It has been 134 days since game seven of the World Series, and the MLB is finally back in action. The season officially kicked off on Wednesday, March 25, with the New York Yankees taking on the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one with a mix-up of rosters and emerging talent. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favorites to win the World Series again, but the Yankees and Seattle Mariners are right there with them. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the Yankees are looking to defend their respective MVP titles in a league filled with skilled players. This new season is going to be a fun one with a lot up for grabs on the table.
After winning the World Series last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers reloaded in the offseason and are looking to become the first team to win three World Series in a row since 1974. They added star reliever Edwin Diaz and multiple-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. After retaining most of their starting lineup, the Dodgers are seen as having the best roster in baseball.
The Yankees are the favorites to win the AL and are looking to avenge their lackluster 2025 season with a World Series this season. Their offseason was a quieter one with their main headline being a re-signing of star player Cody Bellinger. They added starting pitcher Ryan Weathers and top prospect Sean Paul Liñan to strengthen their pitching staff; an area which they struggled with greatly last season.
The Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers are both coming off great seasons last year and are considered dark horses to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Cubs spent $488 million this offseason and are in a great spot to make their first World Series appearance since 2016. After making it to the ALDS last season, the Tigers are hoping to make another deep playoff run. They brought back a majority of their starters, including reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Fans are in for a treat this season, as there are many teams who could make some noise this season.
Shohei Ohtani is largely considered to be the best player in the MLB. The two-way player has won four MVP awards in his last five seasons. Being 31 years old, Ohtani is in his prime right now and could be in for one of his best statistical seasons this year. After hitting a historical 50 home runs last year while pitching at an elite level, there is no telling what milestones Ohtani could reach this season.
Aaron Judge is looking to become the third player in MLB history to win three MVPs in a row. He opens as the favorite to win the award in AL. The power hitting right fielder hit 53 home runs last season and is hoping to eclipse 60 home runs in a season for the second time in his career.
After an impressive World Baseball Classic campaign, star youngster Roman Anthony is looking to challenge Aaron Judge for the AL MVP. In just 71 games in his first MLB season last year, the 21-year-old managed to total 75 hits, notching himself an impressive .292 batting average. Anthony is widely regarded as a franchise player for the Boston Red Sox with a bright future ahead of him.
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals is also looking to get his first AL MVP. The 25-year-old shortstop is already a two-time all-star, Gold Glove winner, and Silver Slugger winner. He has led the MLB in hits for the past two seasons and is the first shortstop to ever record multiple seasons with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Witt Jr. can do it all and will be a fun player to watch this season. The MLB keeps getting better each year in terms of talent, and this season is no exception to that.
Fans will not want to miss the 2026 season as it could see many records being broken and players having historic seasons. The playoffs are wide open for any team, and we could see some new faces at the top of the standings. MVP races should be close with players battling for the coveted title all season. Baseball season is back and better than ever.
