As the 2026 MLB postseason prepares to begin, it’s a good time for some bold predictions about who will win and why, from the wild-card rounds to the World Series.
American League wild-card round predictions
Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros
Houston was just 11-13 in September and it felt like neither the Astros nor the Texas Rangers wanted to win the AL West. Houston finally did on the last day, but the Astros aren’t inspiring confidence that they can go deep into the postseason.
The White Sox could have been the AL Central champs, but couldn’t hang on as Cleveland made a hard charge and overtook them. For a team that has been told all season about they are still living in the shadow of a 121-loss season two years ago, this team has a chip on its shoulder. That should push the White Sox into the next round.
Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
After a chaotic weather weekend in the Northeast that forced the Red Sox to play Game 162 in Tampa and canceled the final game of the season for the Yankees, that extra day of rest (and far less travel) may help New York when the wild-card series opens in the Bronx.
New York’s pitching lineup of Cam Schlittler, Max Fried and Gerrit Cole will be enough to overcome any of the Yankees’ offensive issues in a series that will last just two games.
National League wild-card round predictions
Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves
Like Houston, Philadelphia did little to inspire confidence in its postseason future at the end of the regular season. It’s also been a season where the Braves have Philadelphia’s number, winning nine of the 13 games the two rivals have played. Atlanta sweeps Philadelphia.
Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres
The Padres are red-hot entering the wild card, going 18-6 in September to secure a home series. Having the home fans on their side, San Diego will continue its solid play by sweeping the Cubs into the offseason.
American League Division Series predictions
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
While the Yankees may have had enough to get into the ALDS, there’s little doubt that the Rays are the better team.
All season, it was a question of if New York could catch Tampa Bay for the AL East title. The Rays kept showing they weren’t going to crack under any pressure, and that continues with a 3-1 series win to move on to the ALCS.
Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Chicago’s story has been incredible, but there’s a reason why the Guardians won the division … and keep a reputation as the team that doesn’t die easily. They’re built for pressure and the postseason and will dispatch the White Sox in four games.
National League Division Series predictions
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
This will be must-see TV as two of the NL’s behemoths battle it out. The home advantage will make a difference for the Dodgers, who will win in Game 5 to seal another trip to the NLCS.
San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is for real. There have been plenty of instances in the past where the Brewers have stumbled in the postseason, but this won’t be a repeat of those mistakes. Jacob Misiorowski will set the tone in the first game and the Brewers will win in four.
American League Championship Series predictions
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Guardians
The Rays went 5-1 against Cleveland this season. With homefield advantage, there’s no reason to think that trend won’t continue. Look for the Rays to oust the Guardians in six games.
National League Championship Series predictions
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
This season, the Brewers are 4-3 against the Dodgers. With Milwaukee holding home-field advantage, this is the year that Los Angeles is finally stopped short of winning it all.
There is a lot to like for Milwaukee in their relief pitching options, and it may come down to that. While the Dodgers may have the better rotation, Milwaukee has the better pitching staff overall. Pitching wins in October, and the Brewers win a classic in seven games in front of their home fans.
World Series predictions
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers
A World Series without a “major market” in it? Oh this will set up plenty of conversations for what will be a contentious offseason.
Neither of these teams have won a World Series, making for another fascinating storyline in what will be an epic Fall Classic. Milwaukee has the home-field advantage thanks to their 103 regular-season wins, and that makes a big difference in this battle of the top seeds.
Brewers in six.