Amaury Pi Gonzalez the author and as the Wizard of the MLB 2026 predictions writes about what is about to happen in the MLB 2026 season (Image by Mauricio Segura-Golden Bay Times)

 2026 Season Predictions  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2026 MLB regular season begins with a special Opening Night game on Wednesday, March 25, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, followed by a full 14-game traditional Opening Day on March 26. This is the second time these two teams opened an MLB season; the last time was in 2023. 

Last season, the Yankees finished in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, both with an identical record of 94-68. The San Francisco Giants finished in third place in the NL West with an 81-81 record,12 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win their second consecutive World Series. Both teams are expected to be contenders. The Yankees and Toronto still will fight for the AL East. Giants will have to fight with the Padres, both pursuing the Dodgers.

 PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE (East) 1-Yankees 2-Blue Jays 3-Red Sox 4-Orioles 5-Rays.

 The Yankees are still looking to win their 28th World Series (last one was 2009)  I like their exciting offense, headed by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and a lineup that led the majors with 274 Home runs. They signed Cory Bellinger and veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Good rotation with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried; they added lefty Ryan Weathers on a trade with the Marlins. Their bullpen was a problem, with a 4.47 ERA. They added closer David Bednar from the Pirates. The Yanks will have to hit and hit and hit, because their overall pitching is a big question mark. Defense is average.

 (Central) 1-Tigers 2-Guardians 3-Royals 4-Twins 5-White Sox. Tigers’ reigning Cy Young Award winner last year, Hayward’s own Tarik Skubal, is now joined by recently signed Free Agent  Framber Valdéz (3-year $115 million). Those are two of the best pitchers in the game. Detroit also signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a 1 year deal. They have enough offense and a smart defense; they’re the best team in the Central. The last time Detroit won the division was in 2014. They are going to win it this season.

(West)   1-Mariners 2-Rangers -3-Houston 4-Athletics 5-Angels,  -Mariners are “Always the Bridesmaid, but never the Bride”

As of the end of the 2025 MLB season, the Mariners are the only active MLB franchise that has never appeared in a World Series. Led by catcher Cal Raleigh, who tied Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season with 54 home runs, Julio Rodriguez is ready to win an MVP, and, as always, good pitching to contend: Logan Gilbert,  Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby. A solid defensive team. They should win this division again. A good guy and play-by-play man, Rick Rizzs, announced after 41 years that 2026 will be his last.   While the team renting in Sacramento showcases a powerful offense. Watch for a 19-year-old Dominican kid, Leo De Vries, who is a shortstop and can hit for power. Too bad the A’s do not have enough pitching to seriously contend, but they will continue to bang, and their defense has improved. Do not trust the LA Angels’ pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE (East) 1-Phillies 2-Mets 3-Braves 4-Nationals 5-Marlins. The Phillies should win that division again, one of the roughest teams at home; they won 55 of the 81 games in their casa. Phillies fans are among the most passionate in all of baseball; they are indeed the 10th man on that team. Super lineup, Schwarz, Turner, Harper, J.T.Realmuto, and company, and a stellar pitching staff, led by ace Zack Wheeler, followed by Jesús Luzardo, Cristopher Sánchez, three solid arms, and a solid defense, this is the team to beat again in this division.

(Central) 1-Cubs 2-Brewers 3-Reds 4-Pirates 5-Cardinals. The Cubs were busy this off season, restructuring their pitching and also adding veteran players Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson. The most interesting team here is the Pittsburgh Pirates; they could give Milwaukee and Chicago fits. I think it is time for a change here, and the Chicago Cubs will provide.

(West)1-Dodgers  2-Padres 3-Giants 4-Diamondbacks -5 Rockies.  -No reason to believe the Dodgers could not win this division again. The Padres and the Giants will battle for second (wild card). San Diego signed Miguel Tejada, Nick Castellanos, and Korean infielder Sung-Mun-Song. They have a solid offense with Machado, Tatis, Boagerts, and others. The Giants’ biggest off-season news is naming Tony Vitello from Tennessee as new manager. Became the first team ever to hire a college manager with no Major League experience. Giants added two good veterans: three-time batting champ Luis Arráez and talented center fielder Harrison Bader, along with pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. The top two pitchers, Brandon Webb and Robbie Ray, are Cy Young material,, they need Landen Roupp (7-7 3.80) to have his best season yet.

Quote: You look forward to Opening Day like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” — Joe DiMaggio

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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