MLB predictions 2026: Sporting News' expert picks for division winners, awards, World Series champion

MLB predictions 2026: Sporting News' expert picks for division winners, awards, World Series champion originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Break out the peanuts and Cracker Jacks — baseball season is here.

After the World Baseball Classic gave fans a taste of America's favorite pastime, the MLB is set to take that momentum into the 2026 season. The Dodgers enter this campaign the same as the last — defending World Series champions. Shohei Ohtani , Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and the rest of the high-powered Los Angeles squad proved money does buy happiness, taking home the title after knocking off the Blue Jays in an electric seven-game series of October baseball.

Once again, it will be the Dodgers with the largest target on their back, but there are plenty of other clubs aiming to claim the title of baseball's best. Sporting News' best experts are calling their shots and projecting the World Series champion, playoff teams, award winners and so much more in this year's SN's staff predictions for the 2026 MLB season. SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule MLB predictions 2026 Feb 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning in a Spring Training game at George M.

Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Rob Cassidy, Senior Editor American League East: Yankees Central: Royals West: Mariners Wild cards: Blue Jays, Tigers, Red Sox MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. , Royals Cy Young: Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Rookie of the Year: Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays National League East: Phillies Central: Cubs West: Dodgers Wild cards: Giants, Braves, Pirates MVP: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Cy Young: Paul Skenes, Pirates Rookie of the Year: Carson Benge, Mets Postseason AL champ: Yankees NL champ: Phillies World Series champ: Yankees Thoughts: I’m going to attempt to stop and smell the pine tar as much as possible this season, reminding myself not to complain too loudly about missed calls, broadcast blackouts, or crusty old color commentators using batting average as a meaningful stat.