New York Yankees win total 91.5 - Under

We’ll start with the Bronx Bombers.

The AL East will be the most competitive division in baseball with Toronto, Boston and Baltimore battling New York for the division. Aaron Judge will be fine. He’ll strikeout a ton, leave runners on, but hit 50 dingers and drive in 120 runs. Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton will protect Judge to a degree. Max Fried anchors the rotation. Bullpen questions maybe but runs shouldn’t be a problem for this lineup. They will protect the pitching staff. I’m looking forward to the three/four team battle in the East.

Prediction: Under. 89 wins and a playoff berth.

Detroit Tigers win total 86.5 - Over

Tarik Skubal is in a Tiger uniform. That alone is worth a bunch of wins. Justin Verlander adds experience and still has gas in the tank (maybe). The offense I feel is underrated. Javier Baez provides a veteran presence to help lead a fairly young group. Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene could be breakout stars this year. There’s a lot to like here. Bringing in Framber Valdez along with Verlander was a great addition to the rotation. The bullpen was overhauled. Kenley Jansen is the new closer, an interesting story to watch. They will battle Kansas City for the Central Division.

Prediction: Over. 88 wins and in the playoffs.

Seattle Mariners win total 89.5 - Over

The best team you aren’t watching. Period. Seattle will clinch the West early. Catcher Cal Raleigh is a cult favorite and for good reason. Julio Rodriguez is an up and coming star, Randy Arozarena is the steady veteran. If healthy, the starting rotation can be elite. Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Bryan Woo could all be Cy Young caliber pitchers. The loss of Jorge Polanco hurt, but Seattle will weather it. The ALCS appearance in 2025 was no fluke. They are my favorite to come out of the American League in 2026.

Prediction: Over. 96 wins and World Series appearance.

Kansas City Royals win total 83 - Over

Caesar’s may have undershot this one. The Royals are great defensively. The pitching staff is very good led by Cole Ragans. Young stars like Jac Caglianone. Oh yeah, this is also Bobby Witt, Jr.’s team. More on him in a minute. Remember the name Vinnie Pasquantino if you aren’t already familiar. 32 home runs and 113 RBI last year is a starting point. He’s only going to turn into a monster. If the bullpen holds up, Detroit gets a run for it’s money in the Central.

Prediction: Over. 89 wins and the Central Division title.

Bonus prediction: Bobby Witt Jr. wins MVP over Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge. I am a big Witt fan. It’s his year.

Toronto Blue Jays win total 86.5 - Over

Not as much discussion on the reigning, defending American League champs. I have no idea why. Great lineup (Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. anyone?), starting pitching boosted by the addition of Dylan Cease, Japanese sensation Kazuma Okamoto makes his debut, young guys like Addison Barger poised to make a major impact. Daulton Varsho is a beast. Reliable vets like George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer. What’s not to like about this club? Nothing that’s what. Toronto beats projections in a big way.

Prediction: Over. 94 wins and a division title.