MLB postseason predictions weigh contenders, dark horses and droughts

With the 2026 MLB postseason beginning with the wild-card round, previews across several outlets are assessing each playoff team’s path to the World Series, identifying possible dark horses and debating which high seeds could be eliminated early.

The Guardian’s writers highlighted the Cubs and Rays as potential surprise champions. Chicago combines what the outlet described as baseball’s best offense and defense, led by players including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman, but its relief pitching remains a concern. Tampa Bay won the American League East and strengthened its rotation by acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Mets; the possible return of injured starter Shane McClanahan could add further depth.

The Guardian also identified several vulnerable contenders. The Guardians earned the American League’s No. 2 seed as an 85-win division champion with a plus-11 run differential, but their lineup lacks a 20-home-run hitter. The Dodgers have few obvious weaknesses, though their roster’s average age of 31 and the additional 31 games played during the previous two postseasons were cited as potential problems. The Yankees’ ability to score against Boston’s pitching was also questioned, particularly without Aaron Judge.

Other postseason coverage focused on the case for every playoff club, the possibility of a Brewers-Rays World Series and the championship droughts carried by Milwaukee and other qualifiers. The predictions reflect uncertainty rather than settled outcomes as postseason play gets underway.