The 2026 Major League Baseball season is upon us, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Last year, the Toronto Blue Jays captured the hearts of many, winning the American League East and pushing the World Series to a thrilling Game 7. Now, the question is: what can they deliver for an encore?
Let's dive into the predicted standings for this season, courtesy of Fangraphs' win projections.
American League
AL East
- New York Yankees: 87-75
- Toronto Blue Jays: 86-76
- Boston Red Sox: 86-76
- Baltimore Orioles: 84-78
- Tampa Bay Rays: 81-81
The AL East is shaping up to be a nail-biter. The Yankees are projected to edge out the competition, but the Blue Jays and Red Sox are hot on their heels, both with 86 wins. The Orioles aren't far behind, making this division one to watch.
AL Central
- Detroit Tigers: 86-76
- Kansas City Royals: 81-81
- Minnesota Twins: 79-83
- Cleveland Guardians: 76-86
- Chicago White Sox: 69-93
The Tigers are predicted to lead the AL Central, with the Royals and Twins trailing. It's a division where anything can happen, and the Tigers will need to stay sharp.
AL West
- Seattle Mariners: 88-74
- Texas Rangers: 81-81
- Houston Astros: 81-81
- Oakland Athletics: 80-82
- Los Angeles Angels: 74-88
The Mariners are expected to take the AL West crown, but with the Rangers and Astros close behind, they'll need to maintain their momentum throughout the season.
AL Wild Card
- Toronto Blue Jays: 86-76
- Boston Red Sox: 86-76
- Baltimore Orioles: 84-78
If these predictions hold, the Blue Jays will face the Red Sox in a best-of-three wild-card series, a shift from their first-round bye in 2025. The Yankees and Mariners would secure the byes, while the Tigers and Orioles clash in the other wild-card matchup.
National League
NL East
- New York Mets: 88-74
- Atlanta Braves: 88-74
- Philadelphia Phillies: 87-75
- Miami Marlins: 75-87
- Washington Nationals: 69-93
The NL East is a powerhouse division, with the Mets and Braves neck-and-neck. The Phillies aren't far behind, making this a thrilling race to watch.
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs: 84-78
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 83-79
- Milwaukee Brewers: 81-81
- Cincinnati Reds: 77-85
- **St.
Louis Cardinals**: 75-87
The Cubs are predicted to lead the NL Central, but the Pirates and Brewers are in close pursuit. This division could see some surprises as the season unfolds.
NL West
- LA Dodgers: 96-66
- San Francisco Giants: 82-80
- Arizona Diamondbacks: 81-81
- San Diego Padres: 79-83
- Colorado Rockies: 66-96
The Dodgers are expected to dominate, with the best record in baseball. The Giants and Diamondbacks will be battling it out for positioning behind them.
NL Wild Card
- Atlanta Braves: 88-74
- Philadelphia Phillies: 87-75
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 83-79
The Dodgers and Mets are slated for byes, setting up wild-card matchups between the Braves and Pirates, and the Cubs and Phillies.
Fangraphs' projections suggest a highly competitive season, with only the Dodgers expected to surpass the 90-win mark-a stark contrast to the eight teams that did so last year. This season promises to be a thrilling ride, with plenty of drama and excitement right down to the wire. Let the games begin!