After a long five-month wait, the 2026 MLB season will finally kick off as the Los Angeles Dodgers look to defend their throne and become the first team to three-peat in 25 years since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. There’s been plenty of free agent signings and trades that have shaken up teams; some have been put in a better position than last season, while others were left completely changed and a shadow of their former selves.

Coming into the season, the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorites to win the World Series on most betting sites with +225 odds. The second favorite is far behind, with it being the New York Yankees having odds of +1000. Other teams that are favored to be in the race are teams such as the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have definitely added lots of firepower to their team with the additions of star free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz. Tucker and Diaz both bring an exceptional combination of talent with an ability to get hits and close out games, making their already star-studded team even more impressive, and with all the potential to possibly break the record for wins in a season. The Dodgers did not need to make these moves, yet they went out and made them with relative ease, which angered much of the baseball fan base, fearing a potential lockout to come after this season.

The New York Mets, who barely missed the postseason last season, added former Blue Jay Bo Bichette to their team to help bring them back to title contention and make a stronger team. Their pitching improved as well, as they traded for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta to help their rotation. They did lose first baseman Pete Alonso, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year deal for $155 million. In his own right, will attempt to help the Orioles make a playoff push of their own after a disappointing season. 

Several key free agents resigned with their teams such as Cody Bellinger to the Yankees, Kyle Schwarber to the Phillies, and Enrique Hernandez and Miguel Rojas joining the Dodgers again.

One of the teams to look out for is the Boston Red Sox. Sure, they may have lost their star third baseman, Alex Bregman to the Cubs, but they are a fairly solid young team who can be a surprise team. Led by their ace of the rotation, Garrett Crochet, they can be a top 10 pitching team with a decent enough lineup that can help them win close games.

Another serious situation to look out for as the season goes on is whether the Detroit Tigers will trade their 29-year-old ace, Tarik Skubal. Skubal is seen as a potential trade candidate who can immediately spark any team’s rotation, especially one looking to become a contender for the World Series. It’ll likely come down to the trade deadline, and if not, then he’ll look to get a massive payday and contract with any team in the league.

The Dodgers definitely look like the team to beat as they’ve proven themselves to rise above any occasion. Depleted pitching rotation, shaky bullpen it doesn’t matter, they found a way to get it done. Now there are very few areas for them to improve, as if they head into the postseason without any injuries, this team has all the potential to turn any game upside down at any given moment. 

In the AL, it’s a bit tricky to predict which team will come out on top, but I’d have to say the Yankees. Aaron Judge and company are definitely burning to prove themselves after a disappointing postseason exit last season. They definitely can be one of the most feared teams if they manage to play to their fullest potential. Backed up by an aging Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and returning Cody Bellinger, they can figure out the pieces and give the AL a run for its money.

At the end of the day, I think history will be made. The Dodgers will end October raising the commissioner’s trophy for a third straight season and further cementing themselves as one of baseball’s best modern dynasties. For now, baseball fans can enjoy the World Baseball Classic as many players look to get a head start preparing for the season, but until then, fans can begin the close countdown for the season.