World Series champion, division winners, Wild Cards

Key Points:

• The 2026 MLB season kicks off with the Yankees vs. Giants game on Netflix, followed by Opening Day, with the AL East expected to be highly competitive, but the Toronto Blue Jays are favored to repeat as division champions despite early rotation injuries.
• The Detroit Tigers, bolstered by pitchers Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander, aim to build on their strong 2025 postseason showing, while the Seattle Mariners, featuring MVP candidates Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, are favored to win the AL West and potentially the AL pennant for the first time.
• The New York Mets underwent significant roster changes after missing the playoffs in 2025, adding key players like Bo Bichette and Freddy Peralta, and are projected to win their first division title since 2015, with Juan Soto leading the lineup.
• The Chicago Cubs strengthened their roster with acquisitions like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera, aiming to dethrone the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, while the Los Angeles Dodgers, two-time defending NL West and World Series champions, remain dominant with new signings Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz.
• The Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres maintain strong cores, with the Phillies returning much of their 2025 roster and the Padres relying on stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado despite some offseason losses; meanwhile, the Brewers face pitching challenges but are still expected to contend in the NL.