Orioles
2025 Results: 79-83, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: SP Jordan Yamamoto, SP Juri LaValley
Key Departures: RP Cody Stashak, RP Yusmeiro Petit
Projected Lineup: C- Robinson Chirinos, 1B- Chad Atkinson, 2B- Abel Lee, 3B Randy LaFontaine, SS- Andreas ‘t Hooft, LF- Chris Kreamer, CF- Mikael Litoris, RF- Chad Pinder, DH- Shed Long
Analysis: In a loaded OF, the Orioles appear to have turned their backs on sluggers Pedro Cerreno and Anthony Santander in favor of Chad Pinder’s glove. Expect to see some tinkering as the season rolls on. The acquisition of star pitchers Jordan Yamamoto and Juri LaValley from Miami shows that the O’s are all in this year. Look for this team to pass the Rays in the division this year.
2026 Projection: 90-72
Blue Jays
2025 Results: 89-73, Lost Wildcard
Key Additions: 1B Matt Olson, RP Dylan Dior
Key Departures: 1B Luke Voit
Projected Lineup: C- Reese McGuire, 1B Matt Olson, 2B- Cavan Biggio, 3B- Vlad Guerrero Jr, SS- Bo Bichette, LF- Frank Cicero, CF- Scott Kingery, RF- Del Lewis, DH- Lourdes Gurriel Jr
Analysis: The Jays didn't have to do much to improve their already solid roster. Swapping Luke Voit for all-star slugger Matt Olson helps on both sides of the ball, but there are still concerns about the defense. A return to the playoffs is likely, and expect them to fight with Baltimore until the very end.
2026 Projection: 89-73
Rays
2025 Results: 95-67, Won World Series
Key Additions: SP Josh Bonds, OF Julio Lee
Key Departures: DH BiBi Phan, OF Harold Mitchell, 2B Mike Brosseau, OF Kevin Kiermaier, C Roberto Perez, SP Jack Leiter
Projected Lineup: C- Art McEwing, 1B- Nate Lowe, 2B- Brandon Lowe, 3B- Willy Adames, SS- Hayato Sakamoto, LF- Austin Meadows, CF- Raj Villanueva, RF- Rayburn Montgomery, DH- Damon Pope
Analysis: Well Tampa, I hope you enjoyed last year’s success. Because these financial woes have officially caught up to you. Sure, they return most of last year’s championship team, but playing guys out of position due to lack of funds is always going to be a recipe for disaster.
2026 Projection: 83-79
Yankees
2025 Results: 75-87, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: RP Rowan Wick, RP Trevor Gott, SP Blake Snell
Key Departures: 3B Giovanny Urshela, 2B DJ LeMahieu, OF Josh Naylor, RP Wei-Chung Wang
Projected Lineup: C- Juan Hector Sandoval, 1B- Ronald Guzman, 2B- Chance Rollins, 3B- John Fogarty, SS- Gleyber Torres, LF- Al Fisher, CF- Aaron Judge, RF- Jack Paciorek, DH- Taylor Kash
Analysis: With a lack of offensive depth and as mediocre of a pitching staff as you’ll find, this team is once again treading water. Without much invested in their minors, it may be time to talk about retooling for the future. Will missing the playoffs a 3rd straight year spell the end of the Aaron Boone era?
2026 Projection: 73-89
Red Sox
2025 Results: 74-88, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 2B Quincy Quimby, OF Danny Santana, RP Aroldis Chapman
Key Departures: DH Xander Bogaerts, SS Trevor Story, C Tom Murphy
Projected Lineup: C- Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 1B- Carter Kelly, 2B- Mauricio Dubon, 3B- Raphael Devers, SS- Mike Bowers, LF- Tommie Fitzgerald, CF- Mookie Betts, RF- Danny Santana, DH- Quincy Quimby
Analysis: After letting Bogaerts and Story walk, and replacing them with short-term band-aids, it would appear the BoSox are facing the reality of an impending rebuild. Finding trade partners for Mookie and Devers is in their best interest this year.
2026 Projection: 66-96
Tigers
2025 Results: 77-85, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 1B Pete Alonso, RP Doc Goeddel,
Key Departures: C Pedro Severino
Projected Lineup: C- Christian Vazquez, 1B- Pete Alonso, 2B- Emmaliana Staginski-Collins, 3B- Jeimer Candelario, SS- Katrina Talzamata-Bell, LF- Jack Coleman, CF- Victor Robles RF- Salmon Nickelai, DH- Willie Lanier Jr
Analysis: After last year’s false alarm, it looks like the Tigers are finally going all in. Calling up infield duo Talzamata and Staginski (LoCo’s first pair of female teammates), as well as 2021 top pick Jack Coleman, this team has few weaknesses. With this young core, it’s only a matter of time before the Tigers are dominating the league. A playoff appearance this year is the perfect starting point.
2026 Projection: 90-72
White Sox
2025 Results: 95-67, Lost ALDS
Key Additions: SS Marcus Semien, OF Austin Hays, OF Seth Brown, RP Victor Fonseca, RP Liam Hendriks, OF Sanjeev Saini
Key Departures: 3B Yoan Moncada, OF Eloy Jimenez, OF Charlie Blackmon, SS Tim Anderson, SP Corey Kluber, RP Trevor Gott
Projected Lineup: C- Sokon Mahcuk, 1B- Tom Leonard, 2B- Donald Harris III, 3B- Eduardo Escobar, SS- Marcus Semien, LF- Austin Hays, CF- Seth Brown, RF- Sanjeev Saini, DH- JD Davis
Analysis: “If it ain't broke, find something to fix” appears to be the slogan of this White Sox team in 2026. Upsetting the Indians and taking the division title last year doesn't seem to be good enough for ChiSox GM Erwin23. Even with Opening Day on the horizon, I don’t think they’re done making moves. Look for a trade of Ohtani/ Cortland Allen to go down, in an attempt to beef up this rotation.
2026 Projection: 88-74
Indians
2025 Results: 94-68, Lost ALCS
Key Additions: RP Cody Woodard
Key Departures: OF Jordan Luplow
Projected Lineup: C- Ghee Buttertuttee, 1B- Max Muncy, 2B- Javier Nunez, 3B- Josh Donaldson, SS- Francisco Lindor, LF- Phil Ervin, CF- Oscar Mercado, RF- Jake Bauers, DH- David Dahl
Analysis: Although they didn't improve their roster much in the offseason, this team is not one to be slept on. However with the vast improvement of their division foes, this could be the end of a 6 year postseason streak.
2026 Projection: 87-75
Royals
2025 Results: 85-77, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 2B Wilmer Flores
Key Departures: SP Dinelson Lamet
Projected Lineup: C- Salvador Perez, 1B- Heimir Sigurðsson, 2B- Scott West, 3B- Liam Cretella, SS- Raul Mondesi, LF- Versace Ellison, CF- Trent Grisham, RF- Delino DeShields, DH- Willson Contreras
Analysis: After going all in at the deadline last year, this young squad fell just short of postseason play. A quiet offseason of relying on the power of progression is risky, but these young stars are ready to make a statement in 2026.
2026 Projection: 86-76
Twins
2025 Results: 60-102, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: None
Key Departures: C Mitch Garver, SP Jose Berrios
Projected Lineup: C- Buster Posey, 1B- Ford Sweaty, 2B- Luis Arraez, 3B- Nolan Arenado, SS- Jorge Polanco, LF- Jake Cave, CF- Byron Buxton, RF- Stuart Lawton, DH- Miguel Sano
Analysis: A stars and scrubs lineup with spotty defense and just one MLB-caliber starter in the rotation. This team is in major need of a face lift. Despite his abysmal spring, look for 1B Ford Sweaty to be in the ROY conversation.
2026 Projection: 61-101
Astros
2025 Results: 97-65, Lost ALDS
Key Additions: OF George Springer, 2B DJ LeMahieu, SP Frankie Montas, SP Choi Won-joon
Key Departures: C Rich Labinski, SP Aaron Nola
Projected Lineup: C- Captain Andrews, 1B- Travis Pence, 2B- DJ LeMahieu, 3B- Alex Bregman, SS- Carlos Correa, LF- Kyle Tucker, CF- George Springer, RF- Tyler Naquin, DH- Yordan Alvarez
Analysis: One place where last year’s team struggled was in the starting rotation. That problem has all but been solved with the signings of Frankie Montas and Choi Won-joon. Still boasting the best offense in baseball, don’t expect much to change from the Astros in 2026.
2026 Projection: 103-59
Mariners
2025 Results: 82-80, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: RP Kase Cohen, C Yasmani Grandal
Key Departures: DH Jorge Soler
Projected Lineup: C- Evan Cordray, 1B- Fred Freeman, 2B- Cam McManus, 3B- Tomas Olivares, SS- Julio Cruz, LF- Kyle Lewis, CF- Gat Sedlacek, RF- Cla Sanders, DH- Kelvin Gutierrez
Analysis: After an incredible turnaround in 2025, this young core is in great position to make some real noise this year. The loss of Soler hurts, but there are several DHs on the trade market to be had if they so choose. This squad is a great dark horse to take the division in 2026.
2026 Projection: 89-73
Angels
2025 Results: 86-76, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: SP Brad Keller, C Andrew Knizner
Key Departures: None
Projected Lineup: C- Andrew Knizner, 1B- Josh Bell, 2B- Cesar Hernandez, 3B- David Fletcher, SS- Willi Castro, LF- Mike Trout, CF- Ray Smith, RF- Jeremy Wilkinson, DH- Kyle Schwarber
Analysis: There’s a lot to like about this team… and a lot to be weary of. With an uninspiring rotation and a lack of defensive prowess backing them up, this team is going to find themselves in quite a few shootouts.
2026 Projection: 80-82
Rangers
2025 Results: 56-106, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 3B Giovanny Urshela, SS Trevor Story, OF Aristides Aquino, SP Griffin Canning, SP Jose Berrios
Key Departures: 3B Anthony Rendon, RP Lou Scheffing
Projected Lineup: C- Stefan Marquez, 1B- Geoff Unger, 2B- Sean Callan, 3B- Giovanny Urshela, SS- Trevor Story, LF- Willie Calhoun, CF- Aristides Aquino, RF- Cesar Puello, DH- Trey Mancini
Analysis: If there’s one thing to be said about Rangers GM Mattfred, it’s that he’s a go-getter. After trading away the #1 pick for Pirates’ ace Griffin Canning, as well as signing Trevor Story and Giovanny Urshela, this team is certainly in a better position than last year. Did they jump the gun on going all in or is now the right time? Recently thawed skipper Johnny Oates doesn't think so. “You guys wouldn't believe the new technology we have here today. It’s like this team is 25 years ahead of the curve!” That’s great John, just wait until you hear about cell phones.
2026 Projection: 76-86
Athletics
2025 Results: 72-90, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: OF Tyler O’Neil, 2B Brendan Rodgers, OF JD Martinez, 3B Kris Bryant, 1B Chin-hui Kelly, OF Alan Maxcy
Key Departures: 1B Matt Olson, SS Marcus Semien, SP Frankie Montas
Projected Lineup: C- James Bearpaw, 1B- Chin-hui Kelly, 2B- Breandan Rodgers, 3B- Matt Chapman, SS- Richard Urena, LF- Alan Maxcy, CF- Joey Gallo, RF- Scott Harper, DH- Tyler O’Neill
Analysis: Is this simply a transitional year or the start of a rebuild? Hard to say. One thing is for certain- this roster at its current state is not poised to do much this year. The defense that carried this team to 3 straight AL pennants has been dismissed, with the exception of Chapman. With zero clue as to what GM Omar is thinking, this is guaranteed to be the toughest prediction of all 30 teams.
2026 Projection: 67-95
Mets
2025 Results: 93-70, Lost World Series
Key Additions: C Gary Sanchez, 1B Carlos Santana, 3B Anthony Rendon, RP Caleb Ferguson, RP Harry Smith
Key Departures: DH Nelson Cruz, SP Stephen Strasburg, RP Kirby Yates, RP Edwin Diaz
Projected Lineup: C- Brandon Ford/ Gary Sanchez 1B- Dominic Smith, 2B- Gavin Lux/ Mike Brosseau, 3B- De’Andre Saxson, SS- Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez, LF- Christian Yelich, CF- JT Cincero, RF- Franmil Reyes, DH- Anthony Rendon
Analysis: Well they finally punched their ticket to the October Classic, but fell just short in game 7. After being unable to keep up with the Strasburg bidding war, the starting rotation doesn’t look quite as bold this year. Luckily, they upgraded their insurance package by acquiring Ferguson and Smith from the Brewers, to round out one of the most respected bullpens in the league. The signing of Rendon makes this high-powered offense a helluva lot scarier. There will be no such thing as a World Series hangover for this team.
2026 Projection: 95-67
Phillies
2025 Results: 88-74, Lost NLCS
Key Additions: 2B Whit Merrifield, SP Hod Skinner, RP Michael Feliz
Key Departures: 2B Michael Dennis, RP Cionel Kirsch
Projected Lineup: C- Palmer Ruiz, 1B- Anthony Rizzo, 2B- Whit Merrifield, 3B- Joe Holt, SS- Paul DeJong, LF- James Keller, CF- Adam Haseley, RF- Bryce Harper. DH- Luis Verdez
Analysis: Finishing 3rd in one's division isn't typically a season that you’d hang your hat on. For a division like the NL East in your second season though? Not too shabby. After handling the Braves in the Wild Card, followed by an upset of the 3-time defending champion Pirates, this 3rd place team was seen in a whole new light. Not wanting to rush into things, it appears as though GM Bush is letting this rise to prominence happen organically. With the promotion of 3B Joe Holt and SP Tommy Gonzalez this year, the Phillies have once again shown that they are all about raising home grown talent. Just wait until top prospect Max Power enters the clubhouse…
2026 Projection: 87-75
Braves
2025 Results: 92-71, Lost Wildcard
Key Additions: C Pedro Severino
Key Departures: C Gary Sanchez, RP Jacob Webb
Projected Lineup: C- Jameer Mouton/ Pedro Severino, 1B- Freddie Freeman, 2B- Ozzie Albies, 3B- Hal Jennings, SS- Dansby Swanson, LF- Nick Senzel, CF- Ronald Acuna, RF- Nomar Mazara, DH- Ryan McMahon
Analysis: These Braves were a game 163 away from taking the division from the NL champion Mets. Maybe things would have played out differently for them, maybe not. One thing is for certain though; this team is just as much of a threat as last year’s. While they let Jacob Webb walk in FA, they still boast the filthiest 3-headed-monster of a bullpen in the league with Dustin May, Pedro Marquez, and southpaw Gary Muncy. With 6 of their 9 starters being 30+, the window may be closing for these Braves. If they can make a deal to acquire a true ace to throw into that shallow pitching rotation, there is no doubt they will be heavy contenders in 2026.
2026 Projection: 87-75
Nationals
2025 Results: 59-103
Key Additions: C Tom Murphy, 2B Thairo Estrada, OF Jordan Luplow, OF Jorge Soler, SP Trevor Bauer, RP Jimmy Cordero, RP Will Smith
Key Departures: OF Mike Yastrzemski
Projected Lineup: C- Tom Murphy, 1B- Nate Reynolds, 2B- Thairo Estrada, 3B- Matt Thaiss, SS- Gary Boucher/ Jordan Lawlar, LF- Jordan Luplow, CF- Victor Reyes, RF- Juan Soto, DH- Jorge Soler
Analysis: There is a lot to like about what GM Kingdude has done upon his arrival in the nation’s capital. Taking over the league’s biggest dumpster fire and pulling them out of the cap hell they were in is deserving of a lifetime contract as it is. While this will likely be a transitional year for the organization, look out for the Nats to make a big splash over the next few years.
2026 Projection: 72-90
Marlins
2025 Results: 84-78, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: RP Sam Coonrod
Key Departures: 2B/DH Keston Hiura, SS Miguel Rojas, UT Sugimoto Mitsuo, OF Lorenzo Cane, OF Darren Reynolds, SP Jordan Yamamoto, SP Juri LaValley, SP Marco Gonzalez, SP Floyd Gonzalez, RP Victor Fonseca, RP Liam Hendriks, RP Michael Feliz, 1B Pete Alonso, C Montez Rodalis
Projected Lineup: C- Logan Rees, 1B- Phil Gibson, 2B- Jensen Higbee, 3B- Allen Smith, SS- Deshawn Houston, LF- Nick Castellanos, CF- Bryan Reynolds, RF- Michael Conforto, DH- Clyde Rose
Analysis: This is what it looks like when a team completely gives up on the present and gears toward future success. Returning just 2 starters from last year’s team, this roster looks like the baseball version of The Replacements- except there is no Shane Falco. This team is all but guaranteed a top 5 pick.
2026 Projection: 60-102
Pirates
2025 Results: 112-50, Lost NLDS
Key Additions: SP Dinelson Lamet, RP Lou Scheffing, SP Axton Cohen
Key Departures: SP Griffin Canning, SP Hod Skinner, RP Zach Britton
Projected Lineup: C- Sean Murphy, 1B- Michael Chavis, 2B- Luis Rengifo, 3B- Carson Kelly, SS- Javier Baez, LF- Sam Hilliard, CF- Ian Happ, RF- Jeff McNeil, DH- Nick Solak
Analysis: For the first time in 4 years I am writing about a Pirates team that did not win the World Series the year before. Although they’ve retained the majority of the core that got them there, a quiet youth movement appears to be on the horizon. Well, as quiet as trading a star pitcher for the #1 pick can be. Bringing back all of their key contributors means that these guys are far from finished. The NL is starting to heat up, but this is still the team to beat… for now.
2026 Projection: 105-57
Cardinals
2025 Results: 84-78, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: C Rich Labinski, SP Domingo German, RP Brandon Brennan, 1B Ji-Man Choi, 1B Luke Voit
Key Departures: OF Michael Brantley, OF JD Martinez, RP Ryan Pressly
Projected Lineup: C- RIch Labinski, 1B- Ji-Man Choi/ Luke Voit, 2B- Kolten Wong, 3B- Tommy Edman, SS- Braylon Lucci, LF- Mel Herrera, CF- Mike Schick, RF- Matthew Kiley, DH- Chance Sisco
Analysis: St Louis made some very solid improvements in the offseason, without the limelight of making a blockbuster move. One of the most underrated signings of the offseason goes to gold glove backstop Rich Labinski and his modest 4 year $20M contract. Pair that with the promotion of CF Mike Schick/ SP David Allen and you’ve got yourself a certifiably improved roster from 2025. Will it be enough to keep up with the busy offseason around them in the NL?
2026 Projection: 83-79
Cubs
2025 Results: 67-95, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: RP Cameron Byrne, RP Jacob Webb, SP Colin McPherson, 3B Yoan Moncada, C Roberto Perez, SP Stephen Strasburg
Key Departures: RP Gerardo Reyes
Projected Lineup: C- Roberto Perez, 1B- Ward Riley, 2B- Ian Valdez, 3B- Yoan Moncada, SS- Will Doran, LF- George Cline, CF- Egan Kelly II, RF- Terrance Kemp, DH- Derrick McLane
Analysis: A new page has been turned in Chicago. After 4 years of acquiring picks and laying low, it appears that GM Egan Kelly has shifted in win-now mode. Signing superstar pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Jacob Webb, along with the promotion of 4 top prospects (including the GM’s son) gives the feeling that the Cubbies are walking up the driveway, preparing to knock on the Pirates’ door. Though they’re not quite there yet, this season will give Cubs fans a reason to buy tickets again.
2026 Projection: 82-80
Reds
2025 Results: 76-86, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: OF LaMonte Wade Jr, OF Kelley Vincent
Key Departures: OF George Springer, 3B Hunter Dozier, RP Yoan Lopez, RP Brandon Brennan, RP Joe Smith, RP Michael Lorenzen
Projected Lineup: C- Tomokazu Watanabe, 1B- Billy Frick, 2B- Ryon Ellis, 3B- Eugenio Suarez, SS- Myles Straw, LF- LaMonte Wade Jr, CF- Ramon Laureano, RF- Jesse Winker, DH- Vincent Kelley
Analysis: A rookie GM paired with an inactive offseason is never a recipe for success. However with several aging stars entering the last year of their contracts, it is now the perfect time to start a full rebuild. While they have the talent to potentially make a wild card push this year, I’m sure that this fresh faced GM is looking to the future.
2026 Projection: 68-94
Brewers
2025 Results: 60-102, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: OF Terrance Gore, RP Miguel Castro, 2B Keston Hiura, SP Kenta Maeda
Key Departures: OF Seth Brown, RP Harry Smith, RP Mike McLaughlin, RP Caleb Ferguson, SP Luis Castillo
Projected Lineup: C- Victor Caratini, 1B- Owen Welling, 2B- Keston Hiura, 3B- Isaac Watson, SS- Orlando Arcia/ Callon Luciano, LF- Alonzo Metzler, CF- Terrance Gore, RF- Basil Sutton/ Andrew Benintendi, DH- Christian Walker/ Rhys Hoskins
Analysis: This was a bit of a confusing offseason for Milwaukee. Shipping off the likes of Harry Smith, Caleb Ferguson, and Seth Brown gave the impression that Milwaukee was gearing their efforts toward the future. This was followed by a trade for all star (and former Brewers player) 2B Keston Hiura, a clear win-now move. While their motives may be confusing, one thing is for certain- this team is not ready to play winning baseball.
2026 Projection: 61-101
Dodgers
2025 Results: 93-69, Lost NLDS
Key Additions: C Yang Eui-ji, SS/DH Xander Bogaerts, SP Luis Castillo, RP Mike McLaughlin
Key Departures: DH Carlos Santana, 3B Kris Bryant, 1B Christian Walker, SS Jose Iglesias, RP Jimmy Cordero, SP Kenta Maeda
Projected Lineup: C- Yang Eui-ji, 1B- Will Smith, 2B- Ketel Marte, 3B- Xander Bogaerts/ Manny Machado, SS- Corey Seager/ Xander Bogaerts, LF- BJ Kerr, CF- Cody Bellinger, RF- Alex Verdugo, DH- BiBi Phan
Analysis: There appears to be a lot of mixing and matching going on with this lineup, in effort to keep veterans at ease. But with this level of talent, you can set your lineup and defense however you please. Signing future KBO hall of famer Yang Eui-ji only makes this team scarier than before. However with the state of their aging roster, the Dodgers are running out of time.
2026 Projection: 94-68
Rockies
2025 Results: 84-78, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: C Mitch Garver, 1B/DH Haven Fielder, OF Harold Mitchell, SP Won Tae-in
Key Departures: 3B Brian Andrson, SP Trevor Bauer, SP Brad Keller
Projected Lineup: C- Frank Yanus, 1B- Haven Fielder, 2B- Ronald Jeremy, 3B- Abraham Toro, SS- Nick Ahmed, LF- Austin Riley, CF- Harrison Bader, RF- Harold Mitchell, DH- Mitch Garver
Analysis: With as stout of a defense as they come, Colorado added much needed offensive presence in Mitch Garver (44.8 HR/yr since 2020) and rookie Haven Fielder (7th overall pick in 2024). Paired with the promotions of C Frank Yanus, SP Sim Lincoln, and signing KBO superstar Won Tae-in, this is clearly an improvement from last year’s roster. With the likely promotions of SP Gage Keyes, SS FP Santangelo, and RP Keegan McHugh next year, there is truly no limit to how good this team will get. For this year, though, the mission is to take down the 6x defending NL West champion Dodgers.
2026 Projection: 91-71
Giants
2025 Results: 80-82, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: C Montez Rodalis, 3B Brian Anderson, OF Lorenzo Cain, UT Sugimoto Mitsuo, RP Simon Bray, RP Nick Goody, RP Greg Holland
Key Departures: 3B Cal Vaughn, OF Aristides Acquino, RP Sam Coonrod
Projected Lineup: C- Montez Rodalis, 1B- Diego Aguilar, 2B- Sugimoto Mitsuo, 3B Brian Anderson, SS- Nico Hoerner, LF- Justis Crenshaw, CF- Lorenzo Cain, RF- Jarrod Dyson, DH- Trea Turner
Analysis: The one thing that has always been lacking for the Giants in the Josh Bonds era is defense. Not anymore. After trading for gold glovers Sugimoto Mitsuo and Lorenzo Cain, as well as stout 3B Brian Anderson, it would appear that this squad is ready to fire on all cylinders. With such a tight division, it’s hard to say just how this team will finish. One thing is for sure, these Giants are not a team to mess with.
2026 Projection: 88-74
Padres
2025 Results: 76-86, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 3B Cal Vaughn, SS JP Crawford, OF Kevin Kiermaier, OF Joc Pederson, OF Tim Lopes, OF Justin Martinez, SP Felix Pena, SP Zack Grienke, RP Tyler Clippard
Key Departures: None
Projected Lineup: C- Francisco Mejia/ Brent Baker, 1B- Dave Casey, 2B- Fernando Tatis Jr, 3B- Cal Vaughn/ Byron Deer, SS- Luis Urias, LF- Felipe Rincon, CF- Kevin Kiermaier, RF- Joc Pederson/ Tim Lopes, DH- Justin Martinez/ Francisco Mejia
Analysis: While losing no one of significant value and replacing those lost with upgraded talent, this roster is solid across the board. For the first time in years, this organization has a sense of direction, but for the moment they lack the star power to compete with the big boys in the west.
2026 Projection: 80-82
Diamondbacks
2025 Results: 69-93, Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: 1B Oscar Reed, SS Tim Anderson, OF Eloy Jimenez
Key Departures: 2B Adam Frazier, OF Austin Hays, RP Hansel Robles
Projected Lineup: C- Andrew Eddison, 1B- Tim Anderson, 2B- Tyler Wade, 3B- Dwight Gary, SS- Trevor T Smith, LF- Eloy Jimenez, CF- Mike Tauchman, RF- Yairo Munoz, DH- Pablo Gonzalez
Analysis: While they did go out and make some good moves, there is just too substantial of a talent gap in the division for this team to shine. With the way they’ve been drafting though, it’ll only be a matter of time before this team gets their shot at the limelight. Look for RP Roberto Osuna to be dealt at the deadline.
2026 Projection: 67-95
AL WC
Astros Mariners over Blue Jays
Tigers Rockies over Giants
Orioles
WC #1- Mariners LDS
WC #2- Blue Jays Astros over Mariners (3-1)
NL Tigers over Orioles (3-2)
Pirates Rockies over Pirates (3-2)
Mets Mets over Dodgers (3-1)
Dodgers LCS
WC #1- Rockies Astros over Tigers (4-2)
WC #2- Giants Rockies over Mets (4-3)
World Series
Astros over Rockies (4-2)