{"id":133380,"date":"2026-01-02T15:40:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133380"},"modified":"2026-01-02T15:40:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:40:30","slug":"%e2%9a%be-2026-mlb-forecast-big-trades-breakout-stars-and-world-series-winners-who-will-emerge-as-the-seasons-storylines-these-bold-predictions-could-shake-up-the-league-before","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133380","title":{"rendered":"\u26be 2026 MLB FORECAST: Big trades, breakout stars, and World Series winners \u2014 who will emerge as the season\u2019s storylines? These bold predictions could shake up the league before a single pitch is thrown (J)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bold<\/p>\n

MLB 2026 Predictions: Breakout Teams, WBC Surprises, and the Postseason Race<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Happy New Year, baseball fans! As we turn the page to 2026<\/strong>, the sport is brimming with anticipation after an unforgettable 2025 season. From breakout teams to storylines that will dominate headlines, we asked MLB experts<\/strong> for their boldest predictions for the year ahead. Here\u2019s a look into the crystal ball for the next 12 months of baseball.<\/p>\n

\n

Breakthrough Teams to Watch<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Baltimore Orioles: 2026 World Series Contenders<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After finishing last in the AL East in 2025<\/strong>, the Baltimore Orioles ended the season with 75 wins<\/strong>, the most ever for a fifth-place team in the division. Over the offseason, the franchise made aggressive moves to surround their young core with veteran talent<\/strong>, bringing in Pete Alonso (1B), Taylor Ward (OF), Shane Baz (RHP), Zach Eflin (RHP), and closer Ryan Helsley<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Experts predict that several key players could make big leaps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Gunnar Henderson<\/strong> is expected to return to his 2024 form.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Trevor Rogers<\/strong> could continue building on his impressive 2025 performance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Samuel Basallo<\/strong>, a top prospect, is primed for a breakout season.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Jackson Holliday<\/strong> could emerge as a legitimate AL All-Star<\/strong>, potentially making a 30\/30 run in home runs and stolen bases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Eric Karabell emphasizes that the Orioles are \u201cnot messing around\u201d in 2026, and with the combination of veteran presence and young talent<\/strong>, Baltimore could be poised for a World Series run<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Seattle Mariners: Chasing Their First Championship<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"Bold<\/p>\n

    The Seattle Mariners<\/strong> may finally capture the elusive first World Series title<\/strong> in franchise history. Analysts highlight the emergence of Julio Rodriguez<\/strong> as one of the best players in the game, while Cal Raleigh<\/strong> continues his dominance as one of the top catchers in MLB.<\/p>\n

    Adding to the excitement, Colt Emerson<\/strong> is expected to debut in May and could be a strong contender for the AL Rookie of the Year Award<\/strong>. Buster Olney predicts that the Mariners are entering a period of dominance reminiscent of the Astros\u2019 2015\u201324 dynasty<\/strong>, potentially laying the foundation for years of sustained success.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Dominican Republic to Spoil the WBC Rematch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/strong> is set to feature a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, with defending champion Japan<\/strong> fielding stars like Shohei Ohtani<\/strong> and Yoshinobu Yamamoto<\/strong>. The United States will bring a powerhouse roster featuring Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., Kyle Schwarber, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    However, MLB analyst David Schoenfield predicts a Dominican Republic victory<\/strong>. Their lineup is a \u201cpitcher\u2019s nightmare,\u201d including:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jose Ramirez, Julio Rodriguez, Ketel Marte, Junior Caminero, Fernando Tatis Jr., Elly De La Cruz<\/strong>, and possibly Manny Machado<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The key for manager Albert Pujols<\/strong> will be assembling the right rotation from a talented pitching staff potentially featuring Cristopher Sanchez, Freddy Peralta, Framber Valdez, Luis Castillo, Sandy Alcantara, Jhoan Duran, and Bryan Abreu<\/strong>. After winning the WBC in 2013 and posting early exits in 2017 and 2023, the DR could make an undefeated run, delivering memorable home runs, big bat flips, and highlight-reel moments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      \n

      The Pittsburgh Pirates: Ending a Postseason Drought<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The Pittsburgh Pirates<\/strong> aim to reach the postseason for the first time since 2015<\/strong>, with a clear offseason priority: upgrade an offense that ranked last in MLB in runs scored<\/strong>. While the team missed out on top hitters like Kyle Schwarber<\/strong> and Josh Naylor<\/strong>, they still bolstered their lineup with:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        Ryan O\u2019Hearn (1B\/DH)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Brandon Lowe (2B)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Jake Mangum (OF)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia (OF)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Offensive numbers from 2025 illustrate the potential for improvement:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Spencer Horwitz<\/strong> led the Pirates with a 119 wRC+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Joey Bart<\/strong> was the only other Pirate above league average with 101 wRC+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          O\u2019Hearn<\/strong> posted a 127 wRC+<\/strong> as a first-time All-Star, and Lowe<\/strong> recorded a 114 wRC+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Power contributors include O\u2019Neil Cruz (20 HRs)<\/strong>, Bryan Reynolds (16 HRs)<\/strong>, Lowe (31 HRs), and O\u2019Hearn (17 HRs).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Add in shortstop Konnor Griffin<\/strong>, a highly regarded 20-year-old prospect, and the Pirates could have a lineup capable of competing for a playoff spot.<\/p>\n

          Pittsburgh finished 12 games behind the Reds<\/strong> for the third Wild Card in 2025. Analysts note that 83 wins won\u2019t be enough<\/strong> in 2026, but with a strong pitching staff \u2014 highlighted by Paul Skenes<\/strong>, who posted a 1.97 ERA and won the NL Cy Young<\/strong> \u2014 and an improved offense, the Pirates could finally make noise in the postseason<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

          \n

          Looking Ahead to 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          \"2024<\/p>\n

          From the Orioles\u2019 resurgence<\/strong> to the Mariners\u2019 historic run<\/strong>, the Dominican Republic\u2019s WBC powerhouse<\/strong>, and the Pirates\u2019 potential breakout<\/strong>, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for MLB fans<\/strong>. With fresh talent emerging, established stars stepping up, and dramatic storylines unfolding on the field, the new season could deliver memorable moments across the league.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          MLB 2026 Predictions: Breakout Teams, WBC Surprises, and the Postseason Race Happy New Year, baseball fans! As we turn the page to 2026, the sport is brimming… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":133381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-133380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\u26be 2026 MLB FORECAST: Big trades, breakout stars, and World Series winners \u2014 who will emerge as the season\u2019s storylines? 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