Another baseball season is underway. It might feel different with the new ABS system involved in the game, and some familiar faces in new places. But at the end of the day, the game is the same and the goal is too, win the World Series. While awards and trophies won’t be handed out until October, there is no time like the present to predict exactly what will happen. Here are our 2026 American League predictions.
Most Valuable Player
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
Witt Jr. didn’t really have a down year a season ago when he hit .295 and led the league in hits and drove in nearly 90 runs but it was a down year by his standards. This year, I think he claims his first MVP, something that he nearly did in 2024 but lost out to Aaron Judge. Between having one of the best gloves and bats in the league, this makes sense.
Cy Young
Garrett Crochet – Boston Red Sox
The argument can be made that Garrett Crochet could have been the Cy Young last year after posting nearly identical stats as Tarik Skubal just with more strikeouts. Crochet is the workhorse that the Red Sox have long needed. He should lead the AL in strikeouts again this season and if he can prevent a few less runners from getting on, the award should be his.
Rookie of the Year
Kevin McGonigle – Detroit Tigers
The highly touted Tigers prospect is already turning heads less than a week into the season. He can hit for average, turn on a ball, and will make you excited every time he steps into the batter’s box. The Tigers have been excited to debut their top prospect and he is already living up to the big hype.
Manager of the Year
Skip Schumaker – Texas Rangers
Bruce Bochy is out, Schumacher is in. He has had success as a manager previously with the Miami Marlins who never really gave him much of a fair shot. The Rangers are talented and can win the West and if that happens, he should take home the award.
ALCS
Seattle Mariners vs New York Yankees
David vs Goliath. This could be a heavy weight battle that we are talking about for years to come. The Mariners are an incredible story, and this is their year. They came close to making the World Series in 2025 but fell short. Not this time.
World Series
The Seattle Mariners beat the New York Mets in six games. At long last. The Mariners will finally raise a World Series trophy, something that has eluded them for their nearly 50-year history.