MLB 2026 Preview: Bold Predictions for the Upcoming Season

Munetaka Murakami Hits 40 HR’s

 

I don’t have many expectations from the Chicago White Sox this season, but I do expect Murakami to be one of the most fun players to watch in the AL. He hit over 240 dingers during his career in the NPB including a monster total of 56 during the 2022 season. There is huge strikeout risk here – in fact I wouldn’t be shocked if he led the league in strikeout rate for a hitter – but the raw power is undeniable. Given that I have no expectations this team will be any good, barring injury there’s no reason he isn’t playing every day and I think he will be able to flourish with his biggest strength in this division. 

 

Kevin McGonigle Wins AL ROY 

 

McGonigle is probably the best hitting prospect post-covid and the wheels are fully greased for a huge season now that he’s made the opening day roster. He’s the current betting favorite for the award listed at 4/1 odds just ahead of Carter Jensen and Trey Yesavage. He has speed, and some power but more than anything he is just a professional hitter and I expect him to translate pretty quickly in this Tigers lineup. 

 

Shohei Ohtani Will Be a  NL Cy Young Finalist

 

Ohtani is making his full-time return to the mound during the 2026 season and I think he is going to remind people just how good a pitcher he actually is. I would pick him to win the award if I thought he would end up throwing more innings, but ultimately I expect that to hold him back compared to other contenders when it’s all said and done. That being said, he will likely end up being a finalist for both the MVP and Cy Young awards should he stay healthy which is just insane to think about. He looked the part in his final spring training start, and he should be ready to roll now over a year removed from Tommy John surgery. When we saw him pitch late last season, the metrics were elite and I’m expecting more of the same from him in 2026. 

 

The Kansas City Royals Win a Playoff Series 

 

Kansas City has really struggled since their run to a championship in 2015 but I think 2026 is finally their time to turn the corner and make some noise in the playoffs. Pitching wasn’t really an issue for them last season, it was scoring runs and I’m bullish on the offense heading into this season especially at home with the fences being moved in at Kauffman Stadium. We know about Bobby Witt, but Maikel Garcia, Vinny Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone all had positive performances in the WBC and look ready and primed for a big 2026 campaign. They also have Carter Jensen who is a Rookie of the Year contender in the AL and I’m expecting big things as a whole from this team this summer. 

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers WON’T Win the World Series 

 

The Dodgers escaped with the World Series a season ago despite trailing heading into the 9th inning of game seven. If they find themselves in that position again this season, I don’t think luck will be on their side and I honestly don’t think they will win it all as of right now. They’re massive favorites to win sitting under 3/1 across all books – but my main concern with this team is the shakiness of their bullpen. They can certainly address that, but as of now I think the Seattle Mariners are a more complete team and my pick to win the World Series as of March.