'll revisit these predictions in October to assess their accuracy and see how well the experts' forecasts hold up.