Major League Baseball's 2026 season kicks off with the Los Angeles Dodgers once again atop our power rankings as the two-time defending champions. After a chaotic offseason that saw the Dodgers sign Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz while boosting their payroll by over $30 million, they enter as the clear favorites to win a third consecutive World Series title. The question isn't whether they'll make the playoffs—ESPN projects a 98% chance—but whether they can handle the pressure of chasing history.

Behind L.A., the Seattle Mariners emerge as the top challenger, projected to win 90 games with a 72% playoff probability. Seattle's offseason additions of Brendan Donovan and re-signing Josh Naylor address last year's offensive inconsistencies, while superstars Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh give them star power to match the Dodgers. The Yankees, returning healthy with Gerrit Cole from Tommy John surgery, round out the top three, though their playoff odds sit at 70%.

The season's biggest storylines will center on whether the Dodgers' spending spree—which has reignited calls for a salary cap—pays off with another title, or if rising teams like Seattle can finally break through. With Opening Day here, baseball fans have 30 compelling storylines to follow as the chase for October begins.