2026 MLB Team Predictions: Bold Forecasts for Every Franchise

Bassyonni

Published: March 23, 2026 1:54 PM ET

The 2026 MLB season is approaching, and predictions are being made for each franchise. This year’s forecasts break down into bold predictions, rated on a scale of mild to extreme. Each team’s key player is highlighted with their expected performance metrics.

2026 MLB Team Predictions

Arizona Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno, a catcher from Venezuela, is projected to lead all MLB catchers in fWAR in 2026. He is expected to play 112 games, achieving a .309 batting average and 11 home runs. Moreno’s performance is anticipated to improve due to his advanced hitting skills and growing power.

Oakland Athletics

Denzel Clarke, age 25, is predicted to lead Athletics batters in fWAR. Despite past struggles, Clarke is expected to improve significantly, batting .420 with 9 home runs while maintaining his elite defensive skills.

Atlanta Braves

Didier Fuentes is forecast to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. At just 20 years old, he is anticipated to pitch 60 innings with a 4.38 ERA and a strikeout percentage of 21.9%, showcasing his powerful fastball and newly developed gyro slider.

Baltimore Orioles

Kyle Bradish, age 29, is predicted to win the AL Cy Young Award. He is projected to pitch 146 innings with a 3.62 ERA and show a considerable strikeout capability, built around his outstanding slider.

Boston Red Sox

Roman Anthony is expected to lead the MLB in doubles. The 21-year-old right fielder is projected to achieve 146 hits and 19 doubles with a batting average of .303 in his first full season.

Chicago Cubs

Daniel Palencia is forecast to lead MLB in saves. The 26-year-old closer is anticipated to record around 67 innings, maintaining an ERA of 3.68 while playing a key role in tight matchups.

Chicago White Sox

Grant Taylor, age 23, is expected to lead MLB relievers in fWAR. Taylor has displayed remarkable potential with a projected ERA of 3.47 over 91 innings, supported by a powerful fastball and breaking pitches.

Cincinnati Reds

Elly De La Cruz is predicted to achieve a rare 40-40 season. The 24-year-old shortstop is expected to hit 25 home runs and steal 41 bases while maintaining a solid batting average.

Cleveland Guardians

Joey Cantillo is set to lead Guardians pitchers in fWAR. The 26-year-old lefty is anticipated to pitch 144 innings, achieving a 3.80 ERA through effective changeups and breaking balls.

Colorado Rockies

Mickey Moniak is projected to finish in the top 10 for NL home runs. His return to form is expected to yield around 21 home runs and a significant contribution to the Rockies’ offensive lineup.

Detroit Tigers

Kevin McGonigle is expected to lead the AL in hits in his rookie season. The 21-year-old shortstop is projected to get 122 hits and maintain a 3.3 WAR, reflecting his impressive offensive potential.

Houston Astros

Yordan Alvarez is anticipated to lead the AL in home runs. The 28-year-old is projected for 30 home runs, bouncing back from his previous injury-plagued season, and finding his place as a premier slugger.

Kansas City Royals

Carter Jensen is a strong contender for the AL Rookie of the Year award. The 22-year-old catcher is expected to achieve solid production in his debut season, with 12 home runs and a significant role in the Royals’ lineup.

Los Angeles Angels

Jose Soriano is projected to receive AL Cy Young votes. The 27-year-old right-hander is expected to pitch 176 innings with a 3.86 ERA, showcasing his developing skills on the mound.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani is likely to lead the NL in both wRC+ and ERA. The 31-year-old utility player is projected for a highly productive season, demonstrating his unique ability to excel in two vital aspects of the game.

Miami Marlins

Eury Perez is a favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award. The talented pitcher is expected to post a 4.04 ERA over 135 innings, underpinned by his exceptional pitch repertoire.

Milwaukee Brewers

Jackson Chourio is predicted to have a 30-30 season. The 22-year-old outfielder’s combination of speed and power positions him as a key player for the Brewers in 2026.

New York Mets

Bo Bichette is forecast to lead MLB in RBIs. With strong hitters ahead of him in the lineup, the 28-year-old shortstop is set for another prolific season offensively.

New York Yankees

Ben Rice is anticipated to lead all first basemen in home runs. The 27-year-old is projected for around 27 home runs, showcasing his potent hitting capabilities and consistency in the Yankees’ lineup.

Philadelphia Phillies

Justin Crawford is expected to lead MLB in stolen bases. The 22-year-old center fielder possesses the speed and base-running intellect to achieve this impressive feat.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Braxton Ashcraft is projected to receive NL Cy Young Award votes. The 26-year-old righty is expected to efficiently pitch through the season and highlight his potential as a standout performer.

San Diego Padres

Jackson Merrill is predicted to be an NL MVP finalist. The 22-year-old outfielder is expected to return strong after injuries, with projected stats showing his considerable talent.

San Francisco Giants

Jung Hoo Lee is expected to lead the NL in hits. His exceptional contact skills and high on-base capabilities are expected to position him at the top of the Giants’ batting order.

Seattle Mariners

Brendan Donovan is projected to lead the AL in runs scored. His batting skills and position at the top of the lineup are set to facilitate numerous scoring opportunities.

St. Louis Cardinals

Kyle Leahy is expected to lead Cardinals pitchers in fWAR. The transition to starting allows him to leverage his diverse pitch mix and command throughout the season.

Tampa Bay Rays

Ben Williamson is predicted to win the AL Utility Gold Glove. Despite his limited offensive projections, his exceptional defensive skills enhance his value to the Rays.

Texas Rangers

Wyatt Langford is anticipated to be an AL MVP finalist. His combination of hitting and fielding prowess could set him apart as a future star in the league.

Toronto Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho is projected to receive AL MVP votes. Building on his productive season, he is expected to excel both offensively and defensively for the Blue Jays.

Washington Nationals

James Wood is set to lead the NL in home runs. The 23-year-old slugger is projected for considerable power development in the coming season.

These bold predictions showcase a variety of player achievements across the MLB for the 2026 season.
Key positions include batting, pitching, and fielding with a spotlight on rising stars and established players alike.