MLB season predictions 1.0: World Series winner, dark horse, playoff teams and more
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Athletic's MLB staff predicts the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the NL West, the National League pennant, and the World Series in 2026, with strong support for the Brewers in the NL Central despite key trades.
- The Mets are seen as strong contenders in the NL East following significant offseason acquisitions, while the race for the final Wild Card spot is expected to be highly competitive among teams like Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Atlanta.
- In the American League, the Yankees and Red Sox are highlighted as top contenders, with the Astros seen as a team in decline despite some pitching improvements; the AL West is projected to be won by Seattle, though with some skepticism.
- Several teams, including the Rockies, Nationals, and Angels, are expected to struggle, with multiple 100-loss teams predicted again for the season, mirroring 2023's high number of losing teams.
- Key individual player predictions include Bobby Witt Jr. as a potential AL MVP challenger to Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes as a dominant NL Cy Young favorite, and promising rookies like Nolan McLean and Munetaka Murakami expected to make significant impacts.
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