Category: Baseball

Paul Skenes‘ first start of the 2026 season might not have even lasted a New York minute. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ ace surrendered five runs in his Opening Day start against the New York Mets, and was pulled after pitching just ⅔ of an inning. All five runs were earned, with the Mets logging four hits and two walks off Skenes before he drilled catcher Francisco Alvarez. Skenes also recorded a strikeout.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor began the inning with a walk before star outfielder Juan Soto moved him to third on a single in the following at-bat. Third baseman Bo Bichette scored Lindor on a sacrifice fly in his first at-bat with the Mets. A single by first baseman Jorge Polanco and a walk from outfielder Luis Robert Jr. allowed the Mets to load the bases with just one out against Skenes.

That’s where Skenes’ day quickly unraveled, with Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz making a pair of mistakes to make matters worse for the reigning NL Cy Young winner. Designated hitter Brett Baty hit a bases-clearing triple that might have been caught by Cruz had he not misplayed the ball off the bat. On the very next pitch, second baseman Marcus Semien hit a pop fly that should’ve been caught by Cruz, but dropped in the gap. 

New York took a 5-2 lead by that point, negating the early lead Pittsburgh took off a two-run homer from Brandon Lowe in his first at-bat with the Pirates. While Skenes was able to strike out right fielder Carson Benge in the following at-bat, his day ended after he plunked Alvarez.

Skenes threw 37 pitches in the first inning before getting pulled. Thursday marked the shortest outing of Skenes’ young career, and just the second time he allowed five earned runs in an outing. It’s also the first time that the Mets have scored more than three runs in the first inning on Opening Day in franchise history. 

Skenes’ outing came on the heels of his impressive showing for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. The righty allowed just one run in 8 ⅓ innings over two outings during the tournament. 

But Pirates manager Don Kelly expressed that he wanted to limit Skenes’ usage after things went south in the first inning. 

“It was all pitch count related, really, for him,” Kelly told the NBC broadcast. “We didn’t want to put him in harms way, up in the 40-pitch count mark. If we get in a foul ball battle there, we don’t want to push him in the mid-40s [in the first inning].”

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

After an incredible finish to 2025, culminating with one of the best World Series in baseball history, it’s exciting to see what the 2026 Major League Baseball season has in store for us. 

Will the Dodgers become the first team in over two decades to win three consecutive World Series? 

Will the Yankees win their first championship since 2009? 

In a long season that will take us until midway through the NFL regular season, let’s take a look at some bets to keep us company along the way.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Trevor Rogers wins leader 

The Orioles’ lefty was brilliant last year, posting a 1.81 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP, and striking out 103 batters to only 29 walks. Rogers was an All-Star early in his career with the Marlins, so his 2025 breakout can’t be dismissed, even if it was unexpected. He will serve as the ace for an Orioles team that is loaded with prolific bats and that also added Pete Alonso this winter. This means he should get plenty of run support. Staying healthy is a concern with any of these league-leader bets, but at 50-1, Rogers has the talent and the supporting cast to pile up a ton of wins.

PICK: Trevor Rogers (+5000) wins leader

St. Louis Cardinals Over/Under 69.5 wins

The Cardinals are like the Pittsburgh Steelers in football — they’re always competitive, and always have a respectable team that’s in the mix for postseason play at the very least. That might change this year, as the Cardinals’ brass seems to be embracing a full rebuild. Matthew Liberatore is a solid pitcher, but he will start on Opening Day for the Red Birds and is followed in the rotation by a whole lot of question marks, such as Dustin May and Andre Pallante. The Cardinals don’t have much starting pitching and don’t look like they will score many runs, with a lineup that lacks any difference-makers at the plate. It’s weird to see them near the bottom of the standings, but that’s where I expect they will be by late summer. 

PICK: Cardinals Under 69.5 wins

Shohei Ohtani NL MVP 

I admit, this isn’t very fun. But at this point, what does Ohtani have to do to not win MVP? He’s projected to hit around 50 home runs and is in the starting rotation for what’s expected to be the best team in baseball. Even during an off year, Ohtani hits, let’s say, 38 homers and wins 10 games on the mound. He’s one of the best hitters in baseball and one of the best pitchers, too, while playing for a first-place team. It’s going to be a season that is hard to top. Ohtani has won this award four times already, and, barring a serious injury, this year will be No. 5.

PICK: Shohei Ohtani (-145) to win NL MVP

Orioles-Mets World Series matchup

The Dodgers are the rightful favorite to repeat in 2026, but they could have easily lost to the Blue Jays in the World Series. Back in 2024, they were facing elimination in the NLDS, down 2-1 to the Padres before winning that series. This is not a mere formality for the Dodgers, so let’s look elsewhere. The Mets have a loaded roster in a division where the other contenders, like the Phillies and Braves, might have missed their championship windows. They also have an owner that is ultra aggressive and won’t be shy about adding before the trade deadline. The Orioles, as I mentioned earlier, have a ton of talent and were a playoff team in 2023 and 2024 before injuries ravaged their 2025 season. It’s extremely difficult to predict in March what will happen in a short series come October. But at 86-1, the Mets and Orioles both have teams talented enough to make deep runs in the postseason.

PICK: Orioles vs. Mets (+8600) World Series Matchup 

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

The Yankees‘ Jose Caballero lost the first challenge taken to Major League Baseball’s so-called robot umpire, unsuccessfully appealing a strike by San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb in Wednesday night’s season opener won 7-0 by New York.

Webb started the fourth inning with a 90.7 mph sinker on the upper, inner corner that was called a strike by Bill Miller, a major league umpire since 1997. Caballero tapped his helmet, and the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras of the Automated Ball-Strike System upheld Miller’s decision in a graphic shown on the Oracle Park scoreboard.

New York was ahead 5-0 at the time. Caballero drove in the first run with an RBI single in a five-run second inning against Webb, who recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in the fourth.

The automated system had been tested in the minor leagues since 2019 and was used during major league spring training in 2025 and ’26. Some managers have said they will still find ways to argue and get ejected.

Before Wednesday’s game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke in support of the new system and the importance of discussing decisions on challenges with his team ahead of time.

“I hope so,” Boone said when asked if he was excited. “We’ve had a lot of dialogue at it, it’s something that we’ve poured a lot into, I’ve certainly. It’s become one of the things I’ve kind of tried to lead the charge on a little bit. Another kind of end-of-spring meeting with all the position players and catchers at the end just kind of running through different ones that came up and give my feedback on it. I’ve been very direct with them during spring as far as after the fact if I thought one was really good or conversely if one was terrible.”

Boone stressed this will be a learning process for everybody involved.

“I’ve tried to be real direct with them and why,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to be good at it, that’s the expectation. I’m sure we’ll continue to evolve with it.”

New San Francisco skipper Tony Vitello, who came to the Giants from the University of Tennessee with no professional experience as a player or coach, said he had to remind himself earlier Wednesday that the robots might take over at times.

“‘I’ve got to be honest with you, one thing I was looking at is who are the umpires tonight?” he said. “You get on google the first thing you see is there’s going to be a robot umpire. And it was only for a millisecond but I kind of freaked out.”

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

Up-and-coming youngsters, players reaching their potential, or on-the-cusp stars who are about to hit their stride. 

Who is poised to make some headlines in MLB this season? Our picks for one breakout player for all 30 teams.

JUMP TO: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

Baltimore Orioles: Shane Baz, RHP

One of the many former first-round picks in this list, Baz has yet to reach his full, true-ace potential after being limited by injuries. Finally, last year the right-hander stayed healthy and delivered a career-best 31 starts for the Rays, who traded him to Baltimore in December. Now entering his age-27 season, Baz looks primed to use his excellent stuff and control to emerge as a breakout candidate this year.  – Deesha Thosar

Boston Red Sox: Wilyer Abreu, RF

With Alex Cora saying a 30-plus homer season is incoming, this is the year Abreu is expected to make the jump into an All-Star caliber everyday outfielder. He turned heads in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, slugging a pair of clutch home runs against Japan and USA. Abreu only played in 115 games last year, but he hit 22 home runs and drove in 69. His offensive metrics indicate he’ll show off additional power this season. – Thosar

New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler, RHP

Schlittler is a fast-rising top-20 pitcher with grit and elite fastball velocity. This will be his second season in the majors after recording a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts for the Yankees last year. His breakout moment came against the Red Sox, the Walpole, Massachusetts native’s favorite childhood team, in the Wild Card series. Schlitter, in his first career postseason start, held Boston to eight shutout innings with 12 strikeouts, sending the Yankees to the Division Series. The Yankees are counting on Schlittler to be a key arm of the rotation, and his elite stuff points to a bright future in the league. – Thosar

Tampa Bay Rays: Chandler Simpson, OF

Simpson stole 44 bases and in 109 games in his first major-league stint, while slashing .295/.326/.345. He’s projected to steal 50-60 bags this season while leading off for the Rays. Simpson’s 2025 batting average is for real; the 25-year-old has elite contact ability and is considered the fastest player in baseball. He’s poised for a major breakout year in what should be his first full-season in the bigs. – Thosar

Toronto Blue Jays: Cody Ponce, RHP

Ponce returns to MLB for the first time since 2021 after pitching the best season ever in the KBO. He went 17-1, recorded a 1.89 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 252 strikeouts in 29 starts and 180.2 starts. Sure, a lot of pitchers come back from overseas and struggle in the big leagues, but the Blue Jays felt so strongly about Ponce’s redefined arsenal and uptick in velocity that they gave him a three-year contract worth $30 million, which will be an enormous value if all goes as expected. – Thosar

Chicago White Sox: Miguel Vargas, 3B

The 26-year-old third baseman produced his best season yet last year, hitting 16 home runs while slashing .234/.316/.401 in 138 games. He hovered around league average, and this year Vargas is expected to take a big step forward in a White Sox lineup that will give him every opportunity to start at the hot corner everyday. – Thosar

Cleveland Guardians: Chase DeLauter, OF

DeLauter is a former first-round pick who’s been held back by injuries since his 2022 draft. The 24-year-old outfielder is finally fully healthy and projected to spend the entire year in the big leagues. Though his injury history is concerning, there’s also a lot to like. DeLauter is considered a candidate to have a high average and 20-homer potential. – Thosar

Detroit Tigers: Kevin McGonigle, SS

McGonigle is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Detroit’s top prospect and No. 2 overall. He improved his defense in spring training and the Tigers can deploy him on the left side of the infield, opening up playing time and allowing him to show off his high-contact rate and lengthen the Tigers lineup. McGonigle’s patient plate approach and impressive power is a boon in Detroit. – Thosar

Kansas City Royals: Jac Caglianone, RF

Caglianone mightily struggled to adjust to major-league pitching in his 62-game debut last year. But the power that led to him being a first-round pick and a highly-touted prospect is all still there. He’s projected for 20-plus home runs this season and his droolworthy hard-hit rate has made Caglianone everyone’s top breakout candidate of the year. – Thosar

Minnesota Twins: Mick Abel, RHP

Abel joined the Twins last summer as part of the trade that sent closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies. He recorded a 2.00 ERA, 23 strikeouts and only three walks in five starts and 18 innings in spring training. The right-hander not only earned a spot in Minnesota’s rotation, but he could ascend to become a top-of-the-rotation arm. Abel refined his repertoire over the winter and looks primed to be the Twins’ second-best starter behind Joe Ryan. – Thosar

Athletics: Denzel Clarke, CF 

Clarke is one of the best defenders in the major leagues, if not the best. He put on a show last season with multiple defensive gems in center field, but his bat wasn’t good enough for the starting lineup. This year, he’s projected to improve his offense to at least league-average, or close to it. If he can put more balls in play, Clarke’s speed will be a lethal asset, and he could end up having a three-win season. – Thosar

Houston Astros: Tatsuya Imai, RHP

The Astros have a ton of confidence in Imai’s ability to succeed after giving him a three-year, $54 million contract with opt-outs. His mid-90s velocity and four-pitch mix will play in Houston, even if the team will have to accommodate his routine with five days rest. If Imai can work on his control issues and develop more movement on his fastball, he could make the jump from a mid-rotation arm to a front-end starter. – Thosar

Los Angeles Angels: Jose Soriano, RHP

The Angels’ 2026 Opening Day starter, Soriano is the best in baseball at inducing ground balls thanks to a heavy sinker and potent knuckle curve. The 27-year-old right-hander showed flashes of dominance last season, allowing one run or fewer in 14 of his 31 starts. If he can limit his meltdowns, Soriano’s triple-digit velocity, five-pitch mix and still-increasing strikeout rate points to his future as a true front-end starter. – Thosar

Seattle Mariners: Colt Emerson, INF

It might take a little longer for Emerson to make his major-league debut, but he’ll likely join the Mariners at some point this year, and when he does, he’s expected to make a lot of noise. Emerson, a top-10 overall prospect, crushed 16 home runs across three minor-league levels last year. He should be a significant factor in the M’s postseason push in the second half. – Thosar

Texas Rangers: MacKenzie Gore, LHP

Gore showed elite swing-and-miss stuff for the Nationals last year, putting up a career-best three-win season before Texas traded for him in January. The Nats received five players from the Rangers for Gore, indicating how high the expectations are for him in Arlington. Gore, 27, will pitch behind Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom and is expected to excel under the guidance of the pitching staff. – Thosar

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves: Michael Harris II, OF 

Four years ago, Harris looked like the game’s next star when he won Rookie of the Year honors with a 5.1-WAR season while producing an .853 OPS as a 21-year-old. Instead, every year since then, he has seen his OPS trend the wrong direction. The first half of last season — he had a .551 OPS at the break — might have been rock bottom. Harris still finished the year as a below league-average hitter, but he had an .845 OPS in the second half and wrapped up 2025 with his first 20-20 season. That could provide a jumping-off point for Harris to realize his 30-30 potential. – Rowan Kavner

Miami Marlins: Eury Perez, SP 

Two years ago at just 20 years old, the top pitching prospect started his big-league career with a 3.15 ERA and a 28.9% strikeout rate in 91.1 innings, but then he needed Tommy John surgery. Pérez returned last season with the same high velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, and now he enters 2026 ready to pick up where he left off. If he can limit hard contact and keep the ball in the park, the 6-foot-8 righty has the upside to be one of the best pitchers in the sport. – Kavner

New York Mets: Francisco Alvarez, C 

Alvarez has yet to fully take off since his first call up four years ago, and injuries have limited him to 176 games the last two seasons, but it’s worth remembering that he’s still just 24 years old. And after a hamate fracture early last season, Alvarez starred in the second half — he had an OPS over 1.000 in July and August — before a thumb sprain halted his progress. With a healthy season, the breakout we expected to already happen could finally be ahead. – Kavner

Philadelphia Phillies: Justin Crawford, OF 

The opportunity is there for Crawford, as the Phillies have demonstrated their faith in the 2022 first-round pick by handing him the keys in center field following Harrison Bader’s departure. Crawford won the International League batting title last year with a .334 batting average and posted a .411 on-base percentage with 46 steals. He has stolen at least 40 bases in all three of his minor-league seasons. His tendency to put the ball on the ground limits his ceiling, but his bat-to-ball skills and elite speed could make him one of the game’s top base-stealers in 2026. – Kavner

Washington Nationals: Cade Cavalli, SP 

Six years after the Nationals took him in the first round, after a long Tommy John recovery and setbacks that followed, Cavalli is about to be the Nationals’ Opening Day starter. Cavalli pitched one game in the big leagues in August 2022 and then waited three years before his next appearance in August 2025. Cavalli had a pedestrian 4.25 ERA in 10 starts last year, but the hard-throwing righty averaged a 97 mph fastball, got a lot of chase and missed barrels. This spring, he didn’t allow an earned run in four starts. – Kavner

Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia, RP 

Palencia’s sensational start to the 2025 season was followed by an uneven second half that ultimately saw him lose his ninth-inning role. Now, Palencia is back as the Cubs’ primary closer coming off an electric World Baseball Classic that ended with him firing a 99.7 mph fastball by Roman Anthony to win the tournament for Venezuela. He struck out nine of the 17 batters he faced in the competition and didn’t allow a hit or a run, and he didn’t allow a run in four spring outings, either. Last year provided a taste of what Palencia could bring, but this year could be the star breakout as one of the sport’s top closers. – Kavner

Cincinnati Reds: Sal Stewart, 1B

The 2022 first-round pick has hit at every level, including in the big leagues after his September call-up last season, when Stewart hit 21% above league average in 18 games before knocking in four runs in two games as a middle-of-the-order bat against the Dodgers in the National League wild-card series. Stewart can knock the cover off the ball, and he does it while maintaining strong bat-to-ball skills. He could quickly put up big numbers in his first full season, especially while playing his home games at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. – Kavner

Milwaukee Brewers: Jackson Chourio, OF 

Chourio’s second season in the big leagues looked almost identical to his first, as he followed up a 21-homer, 22-steal rookie season in 2024 with 21 homers and 21 steals in 2025. It was a productive year, though not the superstar jump many expected. His slash-line numbers dipped slightly as his chase rate increased and walk rate decreased, and a nagging hamstring injury in the second half didn’t help his cause. In 2026, the full breakout could be ahead for the talented 22-year-old. – Kavner

Pittsburgh Pirates: Bubba Chandler, SP

Konnor Griffin will be the flashy pick here, and his arrival is on the horizon. But he’s starting the year in the minor leagues and, as this spring demonstrated, might need some time before he’s the superstar he is capable of being. In terms of 2026, give me Chandler, another top MLB prospect on the Pirates who made seven appearances last year (and should have made more) with a fastball that sat in the high-90s and a whiff rate over 30%. His 98.4 mph four-seamer this spring was the hardest on average of any Pirates pitcher, starter or reliever. – Kavner

St. Louis Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt, 2B 

One of the top prospects in baseball, Wetherholt is set to break camp with the Cardinals and will be among the favorites to contend for Rookie of the Year. Wetherholt, the No. 7 overall pick in 2024, slashed .306/.421/.510 with 17 homers and 23 steals and nearly an equal number of walks and steals between Double-A and Triple-A last year. His keen eye and advanced approach at the plate could allow him to handle the jump to the majors better than most 23-year-old rookies. – Kavner

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jordan Lawlar, OF 

The former top shortstop prospect’s first couple tastes of the majors didn’t go to plan, but now Lawlar is healthy and has a clearer path to regular playing time after moving to the outfield. When he’s on the field, Lawlar has consistently produced at the plate in the minor leagues, amassing a .990 OPS over the past three seasons. Those results haven’t translated to his 42 career big-league games (.478 OPS), but he has excelled at the plate this spring, and this could be the year it all comes together for the 23-year-old former first-round pick. – Kavner

Colorado Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar, SS 

Tovar has established himself as one of the most important young building blocks in Colorado primarily for his defense, but the Gold Glove Award winner starred for champion Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic (.471/.500/.647) and hit two home runs for the Rockies this spring. He was limited by multiple injuries last year, and his underlying numbers were better than his .694 OPS demonstrated. A below league average hitter to this point of his career, don’t be surprised if his best offensive season is ahead. – Kavner

Los Angeles Dodgers: River Ryan, SP 

If it were only based on merit this spring, Ryan would already be in the Dodgers’ rotation. His four-seamer averaged over 97 mph. His slider generated 13 whiffs on 24 swings. He looks all the way back from Tommy John surgery, which cut a promising rookie season short in 2024 after he excelled in four big-league appearances. There are questions about opportunity and workload here — he’s starting the season at Triple-A, and the Dodgers will want to be careful with his innings coming back from injury — but his arm is too talented to stay in the minors for long, especially if Roki Sasaki struggles. – Kavner

San Diego Padres: Jackson Merrill, OF 

After finishing as the runner-up to Paul Skenes for NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, last season represented a step back for Merrill. His strikeout and whiff rates jumped, he only stole one base, and he ended the year hitting just 12% better than league average. But injuries were a significant part of his 2025 story and help explain the regression. He started heating up again late in the year, registering a .946 OPS in September before recording three extra-base hits in the Padres’ wild-card series. For the Padres to do anything of note in 2026, they need Merrill to be a star. And as long as he’s healthy, I expect that jump to happen. – Kavner

San Francisco Giants: Jung Hoo Lee, OF 

Lee looked like he was transforming into a star for the Giants early last year, producing an OPS over .900 through April before crashing back down to earth. He had a .612 OPS in June and a .551 OPS in July before settling back in late in the year, producing a .306/.351/.439 slash line from the start of August through season’s end. He finished the year hitting 10% better than league-average hitter, but his tremendous bat-to-ball skills could make him much more than that. He’ll just need to avoid another prolonged summer slump. – Kavner

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

On the heels of a thrilling World Baseball Classic that captivated the nation, FOX Sports returns to the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a deep and dynamic roster of broadcasters — bringing its signature presentation of championship-level insight and industry-leading production to one of the most anticipated seasons in the sport.

FOX Sports has assembled top-tier talent both in the booth and studio, to provide compelling pre-game, in-game and post-game coverage. 

Entering their fifth season together, first-ballot Hall of Famer John Smoltz and Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Joe Davis will call FOX Sports’ top regular season and playoff games. Veteran field reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci will provide key information and additional reporting in the heat of the action. Together, FOX MLB’s lead team is comprised entirely of Emmy Award winners recognized for excellence in each of their respective roles.

Throughout the regular season, announcers Adam Amin, Eric Collins, Davis, Kevin Kugler and Connor Onion will team up with analysts Eric Karros, AJ Pierzynski, Smoltz, Verducci, Dontrelle Willis and Adam Wainwright in the booth.

FOX Sports’ coverage leads off Saturday, March 28, with a day-night doubleheader as action starts at 4:00 p.m. ET on FS1, with the Minnesota Twins facing the Baltimore Orioles (Onion, Verducci), followed by primetime regionalized matchups at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX, featuring the New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants (Davis, Smoltz, Rosenthal); and Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves (Amin, Wainwright, Pierzynski).

Away from the field, FOX Sports will bring captivating studio coverage. 

A-Rod, Big Papi and The Captain – FOX MLB’s Emmy Award-winning desk features names that are synonymous with some of baseball’s biggest moments. Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and World Series champion Alex Rodriguez, alongside host Kevin Burkhardt, bring credentialed analysis and seamless chemistry to the network’s studio coverage of marquee events.

Over the course of the season, Burkhardt, Chris Myers and Mike Hill host pregame and postgame coverage from the FOX Sports studio alongside a rotation of high-caliber analysts including former big-league stars Dontrelle Willis and Karros.

FOX Sports will also bring MLB coverage on FOX Deportes.

The leader in Spanish-language MLB coverage for more than two decades, FOX Deportes’ roster is led by veteran play-by-play announcer Adrian Garcia-Marquez, analyst and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez, announcer/reporter Carlos Alvarez and veteran reporter, analyst Jaime Motta. Also joining the team are reporter Michelle Liendo and play-by-play announcer Rolando Nichols.

In addition to live broadcasts of each game, the network’s new daily program, TOTAL SPORTS 360, offers highlights, interviews and live reports throughout the postseason.
 

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

Shohei Ohtani admitted in a recent interview with NBC that he doesn’t think about being compared to the likes of Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, but FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard thinks that the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ superstar might join that echelon of great athletes soon.

Broussard proclaimed that it’s “indisputable” that Ohtani is the best baseball player of all time on Wednesday’s episode of “First Things First.” However, Broussard said that you can’t call Ohtani the greatest of all time quite yet. 

“He’s the best we’ve ever seen,” Broussard said of Ohtani. “Babe Ruth was obviously a great pitcher, as well as a hitter. But he didn’t do them at the same time at that level. The most home runs he ever hit when he pitched full-time was 29. But when he was hinting 40, 50, 60 [home runs], he wasn’t pitching. He only pitched four games in the rest of his career during that time. Barry Bonds was the best I’ve seen prior to Ohtani. … Bonds only had, for all his greatness, one season where he hit 50 or more homers. Ohtani’s already had two 50-plus home run seasons.

“Not to mention the pitching. He has the all-time high in strikeouts per nine innings at 11.4. He just isn’t eligible yet. I think he’s clearly the BOAT (Best of All Time).”

As Broussard mentioned, Ohtani has certainly accomplished enough to put himself on a trajectory to become the greatest of all time. His four MVPs are already the second-most ever, trailing only Bonds’ seven. In 2024, he became the first player in MLB history to log 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. He’s also the only player to win multiple MVPs in a unanimous fashion, and last season, he became the first player to ever win multiple MVPs in both the American and National Leagues. 

However, Broussard believes that Ohtani doesn’t have the longevity yet to be considered baseball’s greatest player ever. 

“I’ve got to be honest, as much as I think he’ll get there, this will only be his eighth complete season,” Broussard said. “I don’t think that’s enough to say ‘GOAT.’ Even though he has four MVPs, which is second-most to Bonds already, baseball is a sport about magic numbers — 3,000 hits, 500 homers, 300 wins — and he can’t hit any of those in eight seasons.”

To Broussard’s point, Ohtani’s volume stats would pale in comparison to many all-time greats. Even though he already has four seasons with at least 40 home runs, Ohtani has only hit 280 home runs in his career. That’s tied for 202nd all-time as he still needs 73 homers to crack the top 100 list.

This season presents a unique opportunity for Ohtani to add to his greatness, though. This will mark the first time since 2023 that Ohtani will begin a season as a hitter and a starting pitcher. If all goes well, it’ll be the first time since 2022 that Ohtani has spent a full season playing both sides. In the last season that Ohtani was a dual star, he hit 34 home runs and had a 2.33 ERA on the mound. He finished second in AL MVP voting and fourth in AL Cy Young voting that season. 

Normally, Broussard said he would use “10 or 11 years as a threshold” before considering someone as an all-time great. But he thinks Ohtani could be considered the greatest of all-time this year if he helps the Dodgers three-peat and has some pretty high individual success. 

“If they win the World Series, and he’s World Series MVP, regular season MVP and Cy Young winner, or if they win the World Series and he’s Cy Young or MVP, [he’s the GOAT,]” Broussard said. 

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

Home runs have made a comeback. 

Consider this: We’ve had two 60-home-run seasons in the last four years, after not having any between 2001 and 2021 — a 20-year drought. 

Let’s check out the odds for who will lead MLB in home runs this season at DraftKings Sportsbook as of March 25.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Most regular-season home runs

Aaron Judge: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
Shohei Ohtani: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Kyle Schwarber: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Cal Raleigh: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Nick Kurtz: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Pete Alonso: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Juan Soto: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Junior Caminero: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)

Here’s what to know about the oddsboard:

The Favorite: Any surprise here? New York’s Aaron Judge has led MLB in home runs three times in his career, including twice in the last four years. He hit an AL record 62 in 2022, then was hurt in 2023 (he hit 37 home runs in 106 games), and then hit a sport-leading 58 in 2024. Last season, he finished with 53, which was fourth-most in the majors. 

In the Running: The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is second on the board, even though, somewhat surprisingly, he’s never led baseball in home runs. He led the American League in 2023 with 44, and then led the National League with 54 in 2024. Third on the board is Philly’s Kyle Schwarber, who led the NL in homers in 2022 (46) and 2025 (56). That brings us to last year’s home run king, Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who mashed 60 dingers essentially out of nowhere. Prior to last year, Raleigh’s career high in home runs was just 34.

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The Dodgers won the last two World Series, so it’s no surprise that (a) Los Angeles is a strong favorite in 2026 MLB futures odds, and (b) the Dodgers are very popular with bettors.

But as Opening Day arrives, there are some surprises, too.

“A couple teams that haven’t been publicly supported in a while are seeing interest this year. There’s a lot of love for the Pirates and the Orioles,” Caesars Sports head of baseball trading Eric Biggio said.

Read on as Biggio helps set the table with insights on 2026 World Series odds, MLB season win totals and more.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Tempting Totals

When it comes to MLB futures, most bettors think about the World Series or the NL or AL champion. But there are plenty of other markets that often are better value propositions.

Among them: division winners, Yes/No to make the playoffs and season win totals. That last category is where Pittsburgh and Baltimore have made significant movement.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, when Caesars Sports traditionally posts MLB season win totals, the Pirates opened at 70.5. Now, with 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes leading the way, Pittsburgh’s total is up to 78.5 (Over -125).

That still means oddsmakers’ expectations are for a losing season. But it’s a significant jump, nonetheless.

“With the Pirates, it’s been a steady stream of one-way money on the Over,” Biggio said, noting it’s not just public money, but the smart set continuing to bet on Pittsburgh. “Sharp bettors are coming in, even at the higher numbers.”

Baltimore’s win total opened at 78.5 and is out to 86.5. So the odds now suggest a winning season for the Orioles.

“With the Orioles, I think we just put the opener too low, and sharps recognized that,” Biggio said. “Combined with their trade for [outfielder] Taylor Ward and signing [first baseman] Pete Alonso, the Orioles showed that they’d spend money.

“And that’s when the recreational bettors came in, as well. So the sharps came in early on the O’s, and the general public came in after.”

The White Sox still have the second-lowest season win total on the board, at 67.5. But that’s up from a 63.5 opener, with Biggio noting some preseason interest in Chicago, too.

So which team is trending in the wrong direction?

“On the flip side, people are really down on the Cardinals. Usually, it’s all positives around that franchise. But now, their win total is in the 60s,” Biggio said.

Indeed. St. Louis opened at 74.5 and is down to 69.5 in MLB win totals.

Dominant Dodgers

When we last saw the Dodgers — not counting Spring Training — it was in a riveting Game 7 of the World Series. Los Angeles won 5-4 in 11 innings over Toronto to claim its second straight championship.

Based on 2026 World Series odds, bookmakers believe the Dodgers are even better this season. Los Angeles is a tidy +225, meaning a $100 bet would profit $225 (total payout $325) if the Dodgers three-peat.

“It’s probably the shortest odds for a World Series favorite in 25 years or so, since the Yankees had their back-to-back-to-back seasons,” Biggio said, alluding to New York’s three straight titles from 1998-2000.

With such a short price, one would think bettors might look to other teams, wanting a larger potential payout. But that’s not the case at Caesars.

“It’s not slowing the bettors at all. The Dodgers lead by far in ticket count, and they’re No. 1 in dollars, too,” Biggio said.

To make the gamble more worth the go, some bettors are going the parlay route.

“In vogue these days are futures parlays,” Biggio said. “For example, they’re taking Scottie Scheffler to win the Masters and the Dodgers to win the World Series. Or Duke to win March Madness and the Dodgers to win the World Series.”

Scheffler is +460 to win next month’s Masters. Combine that with the Dodgers’ +225 odds to win the World Series, and you get a two-leg parlay with odds of +1720.

So a $100 bet would profit $1,720 (total payout $1,820). That’s much more attractive to the public betting masses.

Duke barely survived the NCAA Tournament’s first round but is now on to the Sweet 16. The Blue Devils are +400 to win the title, so when combined with a Dodgers World Series, that futures parlay has odds of +1525.

Which means a $100 wager profits $1,525, if both teams win it all.

With the additions of closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers’ season win total is improving, as well. Caesars opened Los Angeles at 97.5 and is up to 102.5.

“Once the Dodgers got Diaz and Tucker, it pumped up their numbers even more,” Biggio said.

Others of Note

Last season, the Mariners made a run to the ALCS vs. the Blue Jays. Seattle held a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 matchup to stand on the brink of the World Series.

But the Mariners lost Games 6 and 7 in Toronto. Still, bettors took notice of last season and are backing the M’s in World Series futures odds this season.

“The Mariners are getting some love. They’re up there in ticket count and liability,” Biggio said. “The Orioles, Red Sox and the New York teams are getting action, too.”

Seattle is the +1100 third choice to win the championship, behind the Dodgers and Yankees (+950). The Mets are the +1400 co-fourth choice, along with the Blue Jays, while the Red Sox are the +1600 co-sixth choice, joined by the Phillies.

Biggio also pointed to a couple teams he deems under the radar and perhaps worth a look now in World Series futures.

“I think the Tigers are live at 28/1. They’ve shown their going for it,” Biggio said, alluding to the addition of lefty starter Framber Valdez. “And this might be the last year the Tigers have with Tarik Skubal. I think there’s some value there.”

Skubal won the last two AL Cy Young Awards.

Looking a little further down the odds board, Biggio said the Diamondbacks could be worth a World Series wager, after a disappointing 80-82 campaign in 2025.

“The Diamondbacks are a longer shot that could be dangerous, at 60/1,” he said. “Almost everything went wrong for them last year. It won’t take a lot for them to turn it around.

“I could see the Padres taking a step back and the D-backs taking a step forward. If the Diamondbacks get in the playoffs, they’ve got a shot.”

At +6000, a $100 bet would profit six grand on an Arizona title.

Award Season

No surprise, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge are popular in the AL and NL MVP markets.

Judge is the +200 favorite in AL MVP odds, and Ohtani is an even stronger favorite in NL MVP odds at -115.

“It’s the usual suspects,” Biggio said. “And people are also high on Ronald Acuna Jr. to have a big bounce-back year, They’re betting him on MVP and in stolen bases.”

Acuna suffered a torn ACL in May 2024, missing the rest of that season and the first two months of the 2025 season. The Braves star also missed a couple of weeks in late July and early August last season with a calf injury.

Acuna is the +1200 third choice in NL MVP odds, behind Ohtani and Mets outfielder Juan Soto (+800). Acuna is +1100 to be the MLB stolen bases leader, trailing five others, including +300 favorite Elly De La Cruz of the Reds.

Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz is making waves in a couple of markets.

“He’s a player people are really high on this season,” Biggio said of the A’s standout. “People are betting him in AL MVP, to hit the most home runs and to be the first player to 10 home runs.”

Kurtz is the +1100 fifth choice in AL MVP odds. In season-long home run odds, he’s also fifth at +1000, with Ohtani and Judge the +400 co-favorites.

In the race to 10 home runs prop, Kurtz is +750, trailing only Judge (+500) and Ohtani (+650).

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Will Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers get that World Series three-peat? Or, can a club like the Phillies, Mets, or Cubs break L.A.’s National League dominance? 

What about over in the American League? Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh put up some big numbers. What’s in store for 2026?

We break down each team – an offseason recap, an X-factor, and a prediction – as we get set for a new campaign. 

JUMP TO: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

Baltimore Orioles

Offseason recap: The Orioles raised their floor this winter with a franchise-altering long-term signing for slugger Pete Alonso. They also added outfielder Tyler Ward, closer Ryan Helsley, and starters Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt. Their lineup has more power and depth, but the concern remains the absence of an ace in the rotation, as well as if the young core can bounce back from a disappointing season. 

X-factor: Adley Rutschman. Once the allure of Alonso wears off, all eyes will be on the 28-year-old Orioles catcher to see if he can recover from his downturn these past couple of seasons. Last year, he recorded a 90 OPS+ and hit nine home runs in 90 games. Rutschman returning to MVP-caliber production is critical to Baltimore qualifying for the postseason and making a deep run.

Season prediction: Their failure to acquire a true frontline starter has put a damper on an otherwise strong offseason. Without an ace, the O’s don’t look as strong as the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays, with a fourth-place finish serving as their expected outcome unless/until they make additions at July’s trade deadline. – Deesha Thosar

Boston Red Sox

Offseason recap: Boston focused on bolstering the rotation and run prevention after missing out on big bats. The Red Sox won the Ranger Suarez sweepstakes and added veteran Sonny Gray and righty Johan Oviedo to a staff that’s led by Garrett Crochet. They signed first baseman Willson Contreras, who adds a veteran presence in the lineup.

X-factor: Caleb Durbin. This could end up being the biggest move of Boston’s offseason after it traded for him with the Brewers in February. He’s slated to be the Red Sox’ starting third baseman, replacing Alex Bregman, after a standout spring training that included impressive numbers at the plate and terrific plays at the hot corner. His contact-first approach could be the difference in a lineup that needs more spark.

Season prediction: This team will go as far as its elite pitching staff and young stars take it. There is a clear reliance on Roman Anthony to lead the lineup, with no real 40-home run power threat. The Red Sox are in line to compete for a Wild Card spot, but winning the division seems less likely. –Thosar

New York Yankees

Offseason recap: The Yankees believed they ended the 2025 season with a strong roster, so they focused on running it back while hoping Gerrit Cole returning from injury will be enough for a deep postseason run. They brought back Cody Bellinger on a five-year deal and Trent Grisham accepted his qualifying offer. Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario also returned on one-year deals. The only notable outside addition was left-hander Ryan Weathers, who should help solidify the back end of the rotation.

X-factor: First baseman Ben Rice. The 27-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, hitting 26 home runs and posting an OPS+ of 131 in 138 games. The Yankees are counting on Rice to continue building from that excellent season, which will lengthen the lineup in a significant way. His Baseball Savant page is covered in red, indicating that the majority of his offensive metrics are among the top 5% in MLB.

Season prediction: Aaron Judge and Bronx Bombers should be able to win the division with largely the same roster that tied with the Blue Jays for the AL East title last year. The biggest question is whether the team is strong enough to go back to the World Series and win it all. I’m not convinced they’ve done enough to end their 16-year championship drought. — Thosar

Tampa Bay Rays

Offseason recap: The Rays focused on adding a bunch of mid-to-low level outfielders to address the complete lack of production from that group last year. They acquired Gavin Lux, Cedric Mullins, Jacob Melton and Luke Fraley to improve the 85 OPS+ last season’s unit recorded. Tampa Bay also acquired right-hander Nick Martinez and southpaw Steven Matz for rotation depth.

X-factor: Left-hander Shane McClanahan. The two-time All-Star is returning to the mound for the first time since 2023, and all eyes will be on McClanahan to see if he can return to being the ace of the staff after dealing with significant injuries. His potential success is crucial to the rotation’s ceiling. He’s now four years removed from receiving down-ballot votes for the Cy Young award.

Season prediction: With Junior Caminero headlining the offense, it’s hard not to get excited about what the Rays could achieve with a healthy roster, even if the rest of the lineup is a bit underwhelming. Tampa Bay’s biggest challenge is the strength of the AL East. Even if the Rays manage a .500 record, it won’t be enough to place better than fifth place. – Thosar

Toronto Blue Jays

Offseason recap: After taking the Dodgers to Game 7 of the World Series, the Jays started off the winter aggressively. They jumped the market for Dylan Cease and signed him to a mega seven-year, $210 million deal. They signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, right-handers Tyler Rogers and Cody Ponce and outfielder Jesus Sanchez. They fell short in their pursuit of Kyle Tucker, and lost Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt. It was an extremely busy offseason up north.

X-factor: Okamoto is facing a ton of pressure to essentially be the replacement for Bichette. He did have a Bichette-like season in Japan’s Central and Eastern League, producing a .992 OPS in 77 games. But his future success is not as predictable as Bichette’s, given the real possibility that he could struggle to adjust to MLB pitching in a year that the reigning AL champions are trying to go back to the Fall Classic. 

Season prediction: Expectations are sky-high for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays look positioned to match them. Toronto should again be going toe-to-toe with the Yankees all year, but there are some concerns surrounding the lineup’s production, especially potential regression from veteran George Springer. It will be another tight race for the division title. This year, no one would be surprised if they grabbed it. – Thosar

Chicago White Sox

Offseason recap: The White Sox shocked the industry when they won the sweepstakes for Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, increasing the excitement around the team for 2026. Murakami brings raw power that puts him alongside the best sluggers in the game. The South Siders also added right-hander Jordan Hicks and closer Seranthony Dominguez while finally trading away outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets, receiving Luisangel Acuña in the deal.

X-factor: The young core. If you want to feel old, look at the White Sox’ starting lineup. Everyone besides Andrew Benintendi and Austin Hays was born after 1999. Chicago’s youth movement is exciting and an interesting storyline to follow for a team that has no postseason aspirations and is staring down yet another fifth-place finish. 

Season prediction: Usually, the White Sox can be viewed as an intriguing trade-deadline seller, but there are no real candidates who could be on the move. So the White Sox will just do their own thing this year, showcasing their potential for the future while surprising if they finish anywhere but last. – Thosar

Cleveland Guardians

Offseason recap: A bunch of humdrum one-year moves that signaled cost-cutting was more important than contention. The Guardians had one of the quietest offseasons in the big leagues while making no notable additions. They added journeyman right-hander Shawn Armstrong and re-signed catcher Austin Hedges and called it a winter. 

X-factor: Second baseman Travis Bazzana. The 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick will start the year in Triple-A, but he has a strong chance to make his major-league debut on the earlier side in the 2026 season. Bazzana homered against the Dodgers in spring training, then went to the World Baseball Classic and turned heads for Team Australia. It’s not a matter of if, but when he will make a difference for the Guardians this year. 

Season prediction: After winning the AL Central last year, the Guardians are barely trying to finish with a better record than the White Sox. Their projected luxury tax payroll is $98 million, ranked 29th out of 30 teams. That’s also the lowest payroll the franchise has seen since 2011 — not counting 2021’s post-pandemic season. Cleveland will likely finish well below .500. – Thosar

Detroit Tigers

Offseason recap: The Tigers’ offseason was defined by massive pitching additions that completely changed the outlook of the team. Framber Valdez. Justin Verlander. Kenley Jansen. Those three arms join an already strong pitching staff that’s led by reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who has more to prove after winning a record-setting $32 million arbitration case.

X-factor: Shortstop Kevin McGonigle. It will be fascinating to see how the Tigers’ top prospect backs up his hype and expectations with his talent this season. His ceiling is superstar status, but that will take a while to be established consistently. For now, he has a real chance to be a difference-maker in October, when the offense will have to step up the most. 

Season prediction: Detroit is making a run for the World Series before Skubal hits free agency. Barring last year’s strange late-season collapse, the Tigers should be able to handily win the division before making what they hope will be a deep, deep postseason run. – Thosar

Kansas City Royals

Offseason recap: The Royals focused on improving weaknesses in the outfield and bullpen, and they spent just north of $7 million this winter, inviting questions about their lineup depth. They acquired outfielders Isaac Collins, Starling Marte and Lane Thomas, as well as relievers Alex Lange, Nick Mears and Matt Strahm. 

X-factor: Ace Cole Ragans. After an All-Star and Cy-Young caliber 2024 season, a rotator cuff strain limited the southpaw to just 13 starts last season. Ragans is crucial to the success of the rotation and the team’s chances to contend this year. It will be interesting to see if he bounces back to elite form. Behind him, the rotation consists of Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Kris Bubic, forming a solid group with a high ceiling. 

Season prediction: Things would really have to go sideways if the Royals don’t finish the season in at least second place or better. Outside of the Tigers, the rest of the division is weak. Kansas City should be able to lock down a bounceback season and threaten Detroit for the division title. – Thosar

Minnesota Twins

Offseason recap: You won’t find any splashy additions here. The Twins added roster depth this winter through free agency and trades, focusing on volume rather than impactful moves. Their key additions included first baseman Josh Bell, catcher Victor Caratini, and left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers. Their biggest loss was longtime baseball head Derek Falvey, who mutually parted ways with the organization before spring training.

X-factor: Third baseman Royce Lewis is pivotal to the Twins’ potential success. Just when he has started to show superstar potential, an injury has come knocking at the door. At least things are trending up. He played 58 games in 2023, 82 games in ‘24 and 106 games in ‘25. Lewis is facing a ton of pressure to stay healthy and perform like the No. 1 draft pick he was in 2017.

Season prediction: Minnesota didn’t really move the needle this winter. It made a bunch of moves to look active, while not actually becoming stronger. Even so, they might be able to push for a Wild Card spot if everything goes as planned with their slightly-better-than-average rotation. – Thosar

Athletics

Offseason recap: The A’s offseason was about betting that their young core that includes AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz is real, and building carefully around it. They signed LF/1B Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension. They strategically traded for utilityman Jeff McNeil, and tried and failed to land Nolan Arenado. They added right-handers Aaron Civale and Mark Leiter Jr. on one-year deals. They’re in position to improve on last year’s 76-win season. – Thosar

X-factor: Civale. The A’s pitching staff gave up the fourth-most runs in baseball last year. Their offense has the potential to be in the top 10 in the league, but their arms have to be better for that to even matter. If Civale, who’s coming off a 4.85-ERA season for three teams, can be a solid No. 3 starter behind Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs, the A’s are cooking.

Season prediction: If the A’s can improve to above .500, they have a chance to surpass the Astros and Rangers for the second-best record in the AL West, giving them a shot to contend for the Wild Card in October. The fact that we’re even mentioning postseason baseball and the A’s in the same sentence is a win for a fan base that’s had to put up with a rebuild and an exit from Oakland in recent years. – Thosar

Houston Astros

Offseason recap: With the departure of Framber Valdez, the Astros focused most of their winter re-building the pitching staff, signing Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal. They also added starters Mike Burrows and Ryan Weiss. But Houston didn’t do anything to improve an offense that ranked 21st in runs scored last season, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. 

X-factor: Yordan Alvarez. The Astros didn’t make meaningful outside additions to the offense because they’re depending on the slugger to have a huge year at the plate. That can only be possible if Alvarez stays healthy. He was limited to just 48 games last year due to a severe ankle injury, so Houston will have to manage his workload carefully. 

Season prediction: Houston should be right there with the Rangers and Athletics, battling for second place in the AL West with the Mariners expected to win the division. In the end, this season will reveal whether the Astros have fully closed the window on their title contention, or if their strong rotation can still lead them to glory. – Thosar

Los Angeles Angels

Offseason recap: The Angels prioritized pitching this winter, attempting to bolster a group that finished 28th in the majors with a 4.89 ERA last year. They added right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in a trade with the Orioles, moving Taylor Ward. More additions include righties Alek Manoah, Jordan Romano and Kirby Yates, and lefties Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter. 

X-factor: Rodriguez will be key to boosting Los Angeles’ weak rotation. After missing the entire 2025 season with injuries, Rodriguez is aiming to return to his 2024 form (13-4, 3.86 ERA), which would be a real triumph for the Angels. He becomes a free agent in 2030, and they gave up just one year of team control from Ward to acquire Rodriguez. 

Season prediction: I’ll go out on a limb here and say the Angels will extend the longest active playoff drought in the major leagues. They’ll finish last in the AL West, where they’ve made a home. But all the new faces on the team should at least rejuvenate the roster. – Thosar

Seattle Mariners

Offseason recap: After their hard-fought battle against the AL champion Blue Jays in the ALCS, the Mariners responded by making the necessary move to re-sign Josh Naylor and lock down first base through 2030. The M’s also added infielder Brendan Donovan and outfielder Rob Refsynder while bolstering their bullpen depth. Their biggest departures this winter were infielders Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suarez. 

X-factor: Shortstop Colt Emerson. Seattle’s 20-year-old No. 1 overall prospect is considered one of the best pure hitters in the minors, with a smooth left-handed swing that has the potential to be extremely dangerous in the majors. Emerson is expected to make his big-league debut at some point this season, and even though J.P. Crawford is blocking him at shortstop, the M’s have roster flexibility at second and third to give him runway this year.

Season prediction: The Mariners are positioned to win the division again and make a deep playoff run with a top 10 rotation in MLB. Even beyond their dominant arms, Julio Rodriguez is projected to produce an MVP-caliber season at age 25. Seattle should be able to replicate last year’s 90-win season, or at least come close. –Thosar

Texas Rangers

Offseason recap: The Rangers’ offseason was all about moving on from the 2023 world champion team. They traded Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. They non-tendered Adolis Garcia and Jonah Heim. They added lefty MacKenzie Gore and catcher Danny Jensen. They added right-handers Alexis Diaz and Jakob Junis and re-signed Chris Martin. It’s a ton of roster turnover under new manager Skip Schumaker.

X-factor: Wyatt Langford. The outfielder is entering his third season in the big leagues, and could be on the cusp of a MVP-caliber year after slashing .241/.344/.431 with 22 home runs and an OPS+ of 127. His production will be detrimental to how much success the Rangers have this year, particularly with the lack of additions to the lineup.

Season prediction: The Rangers made some moves, but outside of Gore, none of them were really impactful enough to take a big forward this year after back-to-back disappointing seasons. The offense still doesn’t have enough thump, but the big three starters in Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob Eovaldi, and Gore should help Texas hold their own throughout the year. They could contend for a Wild Card spot. –Thosar

 

Atlanta Braves

Offseason recap: Suddenly, the additions of Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón look both prudent and vital after Jurickson Profar inexplicably failed another drug test, Ha-Seong Kim slipped on ice (yes, really) and Marcell Ozuna departed in free agency. There weren’t many big splashes this winter to get this team back on track, but adding Robert Suarez and bringing back Raisel Iglesias should help a Braves bullpen that was a problem (among many) last year. Mostly, though, the team’s best talents need to play to their capabilities and stay on the field.

X-factor: Michael Harris II. His elite defense allows him to provide value regardless, but he’s so much more talented than the below-league-average offensive season he produced last season. The 2022 Rookie of the Year has now seen his OPS dip every year (.853 in 2022, .808 in 2023, .722 in 2024, .678 in 2025). But after entering the All-Star break with a .551 OPS last year, he got hot in July and August (.870) and looked more like the player the Braves envisioned. He was still a 20-20 player last year, but there’s so much untapped potential here with some better swing decisions. 

Season prediction: The injury bug is already biting again. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep underwent elbow procedures. Kim, who was brought back to be the club’s primary shortstop, needed hand surgery. Then came the Profar news, and now Spencer Strider has an oblique injury. So it goes lately for the seemingly-cursed club. There’s still enough talent in place to envision a quick bounceback from last year’s calamity, though, even if it happens with Atlanta making a late push to sneak into the playoffs as a wild-card team.  – Rowan Kavner

Miami Marlins

Offseason recap: They brought in Pete Fairbanks to solidify the closer role, but it was a bit disappointing that the Marlins didn’t do more this winter after playing much better in 2025 than anyone would’ve anticipated. Instead, they continued looking toward the future by trading away Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers. The moves are rational considering the number of arms in Miami’s system, and the Cabrera trade did land them a prospect who can help quickly in Owen Caissie, but don’t do much to improve the 2026 outlook. Perhaps they realized last year’s 79-win season was a bit of a red herring. 

X-factor: Eury Pérez. The former top prospect returned from Tommy John surgery last year and now will be one of the most intriguing arms to watch in all of MLB with a full season ahead. The 22-year-old didn’t lose any velocity from his high-90s fastball coming back from the injury last year, and his tantalizing arsenal gives him the upside to be one of the best pitchers in the sport. 

Season prediction: The outfield could be fun to watch with Caissie breaking in alongside 2025 standouts Kyle Stowers and Jakob Marsee, but the Marlins are still probably at least a year away from contending for a playoff spot. Even matching their 79-win total from last year feels optimistic. If things turn south, it’ll be interesting to see where Sandy Alcántara is pitching in the second half.  –  Kavner

New York Mets

Offseason recap: It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. After the Mets moved on from cornerstone pieces in Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo early in the winter, things were looking bleak in Queens. Then president of baseball operations David Stearns got in his bag, trading for Freddy Peralta and Luis Robert Jr. and signing Bo Bichette. Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are also among the many additions forming a completely new-look group following last year’s disappointing finish. 

X-factor: Luis Robert Jr. You could very well put top position player prospect Carson Benge here, too, considering he should be a major factor in the Mets’ outfield as well. But Robert, who was a 5.3-WAR player at 25 years old in 2023, has already demonstrated what he can do when he plays to his abilities. Will he tap back into that form playing for a better team, or will this year be a continuation of his last two years with the White Sox, when he regressed into a below-league-average hitter? I think the change of scenery will bring out a better version of the former All-Star. 

Season prediction: With so many new pieces, it might take some time for this group to start clicking on all cylinders. But I think a shake-up was necessary, and this looks like a more complete team in 2026 with Freddy Peralta and top prospect Nolan McLean headlining the rotation. Expect a return to the postseason, and I think this group will win the division for the first time since 2015 in what should be a tight battle with the Phillies and Braves to the finish line. – Kavner

Philadelphia Phillies

Offseason recap: The Phillies could’ve blown up their nucleus following a heartbreaking defeat in the NLDS. For better or worse, they’ll be returning a similar group in 2026 after bringing back Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto and missing on their swing for Bo Bichette in free agency. They’ll no longer have Ranger Suárez in the rotation, but the door is now open for top pitching prospect Andrew Painter. The biggest difference will be in the outfield, where rookie Justin Crawford and veteran Adolis García are expected to step in for Harrison Bader and Nick Castellanos. 

X-factor: Andrew Painter. Suárez is gone. We don’t yet know what ace Zack Wheeler will look like upon his return from thoracic outlet surgery, though he is on track to be back early in the season. Aaron Nola is coming off a season in which he produced a 6.01 ERA. Jesús Luzardo provides some stability to the rotation, but Painter bouncing back from an uninspiring 2025 campaign in the minors would go a long way toward helping Philadelphia win a third straight division title. 

Season prediction: Last year didn’t have the logjam at the top of the NL East that many expected, as the Phillies ended up running away with the division by 13 games. Don’t expect that to happen again. The Phillies still have the pieces to win the NL East, but I don’t think they’ll be better than they were in 2025. With the Mets and Braves both expected to bounce back, that might mean making the playoffs as a wild-card team. – Kavner

Washington Nationals

Offseason recap: The youth movement in Washington carries over to the front office, with new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni (36), general manager Anirudh Kilambi (31) and manager Blake Butera (33) taking the reins and introducing a more modernized operation to a system that appeared behind the times. The trade of MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers signaled the rebuild ahead.

X-factor: Cade Cavalli. Injuries have limited the 2020 first-round pick to just 11 career big-league starts, but he possesses a high-90s fastball and has looked almost unhittable this spring. This team desperately needs young arms to build around, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the new regime help get the most out of the 27-year-old. 

Season prediction: Maybe the new front office revamps the pitching development in a meaningful way, but the overhaul is going to take years. For now, the Nationals might have the worst pitching staff in baseball. Even if James Wood goes berserk, a last-place finish is likely ahead. The Nationals could challenge the Rockies for the worst record in the NL. – Kavner

Chicago Cubs

Offseason recap: Out with one All-Star and in with another. Kyle Tucker’s Cubs tenure lasted just one year, as the team moved on and instead paid up for the leadership of Alex Bregman. They also found the impact arm they were searching for by trading for Edward Cabrera and remade the bullpen in an attempt to finally overtake the Brewers and win the division for the first time since the shortened 2020 season. 

X-factor: Edward Cabrera. He was brought in to be a difference-making arm in the rotation, but his success has fluctuated — 4.24 ERA in 2023, 4.95 in 2024, 3.53 in 2025 — and he has struggled to stay on the field. Last year was the first time he pitched 100 innings in a season, and he was still limited by an elbow issue. But his high-90s fastball and swing-and-miss stuff give him a high ceiling if he can build on the better command he demonstrated last year. 

Season prediction: Losing Tucker hurts the offense, but this is the deepest team in the division. Even if the Cubs win roughly the same number of games as they did last season, that could be enough to win the NL Central. I expect that to happen, especially if first-half Pete Crow-Armstrong shows back up and Justin Steele provides a summer boost. – Kavner

Cincinnati Reds

Offseason recap: Hunter Greene’s elbow injury is an ominous start to the year for a team that will need to rely on its rotation to build on last year’s playoff appearance. Eugenio Suárez isn’t Kyle Schwarber — Cincinnati’s attempt to lure in the Ohio native fell short — but the addition of the 49-homer slugger gives the Reds some needed power in a lineup that lacked it last season. 

X-factor: Chase Burns. It was a small sample, but the 2024 No. 2 overall pick debuted last year and showcased his elite swing-and-miss stuff, striking out 67 batters in 43.1 innings in a hybrid role. Only six pitchers had a higher strikeout rate in at least 40 innings last season. Now, the hard-throwing righty gets a chance to begin the year in the rotation with Greene injured. 

Season prediction: Last year, the Reds unexpectedly snuck into the postseason despite finishing in third place in the NL Central. The Suárez addition should help, but unless Elly De La Cruz progresses into an MVP candidate, Sal Stewart plays like the Rookie of the Year and Matt McLain gets back on track, I don’t think that move was enough on the offensive side to expect more than another third-place finish. – Kavner

Milwaukee Brewers

Offseason recap: Anyone hoping that the Brewers’ success last year would change the way they operate will be sorely disappointed. They won more games than any team in MLB but still got swept by a more talented Dodgers team in the NLCS. And instead of trying to bring in a star to help get them over the top in October, they traded away ace Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers to the Mets, infielder Caleb Durbin to the Red Sox and outfielder Isaac Collins to the Royals for cost-controlled players and prospects. They did, however, bring back Brandon Woodruff on the qualifying offer and sign Luis Rengifo to help address Durbin’s departure. 

X-factor: Andrew Vaughn. Count on the Brewers to get the most from another team’s discards. Things never materialized for Vaughn in Chicago after the White Sox made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2019, but he looked rejuvenated in the second half after a trade to the Brewers, slashing .308/.375/.493 in 64 games and playing a major role in Milwaukee’s overall offensive uptick after the break. Now, with Rhys Hoskins in Cleveland, can we expect more of the same from Vaughn in a larger sample? The underlying numbers, at least, were encouraging. 

Season prediction: Every year, we doubt them. Every year, they prove us wrong. But they can’t keep getting away with this, right? I expect their pitching will be good enough to make the playoffs, but this time only as a wild-card team. – Kavner

Pittsburgh Pirates

Offseason recap: Finally, some offensive help! After years…and years…and years…of offensive ineptitude, the Pirates traded for Brandon Lowe and prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and signed Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna in an attempt to field a more competitive lineup and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. 

X-factor: Konnor Griffin. Beyond the help that Pittsburgh got on the free-agent market, the Pirates’ biggest boost to the lineup might come internally. They have the top prospect in baseball in Griffin, a 19-year-old shortstop who looks like a potential superstar and 2026 difference-maker. Griffin hit 23 homers and stole 65 bases in the minors last year.

Season prediction: When you have the worst offense in baseball, there’s only one direction to go. There are questions about the defensive fits with the pieces they added, and they had to trade away depth in the rotation to bring more power to the lineup. But the offense should at least be better, and they did more than they had in recent years to try to get Paul Skenes to the playoffs. I think it’s still unlikely it will happen, but Pirates fans at least have a reason to dream now. – Kavner

St. Louis Cardinals

Offseason recap: There were no half measures; the rebuild is fully in hyperdrive after new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom traded away Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan to inject more young arms into a farm system that needed an overhaul. This year is all about developing those talents. 

X-factor: JJ Wetherholt. As the Cardinals figure out which young pieces could be part of the next great Cardinals team, everyone is anticipating the arrival of the 2024 No. 7 overall pick. Wetherholt, one of the top prospects in baseball, hit .306 with 17 homers and 23 stolen bases last year between Double-A and Triple-A and should soon make for a dynamic middle infield pairing with Masyn Winn in St. Louis.

Season prediction: It’s going to get worse before it gets better in the win column for St. Louis, but that’s the right path forward as Bloom thinks toward the future. The Cardinals will probably finish last in the Central, so this year will be mostly about getting the young players in the lineup (Winn, Victor Scott II, Jordan Walker, etc.) to take a leap forward and figuring out who should be part of the plans in 2027 and beyond. – Kavner

Arizona Diamondbacks

Offseason recap: As Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly left since the trade deadline last year, the Diamondbacks chose to fill those vacancies by … well, bringing back Gallen and Kelly. The former will be trying to re-establish his value before hitting free agency again next year. Kelly might open the season on the injured list with a back issue. The offense added a couple veterans on the corners in Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana.

X-factor: Corbin Burnes. The D-backs ranked fifth in OPS last season and should have no problems scoring runs again in 2026. The question is still whether the arms are good enough to get back to the playoffs for the first time since their run to the World Series in 2023. If the D-backs can stay in contention in the first half, they could get a significant boost for the second-half push when Burnes returns from Tommy John rehab.

Season prediction: Maybe the offensive upside makes up for the pitching concerns, but right now this looks like a team that will hover around .500 again and fall just short of a playoff spot. If that’s the case, the trade deadline should be interesting. Last July, the D-backs decided to sell and offloaded Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez to Seattle. If there’s another middling start, could Ketel Marte be the next big name to move after being subject to trade rumors this winter? – Kavner

Colorado Rockies

Offseason recap: Coming off a 43-win season, there’s only one direction to go. It’s out with the old and in with the new … or at least the relatively new. Paul DePodesta of “Moneyball” fame is back in MLB after a decade in the NFL, taking over as the president of baseball operations, with former Dodgers senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes in as the new general manager. The Rockies made some moves for veteran players to construct a more competitive roster, but the regime change is the biggest difference moving forward. 

X-factor: Chase Dollander. In a rotation full of 30-somethings, the growth of the 24-year-old 2023 first-round pick will be crucial. The Rockies need a young arm to get excited about and build around, and while Dollander hasn’t put it together at the big-league level yet, he has the stuff — including a fastball that sits in the high-90s — that a new front office might be able to harness. 

Season prediction: Colorado isn’t close to competing for anything coming off one of the worst seasons in modern baseball history, so this year is just about taking strides toward competency. After years of the team appearing to operate in a different reality, this will be much more than a year-long project for DePodesta and Byrnes. – Kavner

Los Angeles Dodgers

Offseason recap: Best of luck to the 29 other fanbases. The best team in baseball signed the best player (Kyle Tucker) and closer (Edwin Díaz) on the market, addressing its two biggest areas of concern and further calling into question the sport’s competitive balance and payroll disparities. Those aren’t problems the Dodgers are concerning themselves with, though. The back-to-back champs are the clear favorites to three-peat, something that hasn’t been done since the 1998-00 Yankees. 

X-factor: Roki Sasaki. Is he a starter? Is he a reliever? Will he perfect a reliable third pitch? Will he be a bullpen weapon again in October? Will he even stay in the big leagues? Or will inconsistent mechanics make him an afterthought for most of the year again? For a player with so much intrigue and ability, and one who provided such a lift last postseason, there’s still a lot of unknown regarding how much Sasaki will help the Dodgers in 2026. An ERA over 13.00 this spring wasn’t promising, but the Dodgers seem intent on giving him a chance to work out his issues in the MLB rotation to begin the year. If he can’t, expect prospect River Ryan to get his chance. 

Season prediction: Last year, the Dodgers treated the regular season like extended spring training. A team that many expected to win 100, 110 or (gasp) 120 games instead won 93, its fewest in a full season since 2018…and still won the World Series. With that in mind, as talented as this group is, it’s probably more likely to temper the expectations from a wins perspective. A three-peat is all the Dodgers care about, and they’ll do whatever they can to make sure their best players are the freshest they can be for the postseason. That said, it’s unlikely any division rival challenges their NL West supremacy. – Kavner

San Diego Padres

Offseason recap: Like other teams around the league, the Padres went an unconventional route picking their new manager. Former Padres reliever Craig Stammen went from interviewing candidates for the head job to being the answer after Mike Shildt’s sudden retirement. Now, he’ll try to get a Padres team that has made the playoffs three of the last four seasons over the hump. The Padres brought back Michael King and, after a particularly quiet winter for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller, took some fliers late in the winter to fill out the roster (Nick Castellanos, Walker Buehler, Griffin Canning, German Marquez) as the team explored a sale. 

X-factor: Jackson Merrill. In 2024, Merrill demonstrated the value he can bring to a team with a dynamic rookie season that would’ve resulted in a Rookie of the Year Award if not for Paul Skenes. Last year, a medley of injuries that limited him to 115 games prevented him from providing that same production. For the Padres to get where they hope to go, they need Merrill to take a leap forward, which he is fully capable of doing. 

Season prediction: This year has major boom or bust potential. Any team with Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado has a chance. But considering the lack of depth around that trio, there’s also the potential for combustion if one of the stars doesn’t stay healthy. The bullpen still has a chance to be the best in baseball, and this could still very well be the second-best team in the division. But the rotation could be an issue, and they’ll probably need more A.J. Preller deadline magic to have hopes of playing in October. — Kavner

San Francisco Giants

Offseason recap: Buster Posey’s biggest splash of the winter came in the manager’s seat. Tony Vitello is making the unprecedented move directly from college coaching, where he helped establish the University of Tennessee as a national powerhouse, to the big leagues. The Giants filled out the roster with mostly complementary pieces. Luis Arraez will get another chance at second base, Harrison Bader should be a major boost defensively in the outfield, and Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser add depth to the rotation. 

X-factor: Rafael Devers. Last year was a turbulent season for the long-time Boston third baseman, resulting in his move from the Red Sox to the Giants, where he is now more willing to play first. Wherever he is defensively, the Giants made the move — which takes him through 2033 — to get his bat in the lineup in a place where it’s not easy to hit. The Giants haven’t made the playoffs since their improbable 107-win season in 2021. If that’s going to change this year, Devers has to be one of the best hitters in the sport. 

Season prediction: Posey’s move to bring on Vitello carries significant risk. But even his ability to motivate college players carries over to the pros, the bigger question is whether this roster is good enough to meaningfully change the mediocrity of the last four seasons. They should contend for one of the final wild-card spots, and I think they have the best chance of any non-Dodgers NL West club to make the playoffs, but it’s hard to envision much more than that as currently constructed. — Kavner

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

We know Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes are going to be in the mix for MLB’s biggest awards this season. That feels like a given. 

But for each of MLB’s marquee individual prizes, there will be some fierce competition. Ahead of the start of the 2026 MLB season, let’s give our favorites to w those awards (MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year) and an under-the-radar player to keep an eye on. 

JUMP TO: NL MVP | NL Cy Young | NL Rookie of the Year | AL MVP | AL Cy Young | AL Rookie of the Year

NL MVP

Predicted winner: Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Los Angeles Dodgers

I mean, how could anyone logically choose someone else? Two years ago, he became the first full-time DH to win the award. Last year, he recorded another 50-homer season while returning to the mound in June. Now, his first full season as a two-way player for the Dodgers is on the horizon. Even if his offense dips a bit, the value he adds as a pitcher should make up for it. And he seems like he’s on a mission on the mound. 

Darkhorse candidate: Elly De La Cruz, 3B, Cincinnati Reds 

Last season wasn’t the step forward many were hoping to see from the Reds marvel after an otherworldly 2024 campaign in which he tallied 25 homers and 67 steals. But he did have 18 homers and 25 steals at the break, and we now know his dramatic power drop-off in the second half — he had just four home runs the rest of the way — could probably be attributed to the fact that he was playing through a quad strain. There’s no one else in MLB with his set of tools.  – Rowan Kavner

NL Cy Young

Predicted winner: Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates 

Skenes tallied a 1.96 ERA during his Rookie of the Year season in 2024 and then followed that up with a — gasp! — 1.97 ERA while winning the Cy Young unanimously last year. If this kind of dramatic regression continues, he might even log a 1.98 ERA in 2026. This is the best pitcher in the National League, and there’s no need to overthink this one. 

Darkhorse candidate: Eury Pérez, SP, Miami Marlins 

Skenes’ likeliest top competitors for the top pitching honor will be Cristopher Sánchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but if Pérez can stay healthy for a full season — something the 6-foot-8 Marlins righty has yet to do — he’s one of the few people on earth with the skillset to challenge Skenes. At just 20 years old in 2023, Pérez ranked sixth in the NL in strikeout rate among starters who threw at least 90 innings. Last year, he came back from Tommy John surgery and was throwing even harder, averaging 97.9 mph on his heater. He should generate plenty of swings and misses, but he’ll need to keep the ball in the yard more often to reach his potential. – Kavner

NL Rookie of the Year

Predicted winner: Nolan McLean, SP, New York Mets 

It’s usually not easy for a pitcher to win this award, and that’ll be the case again in 2026 with a handful of the game’s top prospects either breaking camp with their teams or expected to debut sometime early in 2026. But there’s a reason Team USA manager Mark DeRosa had McLean starting games at the World Baseball Classic over other starters who were All-Stars last year. He had a 2.06 ERA in eight starts last year, kept the ball on the ground and struck out more than 30% of the batters he faced. He might even challenge for the Cy Young. 

Darkhorse candidate: Sal Stewart, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Maybe it’s because he plays in Cincinnati, but I’m not sure enough people know Stewart’s name yet. That should change by the end of 2026. The 2022 first-round pick can flat-out hit, and he has shown it at every level, including his first taste of the big leagues last year. In 18 games, Stewart homered five times and posted an .839 OPS while knocking the cover off the ball. He had the same average exit velocity as Aaron Judge (95.4 mph). The Reds thought highly enough of his bat that he was hitting in the middle of the order in the postseason. – Kavner

AL MVP

Predicted winner: Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees

Let’s be real here. The only way Judge is losing the AL MVP is if he sustains a prolonged injury a la 2023 when he ran into the Dodger Stadium wall, or if he runs into a months-long slump that really jeopardizes his candidacy. He’s entering his age-34 season, is still in his prime, and has averaged an absolutely ridiculous 1.117 OPS since 2022. The first thing everyone says about Judge is that he’s consistent. As long as he’s healthy, there’s no reason to doubt he’ll suddenly stop putting up video-game numbers this season.

Darkhorse candidate: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics

In the off-chance there’s an opening in the AL MVP race, Kurtz is the longshot candidate to take home the coveted award. What he was able to achieve in his AL Rookie of the Year season last year was nothing short of incredible. The first baseman slugged 36 home runs, knocked in 90 runs, batted .290 and recorded a nonsensical 1.002 OPS in 117 games. Even his 12.9% walk rate came close to cracking the top 15 in MLB. Imagine what he can do in a full season. – Deesha Thosar

AL Cy Young

Predicted winner: Garrett Crochet, LHP, Boston Red Sox

Maybe this is a controversial pick, going with Crochet over the back-to-back winner, Tarik Skubal. But the two-time All-Star was right there in the Cy Young race last year, finishing second with an MLB-leading 255 strikeouts. Skubal is facing a ton of pressure to perform at a high level in his walk year, and expectations only skyrocketed after he won a record-setting $32 million arbitration case. Crochet, on the other hand, is entering the first year of his six-year, $170 million contract with Boston. He has nothing to prove, except to try and take the Red Sox to the World Series. This is Crochet’s year.

Darkhorse candidate: Bryan Woo, RHP, Seattle Mariners

The 26-year-old right-hander was in tears when he got the call he was an All-Star last season, before he finished fifth in AL Cy Young award voting. Woo’s 2.94 ERA ranked fifth among all AL starters, and his ridiculous 0.93 WHIP ranked third. His four-seam fastball/sinker combination yielded an elite run value in the 100th percentile last season. He did sustain a late-season injury in 2025, but if he can stay healthy, Woo’s prime age, low walk and high whiff rates make him a no-doubt Cy Young breakthrough candidate. – Thosar

AL Rookie of the Year

Predicted winner: Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals

The 22-year-old backstop showed flashes of immense potential in his major-league cameo last year, slashing .300/.391/.550 in 20 games and 69 plate appearances. With Salvador Perez entering his age-36 season, he’s expected to see most of his at-bats at designated hitter, opening up a prime opportunity for Jensen to produce eye-popping numbers over the course of a full season of plate appearances. It’s not often a catcher is in the conversation for this award, given the physical workload of the position. But Jensen is projected for a major breakout this year.

Darkhorse candidate: Munetaka Murakami, INF, Chicago White Sox

Murakami signed with the White Sox on a two-year, $34 million deal. The pillow deal is significantly less than the six-figure contract he was expected to sign, largely because teams were worried about the type of damage he’d be able to do against MLB pitching. His contact rates are questionable, but if he can bring the type of dominance that he flashed when he first broke out in Japan, Murakami is capable of winning the award. – Thosar

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports