The 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season officially begins Wednesday night with the New York Yankees facing off against the San Francisco Giants, followed by a full slate of 11 games on Thursday. As fans and analysts gear up for the new season, the perennial question arises: which teams and players will rise to the top? ESPN's panel of 30 MLB writers, analysts, and editors have offered their predictions on the division winners, wild-card contenders, award winners, and ultimately, the World Series champion.
**American League Predictions**
*AL East:* Despite the Toronto Blue Jays being the reigning American League champions, the majority of voters (16 out of 30) predict the New York Yankees will take the division crown in 2026. The Blue Jays, who dominated the Yankees last season and pushed them to the brink in the AL Division Series, finished with the same 94-68 record as New York. However, the Yankees' roster underwent significant changes late last season, losing key players like Marcus Stroman and DJ LeMahieu, and dealing away Oswald Peraza. Still, the Yankees' floor is considered higher over a full 162-game season if three-time MVP Aaron Judge remains healthy. The impending return of ace Gerrit Cole, the developmental promise of Ben Rice, and the potential impact of flamethrower Carlos Lagrange are seen as major factors in New York's favor.
The Blue Jays remain a strong contender after a busy offseason that included acquiring pitcher Dylan Cease, though early injury concerns in their rotation and the loss of Bo Bichette to the Yankees are challenges. The Boston Red Sox also received six votes to win the division, buoyed by a solid roster and a strong pitching staff led by Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, and Sonny Gray. The Red Sox's lineup, complemented by Roman Anthony's full-season contribution, is considered "sneaky good" and capable of taking the next step.
*AL Central:* The Detroit Tigers are the overwhelming favorites to win the AL Central, receiving 23 votes. The Tigers have come close to reaching the AL Championship Series (ALCS) in recent years but fell short by a single win two seasons running. This year, their roster is maturing, and their starting rotation is stronger top to bottom. The addition of veteran closer Kenley Jansen bolsters an already versatile bullpen. Tigers prospects, led by Kevin McGonigle, add depth and raise the team's ceiling. Other teams receiving some votes include the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians, though Detroit's combination of youth and experience makes them the standout choice.
*AL West:* The Seattle Mariners are the clear favorite in the AL West, capturing 25 votes. The Mariners feature arguably the best starting rotation in the American League, with five pitchers good enough to start on Opening Day. Their bullpen is deep, anchored by closer Andres Munoz. Offensively, Seattle improved over the offseason by acquiring second baseman Brendan Donovan and will benefit from a full season of first baseman Josh Naylor. Much of the offense is expected to be carried by rising stars Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh. After narrowly missing the World Series last year, the Mariners are poised for a deeper postseason run. The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers also received some votes, but Seattle's balance of pitching and hitting makes them the team to beat.
*AL Wild Cards:* For the wild-card spots, voters largely picked teams from the AL East, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees leading the pack. This reflects the division's strength and depth; all five AL East teams have playoff aspirations, making it the most competitive division in baseball. Other teams receiving wild-card votes include the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and Cleveland Guardians.
The Royals are seen as a strong contender for a wild-card spot due to their improved health outlook and the potential breakout of young hitters Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen. The Athletics, despite a challenging history, are considered a dark horse wild-card candidate based on their strong second-half performance last year and the potential benefits of playing in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.
*AL Champion:* The Seattle Mariners are the top pick to win the American League pennant, earning 15 votes. Their potent rotation, improved offense, and playoff experience position them well for a World Series run. Some voters favored the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays, but Seattle's blend of youth and depth makes them the favorite to represent the AL in the World Series.
**National League Predictions**
*NL East:* The New York Mets are projected to win the NL East, with 16 votes. Voters point to the Mets' young depth at Triple-A, providing strong insurance if injuries or slumps occur. Their prospects such as Ryan Clifford and Ronny Mauricio bolster the organization's depth chart. Players like Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr. are in contract years, which some see as motivation for strong performances. The Philadelphia Phillies, with 13 votes, are seen as close rivals. Despite losing Bo Bichette and Ranger Suarez, the Phillies maintain a top-five rotation, an improved bullpen, and a formidable core lineup. The Atlanta Braves received just one vote, reflecting concerns about their injury challenges.
*NL Central:* The Chicago Cubs are the overwhelming favorite to win the NL Central, garnering 27 votes. This is attributed to their highest payroll in recent years, a deep roster, and experience from last year's playoff appearance. The Cubs' bullpen question marks appear resolved with the emergence of Daniel Palencia, who excelled in the World Baseball Classic. The Milwaukee Brewers also received a few votes and will challenge the Cubs, but Chicago is the clear favorite.
*NL West:* The Los Angeles Dodgers are the dominant pick to win the NL West, with 29 votes. The Dodgers have been near-unstoppable, winning back-to-back World Series titles and boasting one of the best lineups in baseball history. Their offseason moves addressed key weaknesses, adding closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker, significantly improving their bullpen and lineup depth. Their pitching depth remains second to none, and their consistent success in the division - 12 titles in 13 years - highlights their dominance. The San Diego Padres received one vote but are seen as unlikely to dethrone the Dodgers.
*NL Wild Cards:* The Milwaukee Brewers (18 votes), Philadelphia Phillies (17 votes), and Atlanta Braves (14 votes) are projected to secure the National League's wild-card spots. The NL wild-card race is wide open behind the Dodgers, with several teams vying for limited postseason berths. The New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and even the Dodgers received some votes for wild-card consideration.
The Cincinnati Reds, despite no division votes and only two wild-card votes, are highlighted for their improved offense, including the addition of slugger Eugenio Suarez and emerging young hitters like Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz. Their pitching staff remains a question mark but could be a playoff factor if healthy. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a promising rotation led by Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller and could make the playoffs for the first time since 2015 if they can generate enough offense.
*NL Champion:* Almost all voters - 27 out of 30 - expect the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the National League pennant again. While injuries and short-series unpredictability present risks, the Dodgers' talent advantage is formidable. The Philadelphia Phillies (2 votes) and New York Mets (1 vote) are seen as the only realistic challengers. The Phillies have maintained consistent 90+ win seasons and possess a strong rotation and bullpen. With established stars like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and newcomer Adolis Garcia, the Phillies have the pieces to compete but may require some luck to surpass the Dodgers.
**World Series Champion**
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the most popular choice to win the 2026 World Series, with 14 votes. If victorious, they would become the first team since the Yankees (1998-2000) to achieve a three-peat. The Dodgers' deep lineup, bolstered by the addition of Kyle Tucker and a lockdown bullpen led by Edwin Diaz, makes them a formidable opponent. However, their starting rotation faces questions, with only about three proven frontline starters, including Shohei Ohtani, while promising arms like Roki Sasaki have regressed and Blake Snell is expected to return mid-season. Some voters predict the Dodgers will need to make midseason trades to shore up the rotation.
The Seattle Mariners received six votes to win the World Series, seen as the most likely team to spoil the Dodgers' three-peat hopes. With young stars like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, strong pitching, and a front office willing to make aggressive moves, Seattle is considered well-positioned to make a deep playoff run and capture its first-ever title. Other teams receiving votes include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming postseason.
**Award Predictions**
*American League MVP:* Aaron Judge leads the AL MVP predictions, receiving 11 votes. His consistent elite performance over recent seasons, including high WAR totals, makes him the front-runner as long as he stays healthy. Bobby Witt Jr. garnered 10 votes, seen as a potential challenger if he leads the Kansas City Royals to a strong season with a possible 30-30 campaign (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases). Other candidates include Roman Anthony, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cal Raleigh, Junior Caminero, and Julio Rodriguez.
*American League Rookie of the Year:* Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers is the favorite with 12 votes. At just 21, McGonigle combines advanced baseball instincts with polished hitting and is expected to maintain success in the majors. Other contenders include Munetaka Murakami, Carter Jensen, Kazuma Okamoto, Trey Yesavage, Samuel Basallo, and Tatsuya Imai.
*American League Cy Young Award:* Tarik Skubal is the narrow favorite with 14 votes to win his third consecutive AL Cy Young Award. Known for his imposing physical presence and dominant changeup, Skubal is in a contract year worth $400 million, providing motivation for another stellar season. Garrett Crochet received 11 votes, recognized for leading the majors in strikeouts and innings pitched last season and expected to be a top contender if the Red Sox contend for the AL East.
*National League MVP:* Shohei Ohtani is the overwhelming pick for NL MVP with 21 votes. A two-way player, Ohtani's ability to pitch and hit at an elite level could see him tie Barry Bonds' record of four consecutive MVP awards. Juan Soto received six votes and is considered the main challenger, with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Bryce Harper also garnering votes. Soto's health and offensive output could close the gap if Ohtani's pitching availability is limited.
*National League Rookie of the Year:* Nolan McLean of the New York Mets leads the NL Rookie of the Year voting with 11 votes. Having already shown strong performances in the majors, including a 2.06 ERA in eight starts, McLean is considered a safe and promising choice. Other notable rookies include JJ Wetherholt, Konnor Griffin, Sal Stewart, Bubba Chandler, and Justin Crawford.
*National League Cy Young Award:* Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is the favorite to win his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award, securing 23 votes. Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024 and a Cy Young in 2025, Skenes is regarded as the best pitcher of his era, barring injury or run support issues. Cristopher Sanchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto received a handful of votes as potential challengers.
**Looking Ahead**
As the 2026 MLB season unfolds, these predictions offer a roadmap of expectations from some of the sport's most knowledgeable voices. The American League is expected to be fiercely competitive, particularly in the AL East, with the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox all in contention. The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are also seen as rising powers capable of deep playoff runs.
In the National League, the Dodgers appear poised to continue their recent dominance, though the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, and Brewers provide stiff competition. Individual awards are expected to highlight the continued excellence of stars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes, while promising rookies like Kevin McGonigle and Nolan McLean look to make significant impacts.
Of course, baseball's unpredictability means surprises are always possible. Injuries, breakout performances, and midseason trades could all reshape the postseason landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which predictions hold true as the season progresses toward October and the race for the World Series crown intensifies.