LOS ANGLES, Cali. – As spring training approaches, expectations across Major League Baseball are beginning to crystallize. World Series futures offer an early snapshot of how the league stacks up, blending recent performance, roster construction, and perceived upside heading into the 2026 season.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The defending champions remain the betting favorite, boasting depth, star power, and postseason credibility unmatched across Major League Baseball.
2. Atlanta Braves
A perennial contender with a loaded roster, Atlanta enters spring positioned for another long October run.
3. New York Yankees
Power, pitching, and pressure define the Yankees, who again sit near the top of American League futures.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Built for the postseason, Philadelphia’s core keeps them firmly in the championship conversation.
5. Seattle Mariners
Elite pitching and a maturing offense make Seattle one of the most intriguing teams in baseball.
6. Houston Astros
While no longer dominant, Houston’s experience and talent prevent a steep drop.
7. Texas Rangers
A strong roster and recent postseason success keep Texas among the AL’s top teams.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto remains dangerous, though questions linger about consistency.
9. New York Mets
High payroll and high expectations follow the Mets into another pivotal season.
10. San Diego Padres
Star power carries San Diego, even amid roster uncertainty.
11. Baltimore Orioles
A young core continues to push the Orioles upward in preseason projections.
12. Tampa Bay Rays
As usual, Tampa Bay’s efficiency keeps them competitive.
13. Cleveland Guardians
Pitching and defense anchor another quietly solid club.
14. Minnesota Twins
Health will determine how far Minnesota can climb.
15. Boston Red Sox
A transition phase continues, but upside remains.
16. Chicago Cubs
Steady improvement puts Chicago in the middle of the pack.
17. Milwaukee Brewers
Pitching keeps the Brewers relevant, if unspectacular.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks
Recent postseason experience helps offset roster turnover.
19. San Francisco Giants
Still searching for consistency in a tough division.
20. Detroit Tigers
Progress is evident, though contention feels a year away.
21. Cincinnati Reds
Youth provides promise, volatility limits expectations.
22. Kansas City Royals
Improvement continues, but depth remains an issue.
23. St. Louis Cardinals
A reset year looms after recent struggles.
24. Los Angeles Angels
Uncertainty dominates despite flashes of talent.
25. Washington Nationals
Rebuilding continues with an eye on the future.
26. Pittsburgh Pirates
Development remains the priority.
27. Miami Marlins
Offensive questions keep expectations low entering spring training.
28. Oakland Athletics
Transition and youth potentially define another difficult season.
29. Colorado Rockies
Roster limitations are reflected in long odds.
30. Chicago White Sox
A full rebuild places the White Sox at the bottom entering spring training.
Spring training will reshape perceptions, but for now, futures markets provide a familiar hierarchy as baseball prepares for another long season.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!