2026 MLB playoffs: World Series odds, postseason preview
After an exciting conclusion to the common season, the 2026 MLB playoff field is about!
Will Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers pull off a historic three-peat? Is this the 12 months the Milwaukee Brewers or Tampa Bay Rays lastly win all of it as No. 1 seeds? Will the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox go from a wild-card assembly to the World Series? And whom must you root for on this 12 months’s discipline?
MLB consultants Jorge Castillo, Bradford Doolittle, Alden Gonzalez, Jeff Passan and David Schoenfield get you prepared with odds for each spherical, why each workforce might win all of it — or go residence early — and a reputation to observe for from all 12 World Series hopefuls.
Note: Doolittle’s World Series and matchup odds come from a system that makes use of energy scores as the idea for 10,000 simulations to find out the probably outcomes. Team temperatures are primarily based on Bill James’ system for figuring out how “hot” or “cold” a workforce is at any given level; the typical is 72°.
Jump to a workforce:
TB | CLE | HOU | NYY| BOS | CHW
MIL | LAD | ATL | SD | CHC | PHI
Key hyperlinks: Bracket | Schedule & more
American League
Tampa Bay Rays
No. 1 seed | 98-64 | AL East champs
ALDS opponent: Yankees (44.9% probability of advancing) or Red Sox (52.3%)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 13.3% | DraftKings odds: +800
Team temperature: 84°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They do nearly nothing poorly. No workforce strikes out as sometimes because the Rays (18.7% of plate appearances). They’re hitting an MLB-best .283 with runners in scoring place. They flip batted balls into outs in addition to anybody. They lead the AL in stolen bases. Drew Rasmussen is a reliable frontline starter, and Nick Martinez and a resurgent Freddy Peralta backing him speaks to their rotation depth. Their bullpen is a grab-bag of enjoyable choices, from Kevin Kelly‘s sinker to Ian Seymour‘s slider to Bryan Baker‘s changeup to Cam Booser‘s fastball. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: World Series MVPs are simply as usually complementary gamers as stars. Junior Caminero could be the plain selection right here, however there’s additionally the likelihood that groups will pitch round him and make the subsequent batter beat them. That’s often Liam Hicks, a commerce deadline pickup from the Marlins, and he is a very good hitter (certainly one of 5 regulars with extra walks than strikeouts) and the form of high-contact participant who usually comes up large in October. He’ll have RBI alternatives to be a star. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of their large three hitters do not produce. The Rays completed the season tied for eleventh within the majors in runs scored and tied for fifth in wRC+. They can wreak havoc with their pace and athleticism, which generated the second-most steals within the majors. But residence runs are essential to advance in October, when stringing collectively hits towards the most effective pitching staffs is troublesome, and Tampa Bay would not have plenty of energy threats. Caminero (42), first baseman Jonathan Aranda (22), and designated hitter Yandy Diaz (22) mixed to hit greater than half of the Rays’ 168 residence runs. They’ll have to gas the offense towards elite hurlers for Tampa Bay to succeed in its first World Series since 2020. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: The final time Caminero appeared within the playoffs, it was January 2025, in his native Dominican Republic, throughout Game 7 of the LIDOM championship. Caminero hit a ninth-inning, go-ahead residence run, a 454-foot blast to straightaway heart discipline, after which had the most epic trot around the bases. It was apparent then that Caminero is a celebrity who lives for the massive moments. He has since put collectively back-to-back All-Star seasons, the final of which could make him the American League MVP, and now we’ll see what he can do on MLB’s playoff stage. Yes, Caminero, 23, made a short look within the 2023 wild-card spherical, however he is a distinct participant now. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: Whatever aspect of offense you most respect, the Rays have it to supply. No workforce places the ball in play extra usually. No workforce is as aggressive in stealing bases. It’s not a pure speed-based offense as a result of no workforce with Caminero could possibly be. At the identical time, no workforce with Chandler Simpson could possibly be a pure power-based workforce. To illustrate the range of the Rays’ assault, think about this excessive: Caminero is certainly one of simply 12 gamers to hit at the very least 90 homers by age 22. Meanwhile, Simpson is the primary participant since Elvis Andrus in 2010 to roll up greater than 600 plate appearances with out going deep. — Doolittle
No. 2 seed | 85-77 | AL Central champs
ALDS opponent: Astros (60.1% probability of advancing) or White Sox (57.4%)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 8.5% | DraftKings odds: +1200
Team temperature: 98°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They can pitch with anybody. Gavin Williams has developed right into a reliable No. 1 — his xFIP, a predictive metric, was higher than Cam Schlittler, Chris Sale and Dylan Cease’s — and Parker Messick has been each bit nearly as good and deserves consideration for AL Rookie of the Year. Cleveland’s relievers have the best strikeout charge within the large leagues by a large margin. Closer Cade Smith anchors that group after totaling 41 saves with a 1.95 ERA.
With as many low-strikeout hitters as they have, the Guardians’ offense is best than in current seasons, however that is not saying so much. Cleveland is the one workforce in MLB and not using a 20-homer hitter. The Guardians completed twenty seventh within the large leagues in residence runs. The final time Cleveland reached the World Series, in fact, it wasn’t precisely replete with residence run hitters, both. And on this AL discipline, something is feasible. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Steven Kwan, who could be an MVP within the mildew of Jeremy Pena in 2022 or David Eckstein in 2006 — extra of an ignitor than a slugger. Kwan had a horrible first three months however leads MLB in on-base share because the starting of July. If he is getting on base and scoring runs, the Guardians can shock the world. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the pitching workers falters. Cleveland, as at all times, is constructed round its pitching. The offense, although deeper than current years with Kwan’s bounce-back season and the emergence of rookies Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana, is close to the underside of the majors in runs scored this season. Jose Ramirez, an MVP-level metronome for the previous decade, had the worst full season of his profession. Cleveland won’t win slugfests. The Guardians went 27-22 in one-run video games. They’ll have to proceed profitable tight, low-scoring affairs to keep away from a brief keep in October. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: In spring coaching, there have been questions on whether or not Messick could be a part of the season-opening rotation. He has since develop into an All-Star, a Cy Young contender and a Rookie of the Year candidate. Messick made an abbreviated begin within the regular-season finale and looks like the logical decide to start out Game 1 of the ALDS. His fastball-changeup combo is without doubt one of the greatest within the sport. He misses bats, limits walks, avoids barrels and, at simply 25 years previous, is the pitcher the Guardians need on the mound with their season on the road. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: This is much from the most effective Cleveland workforce we have seen over the previous decade however, then once more, the Guardians have fielded plenty of contending groups throughout that span. Still, baseball’s longest title drought endures, and a Cinderella Guardians run to lastly land a title for the town and for future Hall of Famer Ramirez could be a heck of a narrative. — Doolittle
No. 3 seed | 81-81 | AL West champs
Wild-card opponent: White Sox (51.2% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 1.8% | DraftKings odds: +2500
Team temperature: 73°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They’ve received Yordan Alvarez. And although it is not that straightforward — it is uncommon {that a} single participant carries a workforce for a month — he’s the most effective hitter in baseball this season by a good margin and the MVP of the AL. If anybody can, he is the man. The remainder of the Astros do not supply so much. Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes can mash, Yainer Diaz is crimson sizzling and Jose Altuve is Jose Altuve. But the opposite spots within the lineup depart a lot to be desired.
The rotation, past Hunter Brown, is a large number. The bullpen is not so much higher. There’s a cause the Astros have the title of Worst Team Ever to Make the Postseason: Houston is just not superb. And but, that is baseball. Regular-season report would not matter anymore, and doubting the Astros in October is a idiot’s errand. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Will groups even pitch to Alvarez? Ask the Mariners and Phillies how that labored out. Alvarez is the one participant in postseason historical past with seven consecutive video games with two or extra hits. He has hit .294/.393/.551 in 60 playoff video games (though he hasn’t hit that properly in three World Series, apart from that clinching residence run towards the Phillies in 2022). It needs to be Alvarez, proper? Maybe. But if the Astros pull this off, somebody on the pitching workers must step up, and Hunter Brown is the man able to throwing a pair World Series gems. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of Alvarez might carry them solely thus far. Alvarez was inarguably the most effective hitter in baseball this season, so a lot better than his friends that he is anticipated to develop into the second main designated hitter to win an MVP award. And but, the Astros stumbled into the postseason solely as a result of the AL West was traditionally dreadful.
Alvarez is a postseason menace, however groups will certainly pitch round him. Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes and others might want to step up. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: By the tip of July, Tatsuya Imai had made 15 main league begins and put up a 5.83 ERA. His first season within the United States — after signing a three-year, $54 million deal, representing the Astros’ first main foray into Japan — had been a catastrophe. Imai has since transitioned right into a multi-inning bullpen function and made himself actually helpful, placing up a 2.12 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 17 innings.
The Astros completed within the backside 10 in getting innings from their beginning pitchers. Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu will do plenty of heavy lifting within the playoffs. But Imai’s presence shall be important, too. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: Alvarez has already performed all of it as an elite hitter within the common season and the playoffs. Who might overlook his dramatic homer over the batter’s eye in Houston in the course of the Astros’ title-clinching win over the Phillies in 2022? Only Aaron Judge has a better OPS since Alvarez broke into the majors in 2019 and, sure, meaning Alvarez has a better mark than Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto.
Alvarez continues to be solely 29, and it seems like if he can keep on the sector, he’ll construct a strong case for Cooperstown. Leading a flawed Astros workforce to an surprising title would definitely be a pleasant line on his Hall of Fame résumé. — Doolittle
New York Yankees
No. 4 seed | 93-68 | AL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Red Sox (57.9% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 10.8% | DraftKings odds: +850
Team temperature: 87°
Why they’ll win the World Series: Their rotation can shut down each lineup in baseball, and their hitters frequently depart the yard. Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are able to navigating playoff lineups and pitching deep into video games. If the Yankees’ starters afford supervisor Aaron Boone the flexibility to shorten his bullpen to Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn and David Bednar — — mixed ERA over 232⅔ innings: 2.09 — they’re going to be in an envious spot.
The Yankees outhomered each workforce in MLB this 12 months, and contemplating Aaron Judge missed greater than half the season, that is saying one thing. With completely OK protection and baserunning, they’re prone to the identical miscues that doomed them within the 2024 World Series. They even have the best upside of any workforce within the league — notably if Judge returns from a calf pressure later in October. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Let’s go chalk right here and decide Schlittler. Similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto final 12 months or Stephen Strasburg in 2019, Schlittler has the big-time stuff that wins video games in October. His late-season efficiency, on his approach to the AL Cy Young Award, has been otherworldly: 5-0 over an 11-start span with a 1.46 ERA, a .143 common allowed and only one outing through which he allowed multiple earned run earlier than a three-inning tuneup look Thursday night time. He has additionally been environment friendly sufficient to pitch deeper into video games, though will probably be troublesome to match Yamamoto’s two full video games from final postseason. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the offense goes silent with out Judge. News flash: The Yankees are considerably higher when Aaron Judge is of their lineup. Judge was hampered for a lot of of his 66 video games this season, enjoying with a rib fracture or getting back from it and not using a rehab task, and the Yankees nonetheless went 41-25 when he performed. They went 52-43 with out him. The distinction? They recorded 5.1 runs per sport and a .764 OPS with him within the lineup. Without him, these numbers sunk to 4.2 runs and a .685 OPS. The drop-off is important.
Judge’s postseason standing stays a query after he suffered a calf pressure Sept. 19 that sidelined him for the ultimate week of the common season. Without him, the Yankees might have Heliot Ramos begin in proper discipline towards left-handers and Spencer Jones begin there towards right-handers. Most groups haven’t got that degree of depth — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Regardless of whether or not Judge can discover a approach to contribute within the playoffs, it is clear he shall be restricted. And it is most likely additionally clear that Ramos, one other right-handed-hitting nook outfielder acquired from the Giants earlier than the commerce deadline, will play a a lot greater function than anticipated.
Ramos could be Judge’s substitute, primarily, towards left-handed pitching. And given the presence of Payton Tolle and Ranger Suarez atop the Red Sox rotation, the Yankees will see a pair of actually good lefties within the wild-card spherical. Ramos has struggled mightily all 12 months, particularly since arriving within the Bronx. Since Judge first went down at the beginning of June, the Yankees have been one of many worst within the sport towards left-handed pitching. Ramos would possibly have to step up. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: For most followers, it is so much simpler to formulate causes to root towards the Yankees, regardless of the huge dimension of their fan base. But if you’re not an proprietor of a basic “NY” cap and similar to to observe baseball video games for baseball causes, the Yankees have a lot to supply.
The Judge harm state of affairs is a drama by itself, whether or not or not he is on the sector, however he is much more enjoyable to observe when he is enjoying. Beyond that, the Yankees’ postseason rotation of Schlittler, Cole, Fried and Rodon is a smorgasbord of elite beginning pitching, they usually all go about it a bit of in a different way. Great beginning pitching is at all times value watching. — Doolittle
Boston Red Sox
No. 5 seed | 87-75 | AL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Yankees (42.1% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 4.9% | DraftKings odds: +1500
Team temperature: 70°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They’ve been the most effective workforce within the AL since late June, together with a September through which they’ve had the worst run-scoring offense in baseball. The energy of Boston’s pitching is plain. Sonny Gray is ageless, Payton Tolle is nearly as good a practitioner of the three-fastball method as anybody not named Schlittler, they usually’ve received the most effective bullpen ERA in baseball.
What’s most enjoyable in regards to the Red Sox is the information that there’s a lot extra within the tank. Their Jekyll-Hyde offense is problematic, notably contemplating the kind of pitching they’re going to face within the Bronx and, in the event that they emerge victorious, towards the Rays within the division collection. But if the offense will get working, that is one heck of a complement to the workers that has allowed the fewest residence runs within the AL. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Acquired from the Astros in a 2022 lopsided commerce for Christian Vazquez (thanks, Chaim Bloom), Wilyer Abreu has been the workforce’s greatest all-around participant, able to beating you together with his bat or his glove (he ought to win his third straight Gold Glove as he leads all place gamers in defensive runs saved). Finally allowed to play on daily basis towards left-handers, he has hit higher towards them than towards righties, so bringing in a lefty reliever is not the automated transfer it as soon as was. He has additionally hit properly in “late and close” conditions this season. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the offense would not rebound from an unsightly September. The Red Sox went on a historic tear over the summer time to vault into the postseason discipline, however they staggered down the stretch, going 12-12 over the ultimate month with an offense that scored the fewest runs within the majors.
On paper, the lineup needs to be higher in October. Willson Contreras and Ceddanne Rafaela missed chunks of time in September due to accidents. Roman Anthony and Trevor Story might discover their rhythm after getting back from lengthy absences in late August. Curtis Mead might return from a fractured wrist sooner or later. But they will not have it straightforward towards the Yankees’ elite pitching workers within the wild-card collection. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: This stage was made for Tolle, Boston’s hugging, dancing, smiling, hilarious, loquacious, burly, mustachioed left-hander. He’s so enjoyable, even Yankees fans have grown to like him. By the tip of this week, that may be a distinct story.
Tolle will quickly step on the mound at Yankee Stadium and look to befuddle hitters together with his array of devastating fastballs — four-seamer, cutter, sinker — from an unusually low arm slot with a ridiculously lengthy extension. The Red Sox jumped within the standings as soon as their offense lastly awakened, however it is a workforce constructed on pitching and protection. And no one has develop into extra essential to that basis than Tolle. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: How in regards to the rags-to-riches saga of the momentary supervisor made good? Boston’s Chad Tracy has already had his interim label eliminated, however he nonetheless has an opportunity to develop into the tenth supervisor to take over a workforce throughout a season and advance to the World Series. Only two have gained all of it: Bob Lemon with the Yankees in 1978 and Jack McKeon with the Marlins in 2003.
It would make for fairly an auspicious MLB debut for somebody who toiled within the minors for 20 years as a participant, supervisor and coach earlier than reaching The Show. And it might be a household first. Tracy’s father, Jim, was a supervisor of the 12 months winner for Colorado in 2009, however he misplaced each playoff collection he participated in as an enormous league skipper. — Doolittle
No. 6 seed | 84-78 | AL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Astros (48.8% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 2.5% | DraftKings odds: +4000
Team temperature: 83°
Why they’ll win the World Series: The energy is actual and plentiful, and the vibes are sturdy. Championships aren’t gained on emotions, in fact, however Chicago is younger, proficient and collectively. Miguel Vargas is actual, Munetaka Murakami can discover his early-season self and Colson Montgomery is a menace each time he steps to the plate. They’re an unlimited a part of how, over simply two years, a workforce can go from a report 121 losses to a postseason berth. Going even additional will not be straightforward.
The White Sox lack a frontline starter. Their workers is on fumes. They’re not a very good defensive workforce. As a lot as all of these issues matter within the postseason, they’ve additionally received the simplest route of any postseason workforce, and that’s wild contemplating they’re the final seed. First they journey to Houston. Then, in the event that they survive the Astros, it is the Guardians, whom they almost beat within the AL Central. The path is apparent. The query is: Can they stroll it? — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: The White Sox depend on residence runs for his or her offense, so we’ll go together with one of many sluggers. Given the propensity for Murakami and Montgomery to strike out, Vargas is the selection. He has higher contact expertise to go together with elite plate self-discipline (96th percentile chase charge), and he launched 33 residence runs. He runs properly and can steal a base as properly (20 for 22). The White Sox will want all three to make a run, however Vargas is the most effective guess to have constant manufacturing. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the entrance workplace did not adequately enhance the rotation on the commerce deadline. The White Sox approached the deadline with one clear want: beginning pitching. General supervisor Chris Getz addressed it by buying Luis Castillo from the Mariners within the midst of a down 12 months. The transfer proved disastrous. Castillo, who was moved to the bullpen, posted an 8.42 ERA throughout 31 innings whereas Chicago’s beginning rotation ranked close to the underside of the majors in ERA after the commerce deadline. Sean Burke and Davis Martin, the membership’s prime two starters, had sturdy however not elite seasons. Beyond that, high quality depth is missing. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Murakami spent most of this season showing to be one of many nice contract bargains in free company, ending July with a .935 OPS and 24 residence runs. Since then, although, it has been a battle for the Japanese first baseman. Murakami slashed .184/.328/.423 within the second half. He has added 15 residence runs, however he has additionally struck out a whopping 108 instances. The holes in his swing that made many groups pause this offseason have began to indicate. The White Sox desperately want the Murakami from April, May and July to reemerge. They hope he does in October. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: This 12 months’s White Sox are simply probably the most root-worthy workforce within the playoffs. You can scoff on the AL’s mediocrity, however in relation to Chicago, it’s a must to do not forget that coming into this season, even mediocrity felt like a good distance away.
The 2023 Orioles had a much bigger two-year leap than the White Sox, going from 52 wins to 101. But earlier than that, it’s a must to return to the Nineteen Thirties to search out something related. But it is greater than the rags-to-riches angle. The White Sox are a younger, power-hitting, selfless group that may be a fuel to observe. — Doolittle
National League
Milwaukee Brewers
No. 1 seed | 103-59 | NL Central champs
NLDS opponent: Padres (63.8% probability of advancing) or Cubs (62.0%)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 21.4% | DraftKings odds: +600
Team temperature: 116°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They ran roughshod by way of a 162-game season, they usually’re as well-balanced a workforce as there may be in MLB. Milwaukee, much like Tampa Bay, does all the pieces properly, besides hitting residence runs. And in September, the Brewers have been a middle-of-the-pack workforce in lengthy balls, so it is not as in the event that they’re incapable. Homers aren’t obligatory for Milwaukee’s offense to prepare dinner. The Brewers put the ball in play, they run like cheetahs they usually’re wonderful in clutch conditions.
The actual reply to this, nevertheless, may be so simple as they have Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson and one of many two greatest bullpens in baseball. With at the very least 4 relievers topping out at 100 mph, the Brewers, it seems, have energy. It’s simply within the pitchers whom they’re going to have to ship Milwaukee’s first World Series championship. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Sometimes, the plain reply is the appropriate one. The Brewers have to win Misiorowski’s begins, they usually want him to pitch deep into video games, to allow them to lean closely on the bullpen when the opposite starters pitch.
But to maximise his utilization all through the postseason, Misiorowski must pitch at instances on 4 days’ relaxation, which he has performed simply 4 instances (and a kind of was a three-inning stint late within the season). Three of these 4 begins got here after six relaxation days in his earlier outing. Can he maintain his similar degree of pitching on shorter relaxation?
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the offense flounders once more. The Brewers scored 4 runs in 4 video games within the NLCS towards the Dodgers final 12 months. They once more would not face the Dodgers till the NLCS this 12 months, however they’re going to be examined within the National League whether or not they face them or not. Scoring runs wasn’t an issue for Milwaukee in the course of the common season. The Brewers have been second within the majors, however they have been third final season and nonetheless could not resolve the Dodgers when it mattered. Similar to the 2025 Brewers, the 2026 Brewers do not hit many residence runs. Last 12 months, they ranked twenty second with 166 homers. This 12 months, they completed final. Time will inform whether or not the system will produce higher leads to October. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Henderson labored by way of a flexor pressure late final season and finally wasn’t included on the Brewers’ postseason roster regardless of dominating in his transient introduction to the most important leagues. Then, Henderson got here again and was even higher, going 11-3 with a 2.47 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings. His 0.84 WHIP was the bottom ever for a rookie who made at the very least 15 begins, based on analysis by the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Miz may need absorbed the entire consideration, however Henderson was nearly nearly as good. And when you’re on the lookout for causes to imagine this Brewers workforce will not come up quick, because it did towards a premier opponent final fall, look no additional than these two. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: This group does all the pieces proper. Sure, you’ll be able to declare the Brewers could possibly be extra aggressive with payroll, however even with out spending large, Milwaukee wins 12 months in and 12 months out. The model of the Brewers from the previous couple of years has gained with an aesthetically pleasing model of play constructed round wonderful athletes who put the bat on the ball. The Brewers are value watching for his or her outfield protection alone. That was true even earlier than prime prospect Luis Lara was summoned from the minors, and it is much more true now.
The Brewers draw greater than 34,000 followers per sport in baseball’s smallest market. If your workforce is not within the bracket, that is the bandwagon on which to leap. — Doolittle
Los Angeles Dodgers
No. 2 seed | 100-62 | NL West champs
NLDS opponent: Braves (62.1% probability of advancing) or Phillies (63.5%)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 21.9% | DraftKings odds: +200
Team temperature: 105°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They gained the previous two and are grasping for extra. It’s good to start out with a rotation of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. It’s even nicer to function a lineup with Shohei Ohtani, who, despite the fact that he is not anticipated to pitch all postseason, is a lot able to carrying the Dodgers. Andy Pages and Edwin Diaz are again from the injured listing, too, giving Los Angeles its full complement of most important characters.
More than something, although, the Dodgers perceive the vagaries of October baseball. They’ve discovered to take punches, climate them and reply. It’s one factor to be probably the most proficient workforce within the sport. It’s one thing totally different altogether to complement that with the wherewithal and know-how to navigate a month of peril. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Face it, Dodgers haters, this has Kyle Tucker‘s identify written throughout it. He had a depressing common season, however then received sizzling in September, wanting just like the hitter the Dodgers anticipated after they gave him that controversial four-year, $240 million contract. One factor Tucker has maintained all through his struggles is an effective method (ninetieth percentile stroll charge) and speak to capacity (77th percentile strikeout charge). With Ohtani doubtlessly not at full energy and Freddie Freeman enjoying by way of some accidents as properly (one residence run the ultimate two months), Tucker would possibly have to hold the Dodgers. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of age, accidents and their back-to-back World Series runs caught up with them. The Dodgers have the oldest roster within the majors, with a mean age of 31.1 years previous. Most of their essential gamers are on the flawed aspect of 30. Then, there are the accidents. Ohtani was banged up for a lot of the season and will not pitch in October. Pages (hand), Roki Sasaki (blister), Díaz (neck), Blake Treinen (elbow), Will Smith (neck), Justin Wrobleski (forearm), Glasnow (again), Brock Stewart (shoulder), and Snell (elbow) all returned from accidents after the commerce deadline.
The Dodgers stay the favorites to develop into the primary NL workforce to win three consecutive World Series titles with probably the most proficient — and costly — roster within the sport. The Dodgers did, in any case, have the second-best report in baseball, with seven extra wins than final season. And but rivals imagine they’re susceptible. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Skubal isn’t any stranger to the postseason stage, however this time, will probably be totally different. He’ll be pitching for a Dodgers franchise hated by each fan base exterior of L.A., on the eve of what could possibly be a record-setting free company, with the possibility of serving to his new workforce develop into the primary from the National League to win three straight championships, and he’ll headline a rotation that shall be counted on closely as soon as once more.
The Dodgers rode 4 beginning pitchers to a title final fall. And this 12 months, with questions surrounding the well being of Ohtani on the prime of their lineup and the effectiveness of Diaz on the finish of video games, they’re primed to take action once more. All eyes shall be on Skubal, as common. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: Let’s face it, you most likely should not.
OK, OK. Some individuals actually are Dodger followers, particularly sure celebrities who cannot cease letting us realize it. There are numerous followers who root for L.A. due to Ohtani, and you’ll perceive being enthralled with an all-time nice. The Dodgers’ collective excellence is baseball in a better kind, and that, too, may be appreciated. A primary NL three-peat champion, that is fodder for the history-obsessed. There are causes to root for MLB’s marquee franchise. Then once more, anybody who subscribes to the “evil empire” narrative can discover simply as many causes to not. — Doolittle
No. 3 seed | 94-68 | NL East champs
Wild-card opponent: Phillies (56.4% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 4.4% | DraftKings odds: +1500
Team temperature: 70°
Why they’ll win the World Series: Sometimes all it takes is a few good starters, an incredible bullpen and a lineup filled with residence run hitters. And that is precisely what the Braves are. As snakebitten as their rotation has been, they’ve nonetheless received Chris Sale on the prime and Tyler Mahle — and his 1.28 ERA over 49.1 innings with Atlanta — behind him. With Robert Suarez again, the Braves’ bullpen is correct there with San Diego’s and Milwaukee’s when it comes to depth and excellence. And that lineup? It completed the season with greater than 200 residence runs, and from Matt Olson to Ronald Acuna Jr. to Drake Baldwin to Michael Harris to Ozzie Albies and past, the Braves are loaded with damage-doing bats. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Ronald Acuña Jr. is due for an enormous postseason. He missed the Braves’ World Series run in 2021 and was additionally injured for the wild-card loss in 2024. Acuña has struggled within the postseason, nevertheless, with three residence runs in 29 profession playoff video games and only one RBI in his previous 17 playoff video games. He did not have his greatest season, however he did hit for way more energy within the second half and September was his greatest month with seven residence runs and an OPS over 1.000. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the beginning pitching behind Chris Sale would not maintain up. Chris Sale continued defying Father Time this season, pitching to a 2.16 ERA throughout 162 ⅔ innings at 37 years previous. The remainder of the rotation defied expectations, no another so than Mahle. Acquired on the commerce deadline, Mahle went from a 5.13 ERA in 18 begins with the Giants to that 1.28 ERA in eight begins for Atlanta. The pattern dimension is just too large to disregard, however October is a distinct beast. Mahle, Grant Holmes, and Martín Pérez will determine if the Braves return to the World Series for the primary time since profitable all of it in 2021. –– Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: To no one’s shock, a veteran beginning pitcher grew to become crucial trade-deadline acquisition this season. To all people’s shock, that particular person is Mahle, not Tarik Skubal. When Mahle got here to the Braves, the storyline then was about how Jacob deGrom used his no-trade clause to nix a commerce to Atlanta and longtime basic supervisor Alex Anthopoulos did not pivot to land a reliable No. 2 starter behind Chris Sale. And but, Mahle has been that and extra, pitching like a bona fide ace over these final two months. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: When the Braves gained the 2021 World Series, Acuña was out together with his first knee harm and Eddie Rosario was taking a star flip within the playoffs. When Acuña loved his historic 41-homer/73-steal season in 2023, the 104-win Braves have been knocked out within the NLDS by the Phillies. Thus, Acuña continues to be seeking to lead the Braves to a title for the primary time, at the very least one through which he is within the highlight.
For most of this season, he seemed nothing like peak Acuña earlier than reportedly altering his stance in late August. Since then, he is been top-of-the-line offensive gamers within the sport. He’s not fairly peak Acuña as a result of he would not steal bases like he as soon as did after the knee accidents. But the extra we get of him in October, the extra enjoyable will probably be. — Doolittle
No. 4 seed | 91-71 | NL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Cubs (49.9% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 3.5% | DraftKings odds: +2000
Team temperature: 109°
Why they’ll win the World Series: Their stars are enjoying like stars, and their bullpen is as deep and nasty as any. And with Nick Pivetta again and carving and Michael King some of the constant starters within the sport, they have the products to seize the franchise’s first championship. Of course, that relies on Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill persevering with their second-half surges.
They are the alpha and omega of the Padres, and although everybody in between has improved, from Ty France to Manny Machado to Xander Bogaerts, they cannot rely solely on the house run. The Padres run properly, they usually’ll have to. The Padres discipline properly, they usually’ll want to try this, too. Teams are scared to play San Diego, and with good cause. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Can a aid pitcher win World Series MVP? It has occurred 4 instances, most just lately with Mariano Rivera of the 1999 Yankees. Mason Miller, in fact, has had a dominant season, though he has restricted utilization past one inning — two appearances of two innings, two extra of 5 outs, a handful of four-out ones. The Padres have a deep bullpen, however being ultra-aggressive with Miller and getting greater than three outs from him, as Joe Torre usually did with Rivera, appears to be a key to the Padres’ title hopes. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of their starters do not pitch deep sufficient for his or her dominant bullpen to take over. San Diego has one of many prime aid corps within the majors. Miller is the most effective nearer in baseball. Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Yuki Matsui have been elite this season. Getting Jason Adam again Wednesday might present one other enhance.
The query is, can the rotation cross the baton to that group with a lead, or at the very least with out dealing with a major deficit? Robbie Ray and Casey Mize struggled after being acquired on the Aug. 3 commerce deadline, however the Padres’ rotation was higher down the stretch anyway. Before Aug. 4, San Diego starters ranked twenty seventh within the majors with a 4.66 ERA. After that, they have been tied for eleventh led by No. 1 starter Michael King. If that enchancment would not carry over to October, the Padres could possibly be in hassle. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Ethan Salas got here up in September as a 20-year-old who had performed simply 24 video games above Double-A. Now, it appears he’ll be behind the plate when it issues most. Salas has at all times impressed the Padres together with his capacity to handle a workers, however now they know it could possibly switch to the most important league degree. Just as essential, he has impressed together with his method and manufacturing as a left-handed hitter.
On the night time the Padres clinched, Salas navigated 5 Padres pitchers by way of 9 innings of two-run ball towards a loaded Dodgers lineup. He additionally broke up Tyler Glasnow’s no-hitter with an opposite-field single within the sixth and drove within the sport’s third run with a base hit up the center an inning later. “I’m impressed,” Padres third baseman Manny Machado stated moments later. “Not a lot of people impress me.” — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: Just think about the setting: The Padres are at residence with an opportunity to shut out the Dodgers within the NLCS (if the bracket permits it), main by a run, with Miller’s entrance cued up by the opening notes of Korn’s “Blind” and the Petco Park crowd in a frenzy. Then, think about that state of affairs repeating itself within the World Series towards the AL champion, with the Padres’ first title on the road. Your goosebumps would get goosebumps. — Doolittle
No. 5 seed | 89-73 | NL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Padres (50.1% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 3.9% | DraftKings odds: +1700
Team temperature: 67°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They’ve received the most effective offense and protection in baseball, which means if the Cubs can muster even an affordable efficiency from their pitching workers, they are going to be a tricky out for any opponent, even ones as formidable because the NL affords.
Everything begins with NL MVP-to-be Pete Crow-Armstrong, who did not log an extra-base hit in eight playoff video games final 12 months. If PCA falters once more, loads of Cubs can decide him up, together with Alex Bregman, whose return from a number of facial fractures on an errant foul ball final week is simply one other shot within the arm.
Ultimately, although, the Cubs will go solely so far as their pitching permits them. And that goes particularly for a bullpen that offers up plenty of residence runs and would not miss many bats. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: You need a decide apart from PCA? Well, because the World Series MVP Award started in 1955, the most effective participant in baseball (by way of Baseball-Reference WAR) has by no means gained it.
The solely gamers to guide their league in WAR and win it have been Orel Hershiser of the 1988 Dodgers and Mike Schmidt of the 1980 Phillies. The solely greatest hitter in baseball (by way of OPS+) to win was Frank Robinson of the 1966 Orioles (though Yordan Alvarez is the most effective hitter in 2026). Let’s go together with Seiya Suzuki, who hit three residence runs in eight playoff video games final 12 months.— Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of the pitching would not carry its weight. The Cubs led the majors in runs scored and completed second in residence runs behind the Yankees. Their protection is taken into account, by the metrics and eye take a look at, the most effective in baseball. Crow-Armstrong will win NL MVP, maybe unanimously.
Their pitching doesn’t reside close to these ranges. Chicago’s 4.13 ERA was the best ERA among the many six NL playoff groups this season. Injuries have been a major issue, and the entrance workplace addressed the deficiency earlier than the commerce deadline by buying starters Clay Holmes, Kevin Gausman and David Peterson, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. Peterson was the one one of many additions with an ERA underneath 4.00 with the Cubs. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Crow-Armstrong went 5-for-27 in final 12 months’s playoffs, putting out 12 instances, drawing only one stroll and never mustering a house run. He was on the heels of an in any other case productive season that made him an All-Star, would ultimately internet him a Gold Glove and finally prompted a ninth-place end in NL MVP voting.
This 12 months’s model, although, is on a distinct degree. PCA is not simply the plain MVP; he has put collectively one of many best seasons of the twenty first century, a stunning show of protection, energy and pace. The Cubs can hit and discipline higher than anybody. It’s what makes them so scary within the playoffs. And PCA is on the heart of it. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: If you wish to see greatness at its apex, you’ll be able to’t afford to overlook what PCA does on an nearly every day foundation. What Crow-Armstrong has achieved this season in overhauling his method on the plate is nearly unprecedented. Depending on the way you set the parameters, it’s a must to return to early-career Al Kaline to search out somebody on par, and Kaline by no means had a season like PCA did in 2026. The Cubs are a enjoyable workforce to observe due to their multifaceted offense and best-in-baseball protection. But Crow-Armstrong is why you tune in. — Doolittle
No. 6 seed | 88-74 | NL wild card
Wild-card opponent: Braves (43.6% probability of advancing)
Doolittle’s WS odds: 3.1% | DraftKings odds: +2000
Team temperature: 61°
Why they’ll win the World Series: They’ve received the frontline expertise to do it. Perhaps solely the Dodgers can match Philadelphia’s quintet of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. They have been sufficient to paper over the Phillies’ deficiencies, and if Luzardo’s return from a shoulder difficulty goes properly, their rotation can go toe-to-toe with any, together with the Dodgers and Yankees. Alec Bohm‘s second-half surge helps their offensive prospects, and with Luis Arraez after spraining his left ankle Thursday night time, they want each little bit of assist they’ll get.
At the tip of the day, although, the Phillies’ fortunes would possibly come all the way down to their bullpen and whether or not any of the hard-throwing relievers they’ve turned to — Jonathan Bowlan, Chase Shugart and particularly Alex McFarlane — can function a correct bridge to Jhoan Duran. — Passan
If they win all of it, the 2026 World Series MVP shall be: Kyle Schwarber has performed 38 postseason video games with the Phillies and hit 14 residence runs whereas slugging .567. When he hits a house run, they’re 8-4; when he would not, they’re 13-13. Their solely win within the NLDS final 12 months towards the Dodgers got here when Schwarber homered twice.
Given that that is the worst offensive Phillies workforce of this five-year playoff run, it feels extra crucial than ever for Schwarber to return up large. If he does that, and the rotation delivers as anticipated, that MVP trophy could possibly be his. — Schoenfield
If they go residence early, will probably be as a result of their bullpen is not deep sufficient. The Phillies have the October-tested stars to make a deep playoff run. Their rotation took a success when Luzardo went on the injured listing due to shoulder irritation Sept. 15, too late for him to return for the wild-card collection as a starter, however the Phillies nonetheless have Wheeler, Sanchez and a resurgent Aaron Nola to take the ball within the three-game set.
Offensively, buying Arraez deepened the lineup behind Bryce Harper and Schwarber. But exterior of nearer Duran and rookie Alex McFarlane, the aid corps is a priority. Orion Kerkering, certainly one of their high-leverage pitchers the previous two seasons, didn’t rebound from his tough 2025 postseason and will not be eligible for the primary two rounds of the playoffs after being just lately demoted. Jose Alvarado has been wildly inconsistent. Brooks Raley has an 8.71 ERA since he was acquired from the Mets.
The reply to overcoming that weak point could possibly be taking a web page from the championship runs of the 2018 Red Sox and 2019 Nationals and relying closely on a small group of pitchers, together with starters pitching out of the bullpen. — Castillo
Ready for his October close-up: Nola isn’t any stranger to the postseason stage, in fact, however this 12 months, the circumstances are vastly totally different. At the tip of June, his ERA was 6.04. He was three months into his age-33 season, on the heels of going 5-10 with a 6.01 ERA in 2025. It appeared as if Nola’s greatest days have been behind them. Then, he turned it on. Over his subsequent 15 begins — earlier than a desperation quick relaxation begin on Saturday, throughout which he lasted one inning and allowed three runs — Nola put up a 3.12 ERA, putting out 90 batters in 89⅓ innings. Given Luzardo’s unsure standing, Nola shall be essential. — Gonzalez
Why you must root for them: The Phillies of current classic have been knocking on the door, with a roster led by a few of the most distinctive skills of the period. From Schwarber’s moonshot residence runs, to Harper’s unmistakable energy stroke to the electrical baserunning of Trea Turner, Philadelphia casts an indelible picture. But that is baseball’s oldest workforce, and that aforementioned trio, in addition to ace righty Zack Wheeler, are all 33 or older. Enjoy the Phillies’ stars nonetheless enjoying at star degree when you can. — Doolittle