MLB Predictions for 2026

The finalized pools and schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were announced on Wednesday. The tournament kicks off in March, and bettors are already circling their picks. Let’s not pretend we know how the season ends. This is baseball, where anything can (and usually does) happen. If you want to play it smart, you should start digging into the venues, pools, key players, and value angles.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Classic and why 2026 is shaping up to be full of surprises.

The Billion-Dollar Battle: Dodgers vs. Mets

Let’s start at the top of the board. The Dodgers and Mets have backed up the Brinks truck.

Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets in December 2024. That’s “you better win a damn title” type of money.
The Dodgers have already paid Shohei Ohtani (10 years, $700 million) and followed it with an $8.35 billion local TV deal.

Both teams are favorites in their divisions. But here’s the dilemma: only one can win the NL. And both have their weaknesses.

Pro Tip

If your MLB sportbook gives you +1000 or longer on the Braves or Phillies to win the NL, consider the hedge. Why? The Dodgers and Mets are loaded with talent but heavily dependent on stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. If either gets injured or underperforms, the whole power axis might shift.

So at +1000, it’s worth betting on a strong backup in case the favorites stumble. The potential payoff is worth the risk.

Rule Changes

2025 brought massive changes to the rules, and it is vital to incorporate them into your betting strategy.

No more infield overloads: Teams can no longer stack three or four infielders on one side of second base. Now, two infielders must stay on each side and keep both feet on the dirt.

What it means: More ground balls are sneaking through for hits. Left-handed batters are getting a boost, so expect higher batting averages and more offense across the board.

Expanded Replay: Umpires can now review base overruns and tight slides into second and third.

What it means: Fewer controversial outs and more runners staying on base. That means more chances to score and more scoring overall.

How This Impacts Your Bets

These rule changes favor offense. Pitchers are still adjusting, and hitters, especially those who put the ball in play, are thriving.

By late 2025, we had already seen more high-scoring games. That trend will likely continue in 2026, especially in hitter-friendly stadiums like Cincinnati, Coors Field, and Fenway Park.

Pro Tip

Look for total bases props. These bets count every base a hitter reaches (a single is one base, a double is two, etc.). Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz are great picks. They’re fast, aggressive, and more likely to turn singles into doubles or steal extra bases.

MVP Watch

Early MVP odds are out, and of course, the favorites are familiar faces:

Ohtani (+250)
Soto (+350)
Acuña (+500)

But if you’re not laying big units for a small profit, you need value. So let’s wander off the beaten path for a moment. Here are three players who could crash the MVP party and maybe even steal the crown.

Bobby Witt Jr. – Batting .332 in 2024, Witt is turning Kansas City into a must-watch team again. He plays like the game is permanently on fast-forward. If the Royals flirt with .500, Witt becomes the beating heart of their case.
Elly De La Cruz – Elly swiped 67 bags last year, smashes the ball with cartoonish power, and somehow still seems like he’s just getting started. If the Reds are in the mix, De La Cruz becomes a player you can’t ignore.
Julio Rodríguez – Quietly, confidently, Julio is putting together a grown-man game. Power? Check. Speed? Double check. If the Mariners make a push, Julio’s MVP odds won’t stay quiet for long.

Pro Tip

Look for odds over +1800 on someone like Bobby Witt Jr. That means a small bet could bring a big return, and he’s got the stats to back it up.

The Cap Is Coming (Maybe)

The collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026, and behind closed doors, talks of a possible salary cap are picking up. Rumors suggest maximum and minimum spending limits.

In other words, a league that has always let teams spend freely is now considering putting boundaries in place. On one end, the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees are tossing around millions. On the other hand, mid-market teams are trying to stay competitive with limited budgets.

If a cap lands, this could change the dynamics entirely.

Pro Tip

If a soft cap or revenue-sharing model gets introduced, this could be the final season for some teams to take big swings. If a mid-market team starts spending aggressively, keep an eye on them. They might be acting on inside signals that the rest of us haven’t caught yet.

Breakout Candidates

If there’s one thing baseball does better than any other sport, it’s giving us stars before they’re even stars. And in 2026, that tradition is alive and well. Let’s talk value picks because that’s where the real betting money hides.

Jackson Holliday (Orioles) – Baseball’s No. 1 prospect has a name made for highlight reels and a swing to match. He could break camp with the big league club, and if he does, you’ll want to grab his Rookie of the Year odds before the rest of the world catches up.
Marcelo Mayer (Red Sox) – Boston needs energy. Mayer brings it. Could be their long-term shortstop.
Junior Caminero (Rays) – The Rays love to mix and match their lineups, so young players don’t always get full playing time right away. But when Caminero is in the lineup regularly, his elite bat speed makes a huge impact. He could surprise everyone if he gets enough at-bats and win National League Rookie of the Year.