The 2026 MLB Playoffs have moved past the Wild Card round, and the Division Series is set to begin on Saturday. All four matchups will take place on the same day, setting the stage for an exciting postseason. The Rotoworld Baseball staff has shared their thoughts and predictions for how the rest of the playoffs will unfold.
Division Series Predictions
White Sox vs. Guardians
Christopher Crawford noted little difference between the White Sox and the Guardians. With the White Sox winning two road games in the postseason convincingly, he feels a special quality surrounds this team. He expressed a belief in the White Sox, although acknowledging it’s not a purely analytical viewpoint.
Yankees vs. Rays
D.J. Short highlighted the Yankees’ postseason readiness. Despite the Rays’ stronger regular season, Short believes the Yankees’ 3.30 ERA rotation and 3.15 ERA bullpen give them an edge. Even with Aaron Judge’s calf injury, their lineup poses a threat with power-hitting abilities that might overpower the Rays’ small-ball strategy.
Braves vs. Dodgers
Matthew Pouliot focused on Atlanta’s pitching challenges. Atlanta faced difficulty with its rotation during the Wild Card series. Pouliot questions how they will manage against the Dodgers without the rotation aligned. He expects the Dodgers to capitalize on the Braves’ limitations.
Padres vs. Brewers
Eric Samulski recognized the Padres’ momentum but cited research indicating that postseason performance isn’t strongly linked to pre-playoff momentum. He views the Brewers as formidable, due to their tough lineup and pitching depth, potentially putting them ahead of the Padres.
Championship Series and World Series Predictions
- Eric Samulski: ALCS Winner – New York Yankees; NLCS Winner – Milwaukee Brewers; World Series Champion – Milwaukee Brewers
- Matthew Pouliot: ALCS Winner – New York Yankees; NLCS Winner – Los Angeles Dodgers; World Series Champion – Los Angeles Dodgers
- David Shovein: ALCS Winner – Tampa Bay Rays; NLCS Winner – Milwaukee Brewers; World Series Champion – Tampa Bay Rays
- Christopher Crawford: ALCS Winner – New York Yankees; NLCS Winner – San Diego Padres; World Series Champion – San Diego Padres
- D.J. Short: ALCS Winner – New York Yankees; NLCS Winner – San Diego Padres; World Series Champion – New York Yankees
Staff Analysis
Eric Samulski: He admitted to a bias against the Yankees, favoring the Brewers’ consistency over the Yankees’ strikeout-prone offense.
Matthew Pouliot: He praised the Dodgers’ bullpen improvement and highlighted the team’s potential to win low-scoring games despite question marks around offensive features.
Christopher Crawford: He favors the Padres’ bullpen, top rotation starters, and star power to make them postseason contenders. Crawford foresees their first World Series victory.
D.J. Short: Short expressed confidence in the Yankees’ pitching staff and speculated on a competitive World Series against the Padres, where Yankees’ starting pitching could provide a decisive advantage.