We are only just over a month into the MLB season, but there have been some jaw-dropping things go down. We’ve seen a World Series manager get fired. We’ve seen top prospects get called up while others have fallen flat on their face. There has been a lot in these first seven weeks of the season and hopefully that creates lots of fun for the next few months. Here are our biggest 2026 MLB surprises thus far.
The Atlanta Braves
The Braves lost their touch last year…big time. After being a force to be reckoned with over the last decade, the Braves finished 76-86 last season and in fourth place in the NL East. To start this year, they are 25-11 and the best team in Major League Baseball. The Braves have a +80-run differential. In his first year as the Braves manager Walt Weiss has Atlanta playing like a legitimate World Series contender. The question becomes whether they can sustain this, but so far so good for the old powerhouse.
The NL Central
The Central has a ton of teams that are playing better than expected. While the Cubs are at the top, the St. Louis Cardinals are right behind them. The Cards are in the midst of a rebuild where they sold off a ton of old talent in the offseason and handed the keys over the young guys. Behind them are the Reds who Tito Francona has playing like his Guardians teams of old. They lack major talent but still seem to win games. And for the first time in what seems like 20 years, the Pirates are contending. They are over .500 and have handed the keys to their youth movement.
Munetaka Murakami
When Murakami signed a modest deal with the White Sox for just two years, it felt like most of the league was confused. The Japanese star was supposed to be a much bigger star that demanded a big contract but didn’t receive that over fears that his game wouldn’t translate to the bigs. Instead, he and Aaron Judge are in the midst of a battle for the AL lead in home runs to begin the year. He already has 14 blasts and has earned himself the nickname, “Southside Samurai.”
The Big Fish
Mike Trout. We haven’t seen vintage Mike Trout in over five years. Injuries have derailed a career that I once considered could be the greatest in the history of baseball. This season, Trout has been much better. His average might be down but his OPS hovers right around 1.000 and he already has blasted double digit home runs.
The Prospect Who Is Finally Panning Out
It took Jordan Walker some time, but it looks like the Cardinals once promising player is showing that potential. Walker was a top 5 prospect in the game just three years ago but had a hard time reaching his full capability. It looks like he’s finally caught onto MLB pitching with 10 home runs and an average well over .300.