The 2026 MLB season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable years in recent memory, and we’re breaking it all down. At Blitz Sports Media, our analysts Ryan Linkletter, Diogo Santos, and Brian Germinaro each bring their own perspective to the table, delivering full league predictions including standings, award winners, and World Series picks.
From loaded divisions like the AL East to powerhouse teams like the Dodgers and rising contenders such as the Mariners and Royals, there are multiple paths to October—and plenty of disagreement along the way. Below, you’ll find each analyst’s complete outlook on how the 2026 season will play out, highlighting where they align, where they differ, and which teams they believe will ultimately be left standing at the end.
Ryan’s Predictions
American League Standings Prediction
AL East
- Toronto Blue Jays – 94-68 X
- New York Yankees – 93-69 Y
- Baltimore Orioles – 85-77 Y
- Boston Red Sox – 81-81
- Tampa Bay Rays — 77-85
AL Central
- Kansas City Royals — 88-74 X
- Detroit Tigers — 86-76 Y
- Cleveland Guardians — 80-82
- Minnesota Twins — 74-88
- Chicago White Sox — 68-94
AL West
- Seattle Mariners — 92-70 X
- Oakland Athletics – 84-78
- Texas Rangers — 82-80
- Houston Astros — 78-84
- Los Angeles Angels — 70-92
American League Breakdown
The American League is shaping up to be one of the most competitive landscapes we’ve seen in years, especially at the top. Your projections reflect a league where depth and balance outweigh dominance, particularly in the AL East.
The Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) edging out the division signals a roster that finally puts it all together, elite offense paired with enough pitching consistency to survive the gauntlet. Right behind them, the New York Yankees (93-69) remain a powerhouse, while the Baltimore Orioles (85-77) continue to prove they’re no longer rebuilding—but still fall victim to how loaded the division is.
Out west, the Seattle Mariners (92-70) emerging as the top team highlights their pitching staff and a lineup that’s taken the next step. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics (84-78) being competitive adds a surprise wrinkle and shakes up the expected hierarchy, especially with the Houston Astros (78-84) finally showing signs of regression.
The most interesting storyline might be the AL Central. The Kansas City Royals (88-74) taking the division represents a true breakout, while the Detroit Tigers (86-76) solidify themselves as a rising contender. This division isn’t just improving, it’s becoming dangerous.
National League Standings Prediction
NL East
- New York Mets — 92-70 X
- Philadelphia Phillies — 90-72 Y
- Atlanta Braves — 82-80
- Miami Marlins – 68-94
- Washington Nationals — 65-97
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs — 88-74 X
- Milwaukee Brewers — 86-76 Y
- Cincinnati Reds — 78-84
- Pittsburgh Pirates – 74-88
- St. Louis Cardinals — 64-98
NL West
- Los Angeles Dodgers — 102-60 X
- San Diego Padres — 89-73 Y
- Arizona Diamondbacks — 84-78
- San Francisco Giants — 77-85
- Colorado Rockies — 55-107
National League Breakdown
The National League feels a bit more top-heavy, with clear tiers separating contenders from the rest.
At the top, it starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers (102-60). Another 100+ win projection reinforces what we already know: this is still the team to beat in baseball. Star power, depth, and consistency make them the most complete roster in the league.
In the East, the New York Mets (92-70) taking the division suggests a team that’s found its identity again, while the Philadelphia Phillies (90-72) remain right there as a postseason threat. The Atlanta Braves (82-80) taking a step back creates a shift in the NL power structure.
The Central continues to be competitive but lacks a true elite team. The Chicago Cubs (88-74) and Milwaukee Brewers (86-76) both project as solid playoff-caliber teams, but neither feels dominant, making October outcomes wide open.
Out west behind the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres (89-73) reclaim relevance as a Wild Card team, while the Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78) stay in the mix but fall short.
Award Predictions
American League
MVP: Bobby Witt Jr KC
ROY: Carter Jensen KC
CY Young: Garrett Crochet BOS
National League
MVP: Ronald Acuna ATL
ROY: Sal Stewart CIN
CY Young: Paul Skenes PIT
World Series Prediction
Mariners over Dodgers
World Series Breakdown
The Seattle Mariners beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series comes down to their pitching staff flat-out taking control of the series. Even with a lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers can be neutralized when they’re forced into low-scoring games, and that’s exactly what Seattle does. A rotation led by Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo is built on elite command, limiting free passes, and consistently working deep into games. That group can dictate tempo, keep the ball in the yard, and prevent the Dodgers from ever getting into a rhythm offensively.
On top of that, Seattle’s bullpen, anchored by Andrés Muñoz, can shut the door once they have a lead, making it extremely difficult for LA to come back late. The Mariners don’t need to outslug the Dodgers, they just need to control games, and their pitching gives them that ability every night of the series. If those arms perform to their level, it’s a matchup where Seattle can realistically hold one of the best offenses in baseball in check and grind out wins, which is exactly how they would take down the Dodgers.
Brian’s Predictions
American League Standings Prediction
AL East
Blue Jays 92-70
Yankees 88-74
Red Sox 87-75
Orioles 82-80
Rays 76-86
AL Central
Tigers 92-70
Royals 87-75
Gaurdians 84-78
Twins 73-89
White Sox 62-100
AL West
Mariners 94-68
Rangers 82-80
A’s 79-83
Astros 76-86
Angels 63-99
American League Breakdown
Out of the two leagues, the American League feels more wide open. There are several teams that have a legitimate case to win the pennant. The most talented team has to be the Seattle Mariners. They field one of the best rotations in all of baseball, led by aces like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. While their lineup has questions, it’s good enough for the team to take the AL West. The Tigers are very similar to the Mariners, as the rotation should carry the team. Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher in baseball and should deliver one of his best performances in a contract year. They also can rely on guys like Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Justin Verlander, and Casey Mize to deliver quality outings. The AL East should be the most competitive, with four teams having a realistic shot of winning the division. But it should come down between the Yankees and Blue Jays. These teams are similar in that they have potent lineups but have questions about their pitching staff. Guys like Aaron Judge, Cody Belleniger, and Ben Rice make the Yankees one of the best power-hitting teams in baseball. But with Gerrit Cole not returning until June, plus Carlos Rodon and Max Fried’s injury history, the rotation is a ticking time bomb. Although the Blue Jays already have injuries to their staff, they should not miss much time, which gives them the inside track in the division.
The most intriguing team in the American League is the Red Sox. After years of waiting, their highly touted prospects have finally made the majors. Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayers, and Ceddanne Rafaela are headlining their lineup. They have the potential to be one of the most explosive lineups in baseball. Their lack of experience keeps them from being true threats to the AL East, but they should make a wild-card spot. The Royals should grab the final wild-card spot in the American League. While there are questions about the bottom of the order, guys like Bobby Witt Jr, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Mikael Garcia will generate a ton of offense. They also have Jac Caglianone, who will add depth to the lineup. Teams like the Guardians and Rangers will be in contention until at least August, but they are missing a few pieces for them to be serious contenders. Similarly, the A’s have a lineup with high upside. With young players like Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, and Brent Rooker, the lineup could be one of the best in baseball. But they do not have the pitching to be a serious contenders. The biggest surprise will be the Astros’ fall-off. The core is getting old, and with too many injury concerns, this will be the season where things fall apart for them.
National League Standings Prediction
NL East
Mets 90-72
Phillies 89-73
Braves 83-79
Marlins 75-87
Nationals 65-97
NL Central
Cubs 91-71
Brewers 85-77
Reds 81-81
Pirates 78-84
Cardinals 68-94
NL West
Dodgers 100-62
Diamondbacks 83-79
Giants 79-83
Padres 78-84
Rockies 60-102
National League Breakdown
On the other hand, the National League feels like a one-horse race. The Dodgers may field one of the most talented rosters we have seen in baseball history. It is a team filled with all-stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Edwin Diaz. There is no clear weakness on this team. Whether it’s the lineup, rotation, and bullpen, they have stars who will get outs, and the depth to keep them afloat if an injury occurs. While the Dodgers are talented, a couple of other contenders will try to upset them. The Mets and Phillies should be battling for the NL East crown, but the Mets have the upper hand. They overhauled their roster, bringing in key players like Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette, and Jorge Planco. This should fix the two main issues that plagued them in 2025: the rotation and hitting with runners in scoring positions. The Phillies, on the other hand, are running back a roster that is only getting older and has regressed since 2022. They’re good enough for a wild-card spot but will just miss winning their third straight division title. The NL Central is the weakest of the three, but it should be the Cubs to lose. Led by Pete Crow-Armstong and Alex Bregman, they should have no problem making a run.
The Brewers are one of the teams to watch in the Central this season. While they were the best teams in baseball last season, they arguably got worse by trading Peralta and Tobias Meyers to the Mets. They are going to need their young players like Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Spoart, and Jett Williams to replace the production. There is no guarantee, but with back-to-back NL Manager of the Year Pat Murphy, they should be able to return to the playoffs. Outside of the Dodgers, the NL West is anyone’s game. The Diamondbacks, Giants, and Padres will all be fighting for that final spot. The Diamondbacks are the most likely team to come out of this, as their lineup is good enough to overcome concerns about their pitching staff. The Giants have a decent roster, but with Tony Vietello having no major league experience, who knows how he will adjust to the big league game? The Padres have a lot of talent but no depth on their roster. If an injury were to occur, they do not have the resources to overcome it. The Pirates and Reds both field young, competitive rosters with a ton of upside. But they are a year or two away from being serious contenders.
Awards
American League
MVP: Bobby Witt Jr
ROY: Kazuma Okamoto
CY Young: Tarik Skubal
National League
MVP: Juan Soto
ROY: Sal Stewart
CY Young: Paul Skenes
World Series Prediction
Dodgers over Mariners in 6 Games
World Series Breakdown
As boring as picking the two best teams in the league is, it feels like that’s what we are heading for. Without question, the Dodgers are the most talented team in baseball. It’s hard to find any weaknesses in their team. They have one of the deepest rotations in baseball with guys like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Saski. Even if those guys have an off night, their bullpen will be more than capable of saving things. There is enough talent to keep the opponent off the board and give their star-studded offense the opportunity to tie the game. And when you have guys like Ohtani, Betts, Tucker, and Freddie Freeman in your lineup your never out of a game. Similarly, the Mariners’ rotation is one of the deepest in baseball. Every one of their starter should be able to have a quality start and put the team in a position to win. At the very least, they should give guys like Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, Josh Naylor, and Randy Arozarena the opportunity to win games for the Mariners. As much talent as the Mariners have, it will not be enough to overcome the goliath that is the Dodgers. This will give them their third straight World Series, the first time since the late 90s Yankees.
Diogo’s Predictions
American League Standings Prediction
AL East
- New York Yankees — 96-66
- Toronto Blue Jays — 91-71
- Boston Red Sox — 88-74
- Baltimore Orioles — 86-76
- Tampa Bay Rays — 79-83
AL Central
- Kansas City Royals — 89-73
- Detroit Tigers — 87-75
- Cleveland Guardians — 82-80
- Minnesota Twins — 78-84
- Chicago White Sox — 58-104
AL West
- Seattle Mariners — 93-69
- Houston Astros — 85-77
- Texas Rangers — 81-81
- Los Angeles Angels — 71-91
- Oakland Athletics — 68-94
American League Playoff Teams
- Yankees — 96-66
- Mariners — 93-69
- Royals — 89-73
- Blue Jays — 91-71
- Red Sox — 88-74
- Tigers — 87-75
First team out: Orioles — 86-76
American League Breakdown
The top of this list needs no real explanation. Just juggernaut squads top to bottom filled with elite bats, defence, pitching, you name it. The Dodgers grew their dynasty by signing the MLB’s best closer Edwin Diaz, and signing Kyle Tucker too. The Yankees’ offence is always absurd with Judge, Jazz, Bellinger and crew, with the Mets looking to sneak into the picture. The Mets’ major offseason moves for Peralta and Luis Rober Jr. speak volumes to their outlook for 2026. Aynsquad with Lindor and Juan Soto will be electric. The Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners need no introduction, simply some of the best and most well-rounded rosters in the MLB. However, to play with the big dogs at the top, we’d need to see a superstar elevation from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Julio Rodriguez. These teams are my real World Series contenders, and any one of them could find themselves winning their pennant come October.
The next section is my expected playoff squads that look to leap or join the teams at the top. The Red Sox are poised to succeed, with multiple elite arms in their bullpen; it’s hard not to like their squad. Partnered with exceptional defence at almost every position, with speed and bats too, it looks exceptional. Oh, and of course, that 21-year-old phenom, Roman Anthony, looks to compete for his first MVP award. This year, I firmly believe it is the coming-out party of the Kansas City Royals. A team with MLB superstar Bobby Witt Jr., World Baseball Classic MVP Maikal Garcia, Home run smasher Vinnie Pasquantino, and a deep pitching selection. Oh, did I mention the walls at Kauffman Stadium are also moving 10ft? Expect even more power and runs from this group. The Orioles new squad will be the talk of the season, I think they
The other squad I love is the Cubs, one of the simpler teams in the MLB. They just have consistent contributors everywhere you look. Proven MLB guys are playing season-long and providing great value. They do the right things and have an excellent pitching staff, too. We can’t forget about Daniel Palencia, who destroyed batters in the WBC and helped lead Venezuela to its first World Championship.
Don’t sleep on the Kansas City Royals. This is a team we genuinely believe in, and not just because of the talent on the roster. Kauffman Stadium brought the fences in and lowered the outfield walls this offseason, and that is going to matter — Bobby Witt Jr. already crushes the ball at home, and those adjustments will only add to his power numbers. The pitching staff is underrated, the lineup has real depth, and this club has a winning culture developing under the surface. Kansas City wins the AL Central and could be a dark horse to make some real noise in October. Then there’s Philadelphia, and their aging roster with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber. Although they’re getting old, their bats certainly feel youthful. Partner this with their elite pitching, and it’s hard not to like their outlook. Easily secure the NL East Wild Card.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles may be the most heartbreaking team in baseball this season. I project them to win 83-plus games, which in most years is more than enough to reach the postseason. But the AL East is so historically loaded in 2026 that it will eat them alive. Four legitimate playoff-calibre teams in one division is a storyline that will define the American League all summer long, and Baltimore is the unlucky victim that I feel will fall out of the race. The Tigers earn a wild card, but we do expect some regression from their 2025 form; the Skubal extension talks alone will be a distraction all year. I also don’t see Riley Greene repeating his breakout 36-homerun year. Atlanta is the NL’s most frustrating story. The offence is legitimate, but the pitching staff simply cannot hold up its end of the bargain long enough to carry this team into the postseason. Until the Braves address the rotation in a real way, the ceiling stays right where it is. Milwaukee, on the other hand, gets absolutely zero credit nationally and deserves so much more. Finally, the Padres just ever so slightly sneak into the playoffs. Carried by a vengeful Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Mason Miller, this squad has a mediocre ceiling but a solid floor.
National League Standings Prediction
NL East
- New York Mets — 95-67
- Philadelphia Phillies — 90-72
- Atlanta Braves — 84-78
- Washington Nationals — 71-91
- Miami Marlins — 60-102
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs — 92-70
- Milwaukee Brewers — 86-76
- Cincinnati Reds — 80-82
- St. Louis Cardinals — 76-86
- Pittsburgh Pirates — 72-90
NL West
- Los Angeles Dodgers — 101-61
- San Diego Padres — 89-73
- San Francisco Giants — 83-79
- Arizona Diamondbacks — 79-83
- Colorado Rockies — 55-107
National League Playoff Teams
- Dodgers — 101-61
- Mets — 95-67
- Cubs — 92-70
- Phillies — 90-72
- Padres — 89-73
- Brewers — 86-76
Awards Predictions
American League
AL MVP — Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (BOLD, but maybe Judge has a down year!!!) Bobby could go 30/50
AL Cy Young — Garret Crochet, Detroit Tigers
AL ROTY — Kazuma Okamoto, Baltimore Orioles
National League
NL MVP — Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Cy Young — Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
NL ROTY — Sal Stewart, Pittsburgh Pirates
World Series Prediction
Dodgers over Red Sox – Dodgers Win in 6
World Series Breakdown
The Red Sox find their way to the Fall Classic on the back of one of the most dominant pitching performances of the regular season. Garrett Crochet is an absolute force , beyond dominant, the kind of ace who wills his team into and through the postseason, carrying Boston through a brutal AL East gauntlet on sheer stuff and competitiveness. Around him, the offensive breakout is real. Jarren Duran takes a massive leap as one of the most electric players in the American League, and Roman Anthony’s full-season arrival delivers exactly what Boston has been waiting for; a young, dynamic bat in the middle of the order that opposing pitchers genuinely fear. The Red Sox are not a fluke. They are a legitimate pennant winner and a team that will be built around for years to come. (Said as a completely UNBIASED Blue Jays Fan!)
But the Dodgers are the Dodgers. Los Angeles is simply too deep, too well-constructed, and too battle-tested to fall in October. Shohei Ohtani is otherworldly, the rotation has no soft spots, and this organization has been in this position before they do not flinch. Boston pushes them, wins two games, and makes it genuinely interesting, but Los Angeles closes it out in six. Three straight World Series titles. Dynasty confirmed, and Hall of Fame resumes pushed even further for Ohtaini, Freeman, Mookie, and more.
