NJIT Professor's Math Model Predicts Dodgers to Win 2026 World Series

Bukiet's annual MLB projections foresee a dominant season for Los Angeles, with the Mariners and Yankees also among top contenders.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:52am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and forms in a vibrant color palette, conveying the complex and dynamic nature of the sport.Bukiet's mathematical model predicts the Dodgers will dominate the 2026 MLB season, but the unpredictable nature of baseball means anything can happen.Boston Today

NJIT Professor Bruce Bukiet's annual statistical projections for the 2026 MLB season have been released, and his model is forecasting a dominant year for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a projected 100 wins, the Dodgers are far ahead of the rest of the league, led by a star-studded roster including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. The Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees are also expected to be among the top contenders, while the Chicago Cubs are projected to lead the NL Central division.

Why it matters

Bukiet's model has proven remarkably accurate over the years, making his predictions highly anticipated by baseball fans and analysts. The potential for a shake-up in the standings, with the Dodgers emerging as clear favorites, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. The balance of power in both leagues, with multiple teams projected to be in playoff contention, also sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable year of baseball.

The details

Bukiet's model projects the Dodgers to win 100 games, far outpacing the rest of the league. Their roster is stacked, with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman leading the lineup, while the pitching staff features Ohtani, Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow. The additions of Sasaki and Diaz further strengthen the team's depth. In the NL Central, the Cubs are projected to lead the division with 87 wins, a significant improvement over recent seasons. The Brewers are expected to finish with 82 wins, while the Cardinals drop to the bottom of the division with 71 wins. In the AL, the Mariners lead the way with 92 wins, followed closely by the Yankees with 91 wins. The AL East is particularly competitive, with Baltimore, Boston, and Toronto all projected to have at least 81 wins.

  • Bukiet's annual MLB projections have been a tradition since 1998.

The players

Bruce Bukiet

A professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) who has been producing highly accurate statistical projections for the MLB season since 1998.

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, capable of both hitting and pitching at an elite level.

Mookie Betts

An All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his offensive prowess and defensive skills.

Freddie Freeman

A veteran first baseman and power hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A talented starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his dominant performances.

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What’s next

As the baseball season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Bukiet's predictions hold up against the final standings. While the Dodgers are the clear favorites, the potential for upsets and surprises is always present in baseball.

The takeaway

Bukiet's model has consistently provided accurate projections for the MLB season, and this year's predictions suggest a potential shift in the balance of power, with the Dodgers emerging as the team to beat. However, the unpredictable nature of baseball means that fans should be prepared for unexpected outcomes and a thrilling season ahead.