A panel of 30 ESPN baseball experts predicts the Los Angeles Dodgers will make history by winning a third consecutive World Series championship in 2026. The annual preseason forecasts, released Monday, also favor the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners to win their respective American League divisions, with the Mariners picked as the most likely team to represent the AL in the Fall Classic. The predictions cover playoff teams, award winners, and the outcome of the upcoming MLB season, which begins Wednesday.
Key Takeaways:
- Los Angeles Dodgers are overwhelming favorites to win the National League and the World Series.
- Aaron Judge (Yankees) and Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) are the leading MVP picks in their leagues.
- Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are projected to win the AL Central and AL West, respectively.
- Top rookie selections are Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle (AL) and Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (NL).
Division Races Set for Intense Competition
The American League East is forecasted as baseball’s most competitive division, with all three of its top teams—the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox—projected to reach the playoffs. In the National League, the New York Mets are narrowly favored over the Philadelphia Phillies to win the NL East, while the Chicago Cubs are the clear choice in the NL Central. The Dodgers received 29 of 30 votes to win the NL West.
Award Favorites Highlight Established Stars and Emerging Talent
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge edged Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. as the favorite for American League MVP, seeking his fourth award. Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is the strong choice for National League MVP. The Cy Young awards are predicted to go to Detroit’s Tarik Skubal in the AL, for a potential third straight win, and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes in the NL, for his second consecutive honor.
Dodgers Face Historical Hurdle in Pursuit of Three-Peat
The Dodgers are positioned to become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three straight World Series titles. ESPN’s panel cites the team’s deep lineup, fortified by the addition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker, and elite pitching depth as key reasons for their favored status. The Seattle Mariners, led by a strong rotation and Julio Rodriguez, are the most popular pick to challenge Los Angeles in the World Series.
Conclusion:
The 2026 MLB season opens with the Dodgers carrying the weight of history and the expectations of a expert panel. While the forecasts provide a structured outlook, the unpredictable nature of baseball’s long season and playoffs means surprises are inevitable. All predictions will be tested when the first pitch is thrown this week.
Sources
https://www.mlb.com/video/fastcast-tuesday-s-best-in-10-minutes-x6579
https://www.mlb.com/news/what-to-expect-cardinals-prospect-jj-wetherholt-mlb?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage
https://www.mlb.com/news/one-fact-for-every-mlb-team-entering-2026-season
