As the 2026 MLB season approaches, it is time to make predictions. Who will be headed to October? Will we see a new MVP in 2026? Most importantly, who will be the 2026 World Series Champions?
These predictions today are my own. It is rare that a Last Word On Sports article includes first-person writing, but we will have an exception today. Therefore, please note that these are not the predictions of the LWOS staff as a whole, but my own. Should you disagree with any of these predictions, drop your thoughts in the comments!
Without further ado, let’s start the fun!
2026 MLB Predictions
American League Division Winners
American League East- Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays lost Bo Bichette in their lineup, but added Dylan Cease to an already strong rotation. Furthermore, they added Tyler Rogers to the bullpen. The additions far outweigh the subtractions.
The AL East will be competitive, with other teams improving over the winter, but the Blue Jays have added enough to remain atop the division.
American League Central- Detroit Tigers
After two straight playoff appearances and two straight trips to the American League Division Series, the Tigers’ rebuild appears complete. There are questions surrounding whether or not Tarik Skubal finishes the season as a Tiger, but if he does, he will lead what will be a formidable rotation. The Tigers added Framber Valdez and reunited with Justin Verlander. Valdez is coming off a 13-win season in 2025, and Verlander posted a reliable 3.85 ERA, indicating age continues to be just a number for him.
The lineup should get a boost by the arrival of Kevin McGoingle to the big leagues. All that, plus what I think will be a regression by the Cleveland Guardians this season, should help the Tigers win the division for the first time since 2014.
American League West- Seattle Mariners
The Mariners were on the cusp of the World Series last season and should be even better this season. Their strong pitching returns, and the already deep lineup is adding Brendan Donovan.
The case can be made that the Mariners are the most talented team in the American League. They are by far the most talented team in their division.
Wild Card Teams
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox added players in the off-season, including Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Danny Coulombe. Those three join a roster that already includes a potential-MVP candidate in Roman Anthony and one of the best pitchers in baseball in Garret Crochet. Furthermore, Aroldis Chapman, one of the best closers in the game, remains in their bullpen.
Trading away Rafael Devers last season should have derailed the Red Sox’s path to contending. Instead, it seemed to reset the roster, and now they should be able to comfortably secure a Wild Card spot.
New York Yankees
As long as Aaron Judge is leading the lineup, the Yankees remain dangerous. While they may fall short in the division race, their star power is enough to carry them into October.
A healthy Gerrit Cole is key to the Yankees’ success. He is the ace in a strong rotation. While the Yankees were fine last year in his absence, Cole can be the x-factor that propels the Yankees deep into October.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals take another step forward, emerging as one of the American League’s rising teams. They made some noise in the playoffs in 2024 before missing out last year, but they will be back in 2025.
Of course, their success runs through Bobby Witt Jr., but the team should also benefit from a youth surge. Carter Jensen will make his MLB debut this season, and while he will not be starting full-time (Salvador Perez still exists), he will still have a strong impact on the offense. Furthermore, Jac Caglianone showed highs and lows during his debut season last year. With his feet in the water now, a breakout season could be on the horizon.
American League Awards
MVP: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
Judge continues his dominance, anchoring the Yankees’ offense and producing at an elite level once again. As long as he performs like himself, the award is his.
Cy Young: Garrett Crochet (Boston Red Sox)
Crochet was a finalist last season. 2025 feels like his season. He is a true ace in the league, and each of his pitchers can be lethal to a hitter.
Rookie of the Year: Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers)
McGonigle plays a key role in Detroit’s success, emerging as a consistent and impactful bat. Helping the Tigers win their division title after over 10 years will draw a lot of attention to the shortstop.
Reliever of the Year: Carlos Estévez (Kansas City Royals)
Estévez led the league with 42 saves last season. On a Royals team contending for a playoff spot, he will be right around that number once again.
Manager of the Year: Skip Schumaker (Texas Rangers)
Schumaker’s first season in Texas will not result in a playoff berth. However, the 2023 National League Manager of the Year will help turn around the Rangers and get them primed to strike in 2027. He was able to turn around the Miami Marlins, who were arguably in a worse spot than the Rangers are.
National League Division Winners
National League East- New York Mets
Yes, Pete Alonso is gone. However, their pitching is improved, with Freddy Peralta leading the rotation alongside rookie Nolan McLean.
Offensively, Juan Soto will look to do his usual work, while Bo Bichette adds some additional offensive thump to the lineup.
National League Central- Cincinnati Reds
The Reds’ young core gives them the edge in a competitive division. Hunter Greene may be out until July, but the Reds are prepared, with Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer, joined by young arms Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson.
Offensively, the Reds will be a force. Sal Stewart will play in his first full season in 2026. Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain will be looking to take the next steps, while Eugenio Suarez makes his return to the Great American Ballpark.
National League West- Los Angeles Dodgers
Do I have to defend this one? Okay.
The Dodgers remain the gold standard in the National League. Their combination of depth, star power, and consistency makes them the clear favorite once again.
Wild Card Teams
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies remain one of the most dangerous teams in baseball, with much of last season’s team returning. Their lineup, rotation (including Zack Wheeler‘s return), and postseason experience should comfortably land them in a Wild Card spot.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs lost Kyle Tucker, which will hurt them. However, they have still built a competitive roster and should remain in the playoff hunt all season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks have not been to the postseason since reaching the World Series in 2023. However, off-season additions have arguably given them their best roster since their pennant-winning team. Their rotation should be their biggest weapon, especially with Corbin Burnes due to return from injury mid-season.
National League Awards
MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ohtani will increase his innings totals this season. While some wonder if that will hinder his offense, remember that in 2022 (Ohtani’s best pitching season to date), he still hit 34 home runs and drove in 95 runs, finishing second in MVP voting. Furthermore, he was on a Los Angeles Angels team that did not have nearly the talent around him as he has now.
As long as Ohtani continues to do Ohtani things, the award is his. Did I say the same thing about Aaron Judge? Yes, I did. When you are the two best players in baseball, the MVP will naturally start to hover towards you.
Cy Young: Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Expecting Skenes to once again post an ERA under 2.00 may be a tall order. However, he still has the stuff to cement his role as the best pitcher in baseball.
Rookie of the Year: Nolan McLean (New York Mets)
McLean makes an immediate impact for a contending Mets team. If they win the division like I think they will, McLean will play a large part in that. His experience gained from the World Baseball Classic should help as the season progresses. He was great in the 48 innings he pitched last season for the Mets, and we should expect more of the same in 2026.
Reliever of the Year: Mason Miller (San Diego Padres)
Miller’s electric arsenal makes him one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, regardless of team performance. His 0.77 ERA in 22 games with the Padres last season helped propel the team into the postseason. While I think they fall short of the postseason in 2026, Miller will continue to be electric out of the bullpen.
Manager of the Year: (Torey Lovullo)
If the Diamondbacks can return the playoffs and compete in a tough division, it is going to be hard to not give this award to Lovullo. Yes, if the Reds and Mets win their division as I am predicting, Terry Francona and Carlos Mendoza will be in the running as well. However, after a two-year playoff absence, an Arizona playoff berth will stand out more among voters.
World Series Prediction
For the first time in franchise history, the Seattle Mariners will be in the World Series. They will avenge their loss from last season, beating the Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. On the National League side, the Dodgers reach the World Series again, beating the Mets in the National League Championship Series.
In the Fall Classic, we will see history. For the first time since the 1998-2000 Yankees, the Dodgers will win a third consecutive championship. The World Series MVP? Newcome Kyle Tucker will claim that honor.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 season is shaping up to highlight both emerging contenders and established stars. Teams like the Tigers, Mariners, and Reds represent the latest wave of success, while players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani continue to define excellence at the highest level. For the Dodgers, they make a run at baseball history.
With strong playoff races and evolving team hierarchies, this season promises to deliver another exciting chapter in Major League Baseball.
Main Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski- Imagn Images
