2026 MLB Playoffs: ALDS, NLDS predictions and World Series picks

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With that in mind, we polled the Rotoworld Baseball staff for their thoughts on how the rest of the postseason will play out. Check out our picks and analysis for the Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series.

2026 MLB Playoffs Tracker: Bracket, schedule, results, scores, matchups for AL, NL postseason games The 2026 MLB postseason has arrived. Stay up to date with the latest results and more. Phil Akre, Phil Akre,

Crawford: I don’t think there’s much of a difference between the White Sox and the Guardians. I think the fact that the White Sox already won a pair of postseason games on the road, both relatively convincingly, is something working in their favor. I can’t quite go team of destiny or any of that stuff, but there does seem to be something about this White Sox team. I realize that’s not exactly the most scientific answer, but my heart believes in the Chicago Popes.

Short: The Rays and Yankees are set to meet in the postseason for the second time ever, and the first with actual fans in the building. While the Rays were the better regular season team this year, I think the Yankees are better built for the postseason. It starts with the rotation, which was the best in the majors with a 3.30 ERA, but their bullpen was even better with a 3.15 ERA. Drew Rasmussen has dominated the Yankees in his career, but New York has a level of rotation depth the Rays simply can’t match.

Aaron Judge’s status for the ALDS remains uncertain because of his calf injury, but even without him, one could argue that the Yankees have the more dangerous lineup. Their ability to change the game with one swing is something I think will win out over Tampa Bay’s small-ball style in a short series.

Pouliot: Atlanta’s pitching staff received 7 2/3 innings from Chris Sale and seven from Tyler Mahle and still seemed hard-pressed to get through the three-game Wild Card series against the Phillies. How are they going to hold up without those two to start the series against the Dodgers? Even without the relief appearance Thursday, starting Sale in Game 2 would have required pitching him on four days’ rest, which he hasn’t done since early April. As is, it looks like Sale in Game 3 and Mahle in Game 4. Maybe the Dodgers’ bats start off cold and the Braves can steal a game in Los Angeles, but as shorthanded as they are in terms of pitching depth, not having their rotation lined puts them at a major disadvantage.

Samulski: The Padres have been red hot and dominated the Cubs, but I published an article before the postseason with research from the last 10 years that showed teams coming into the playoffs with tons of momentum don’t meaningfully perform better than teams who struggle coming into the postseason. I might as well trust my own research. The Brewers have been arguably the best team in baseball all season. Their lineup is incredibly tough to get out, and they have possibly the deepest overall pitching staff in the postseason.

Samulski: I will admit my bias again when talking about why I picked against the Yankees. I just think this Brewers team is finally going to break through. The Yankees were lights out against the Red Sox, but they have been prone to strikeouts throughout the season. That can make them a volatile offense, and I think the consistency of the Brewers will win the day here.

Pouliot: A few weeks ago, I might have picked another champ, but with the Dodgers’ bullpen rounding into form, their biggest potential weakness seems gone. Edwin Díaz still isn’t a sure thing, but he was much improved after coming off the IL, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out nine in his final five innings. Roki Sasaki and Evan Phillips both hit 100 mph last week, and Kris Bubic, if he’s even needed, could prove to be a secret weapon. Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman might not be able to carry the offense at this point, but even if the Dodgers are lacking their usual firepower, they should be able to win some low-scoring games.

Crawford: I don’t think the Padres are the best team in baseball. I don’t think they’re even the best team in their division. But I love the way they’re playing now, and that bullpen, quality starters at the top of the rotation and just enough star power makes me believe they’re built for the postseason, and their first-ever World Series championship.

Short: I love the Yankees’ pitching and Aaron Judge should be back eventually in some capacity, which only improves the team’s outlook for a potential World Series matchup. As opposed to their meeting in 1998, I would expect the Padres to make this one much more competitive. San Diego’s offense has been great in the second half and their bullpen is positively scary. Still, the Yankees would hold the major edge in starting pitching, and that would ultimately make the difference in my hypothetical World Series matchup.