Dodgers Poised for Three-Peat as MLB Landscape Shifts

Predictions for all 30 MLB teams' 2026 standings and playoff performances

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:47pm

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A lot can happen in a 162-game MLB season, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to cement their dynasty with a third straight championship in 2026. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets are among the teams expected to make deep playoff runs, while the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals face rebuilding years.

Why it matters

The 2026 MLB season promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory, with several teams making major offseason moves to challenge the Dodgers' supremacy. The balance of power could shift significantly, with young stars emerging and veteran teams looking to break through after recent disappointments.

The details

The Dodgers have reloaded by signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, giving them arguably the best lineup and bullpen in baseball. But the Orioles have bolstered their young core with big free agent signings, the Rangers are poised to return to the World Series, and the Mets have assembled a star-studded roster around Juan Soto and Bo Bichette. Elsewhere, the Rockies and Cardinals are in full rebuilding mode after disastrous 2025 campaigns.

  • The 2026 MLB regular season will begin in April 2026.
  • The playoffs are scheduled to run from October to November 2026, culminating in the World Series.

The players

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have won the last two World Series championships and are poised to become one of the greatest teams in MLB history.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have a deep, talented young core and made a big splash in free agency, positioning themselves as a World Series contender.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers are looking to return to the World Series for the first time since 2023, led by star shortstop Corey Seager.

New York Mets

The Mets have continued to invest heavily in star power, signing Juan Soto and Bo Bichette to bolster their roster.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are coming off one of the worst seasons in MLB history and face a long road back to competitiveness.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The 2026 MLB season will kick off in April, with teams jockeying for playoff positioning throughout the summer. The postseason will culminate in the World Series in late October/early November.

The takeaway

The 2026 MLB season promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory, with the Dodgers looking to cement their dynasty, the Orioles and Rangers emerging as new powers, and the Mets continuing to load up on star talent. Meanwhile, the Rockies and Cardinals face long rebuilds after disastrous 2025 campaigns.