Experts Project 12-Team 2026 MLB Playoff Field as Rays, White Sox Challenge Yankees
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 16
Experts Project 12-Team 2026 MLB Playoff Field as Rays, White Sox Challenge Yankees
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 16
Summary
Four experts entering the post-All-Star break largely see Tampa Bay, Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and the Dodgers as the likeliest division winners in a projected 12-team postseason field.
Tampa Bay and the White Sox emerge as the biggest surprise picks: analysts cite the Yankees' hole during Aaron Judge's absence, the Rays' tiebreak edge, and Munetaka Murakami's return boosting Chicago.
Detroit and New York still split opinion, with some expecting a Tigers fade if Tarik Skubal is traded and others forecasting a Yankees rebound once Judge returns and deadline moves address roster flaws.
In the National League, Philadelphia is favored by most over Atlanta, Milwaukee is viewed as the NL Central standard despite rotation concerns, and the Dodgers are projected to cruise through the West.
The broader second-half picture centers on the trade deadline, with San Diego potentially selling, St. Louis facing a buy-or-build choice, and several disappointing clubs still trying to play into October.