2026 MLB playoff bold predictions: Jacob Misiorowski puts on show, ABS history, more

Key Points:

• The 2026 MLB postseason starts Tuesday with the best-of-three Wild Card Series under the 12-team format's fifth year, featuring key matchups including White Sox vs. Astros and Red Sox vs. Yankees in the American League, and Phillies vs. Braves and Cubs vs. Padres in the National League.
• Notable storylines include the Astros winning their division with an 81-81 record, the first full-season division winner without a winning record, and the White Sox making the postseason after three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
• Bold postseason predictions highlight Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski potentially throwing a 106 mph pitch, Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong achieving a rare 4 home runs and 4 stolen bases in a single series, and Yankees' Ben Rice having a pivotal moment aided by the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system.
• Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula is predicted to start more games than Kyle Tucker despite defensive concerns, due to his offensive potential and the injury status of other players, potentially altering the Dodgers' postseason lineup.
• The San Diego Padres bullpen is boldly predicted to post a 0.00 ERA in the postseason, a feat achieved only five times since 1995 and typically over very limited innings.