MLB 2026: Surprising Division Winners and Shocking Upsets You Won’t See Coming
That’s all fantastic and a great sign for the Tigers’ future. But it’s not quite as encouraging that only Riley Greene, the 25-year-old outfielder whose second-half swoon contributed to the Tigers’ 2025 collapse, is the only position player projected to exceed McGonigle’s production. There’s a lot of hit-or-miss in Detroit’s lineup, and relying on McGonigle to spark this offense alongside such a vaunted rotation is tempting fate.
Opta Analyst’s Projected Winner: Kansas City Royals (34.6%)
AL West
Crizer’s Winner: Seattle Mariners
What a difference a year makes. Last spring, the Mariners and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto were the butt of jokes about low ambition and mediocrity after his 54% comment. Now, fresh off an ALCS run and Cal Raleigh’s thunderous 60-homer season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Seattle registered baseball’s best record in 2026. Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez and smart addition Brendan Donovan elevate this lineup into the same stratosphere the Mariners’ relentless pitching staff has occupied for a few years now.


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