MLB.com staff members released their predictions for the 2026 Major League Baseball season on Mar. 25, selecting division winners, Wild Card teams, league champions, and the World Series champion. The Dodgers were chosen as the likely World Series winner, with experts expecting them to pursue a third consecutive title.
These predictions offer insight into how analysts view team strengths and changes ahead of Opening Day. The exercise highlights anticipated shifts in division races and showcases expectations for key players across both leagues.
In the American League East, voters expect the Toronto Blue Jays to defend their division crown after adding pitcher Dylan Cease and infielder Kazuma Okamoto during the offseason. Despite injuries affecting their rotation at the start of the year, Toronto is seen as a stable contender. In the AL Central, experts picked Detroit Tigers to claim their first division title since 2014, bolstered by pitching additions Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. The Seattle Mariners are projected to win the AL West with what is described as possibly their best roster since 2001.
The three AL Wild Card spots are predicted to go to teams from the East: Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles. Notably, Gerrit Cole’s expected midseason return could boost New York’s pitching staff further. For league champions in the American League, most votes went to Seattle Mariners.
In National League projections, analysts chose Mets for NL East champions after significant roster changes including acquiring Juan Soto and Freddy Peralta. The Cubs are favored in NL Central following key additions like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera while defending champion Dodgers are expected again atop NL West with Shohei Ohtani returning as a two-way player.
Wild Card selections include Phillies—retaining much of last year’s core—Padres led by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill; Brewers are also picked despite offseason challenges on their pitching staff.
For National League champion honors—and ultimately World Series favorites—the Dodgers lead expert picks due to high-profile signings such as Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz alongside established stars on their roster. If successful this season they would become just fifth team in MLB history with three straight championships.
