Twas the day before Opening Night! The 2026 MLB Season is upon us, and for both New York teams, it means a chance at a championship. At this point in the spring, it also means predictions.
World Series Winner/MVP
World Series Winner: New York Yankees (over Chicago Cubs, 4-2)
There is a different feel to this Yankee team coming into 2026. They seem like they are more focused than they have been in years past. They have not
World Series MVP: Gerrit Cole
This would just make sense. After being on the mound for the collapse in 2024, Cole would have the chance to rewrite history, and knowing what kind of competitor he is, he will try his best to win the championship and go all out to do so.
League MVPs
(Note: I am excluding Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge)
AL MVP: Gunnar Henderson
Henderson has super-star potential. The Orioles will be improved and coming off a huge WBC for Team USA, Henderson will be the clear key to the sucess of Baltimore. The reality is Henderson is too good not to perform.
NL MVP: Juan Soto
Yup, he wins his first MVP. The generational Soto is in the midst of his prime in 2026 and will be the most productive player on the Mets. For a team looking for a bounce-back, Soto will look to put the team on his back and carry them to October for the first time in his career.
Cy Young
(Note: I am excluding Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes)
AL Cy Young: Hunter Brown
Brown is one of the best pitchers in baseball. His efforts will be highlighted even more in 2026, with the Astros not as strong as they were. With the way Brown pitches, it’s not far-fetched that he could win a Cy Young award, especially if he leads the Astros back to the postseason.
NL Cy Young: Logan Webb
Webb is one of the more underrated pitchers across the game. His ability to consistently generate ground balls and eat innings makes him the perfect candidate to finally claim the hardware he’s been chasing. In a season where the Giants will lean heavily on his stability, Webb’s precision and durability should separate him from the pack as the National League’s premier arm.
Rookie of the Year
AL ROTY: Kevin McGonigle
Taking the reins for the Tigers, McGonigle has displayed a veteran-level plate discipline that belies his rookie status. He has quickly become the offensive heartbeat of a Detroit lineup searching for identity. With a sweet left-handed stroke and elite contact skills, he’s not just winning games—he’s cementing himself as the face of the Motor City’s next great era.
NL ROTY: Nolan McLean
McLean stormed onto the scene for the Mets in 2025 when they needed him the most. He performed while the rest of the roster collapsed. Now, McLean will be at the top of the Mets’ rotation and has all the potential to be an ace in this league.
Mets Predictions:
Team MVP: Juan Soto
Team Cy Young/Team ROTY: Nolan McLean
Division position: 1st in the NL East (95-67)
This is simple: the Braves are injured. The Phillies are getting older, and their window is just about shut. The Marlins and the Nationals.
Finish: NLDS Loss to Chicago Cubs (3-2)
Yankees Predictions:
Team MVP: Aaron Judge
If Judge is healthy, he will put up Judgian numbers. If he does, there is nobody’s production in baseball, let alone the Yankees, that will surpass his production.
Team Cy Young: Max Fried
Fried was in the early-season Cy Young conversation in 2025. With Cole out to start the season, Fried will need to anchor the rotation for the Yankees to get off to a good start. His stuff looked good in the spring, and now it’s time for Fried to lead the way till Cole makes his return.
Team ROTY: Carlos Lagrange
Lagrange will likely make his debut at some point this season.
Division Position: 1st AL East (100-62)
The Yankees screwed around a lot last season and lost games due to blown saves. Now, Bednar will stabilize the ninth inning, and the team is more buttoned up defensively. The AL East is going to be the toughest division in the sport, but the Yankees seem focused and set for revenge.
Finish: World Series Victory over Chicago Cubs (4-2)