As the 2026 MLB season approaches, baseball fans are buzzing with anticipation. But here’s the burning question: Can last year’s division winners reclaim their thrones? With the Yankees and Giants set to kick things off on March 25, we’re diving into our annual preview series, dissecting the chances of each reigning champion repeating their success. And this is the part most people miss—history shows that repeating as division champs isn’t as rare as you’d think. Over the past eight seasons, at least three teams have defended their titles in six of those years. So, will 2026 follow suit? Let’s break it down.
Quick trivia challenge for you, baseball buffs: How many teams managed to win back-to-back division titles in 2024 and 2025? The answer might surprise you—it’s four, which is higher than average but not unheard of. Here’s a look at the trend over the past eight seasons:
- 2025: 4
- 2024: 3
- 2023: 3
- 2022: 2
- 2021: 2
- 2020: 3
- 2019: 3
- 2018: 4
With this in mind, let’s rank the six division champions from last season based on their likelihood of repeating in 2026. Each team is listed with their 2025 record and margin of victory.
1. Dodgers (NL West) – 93-69, 3 games over Padres
The Dodgers are the two-time defending World Series champs, but here’s where it gets controversial: their roster is aging, with key players in their 30s, and their outfield might rank below average unless they make a splashy move. Still, they’re stacked and likely to improve further. Are they a lock to repeat? Or is their dominance finally in jeopardy? Let’s just say, I’m betting on them to win it all again.
2. Mariners (AL West) – 90-72, 3 games over Astros
After breaking their 21-year division title drought in 2025, the Mariners look poised to reign again. With a healthy pitching staff, MVP contenders Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, and a full season of Josh Naylor, they’re the clear favorites. But here’s the twist: can they fend off a resurgent Astros or a surprising Rangers team? Only time will tell.
3. Phillies (NL East) – 96-66, 13 games over Mets
Despite underperforming stars like Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola last season, the Phillies cruised to a division title. But this is where it gets tricky: the Braves and Mets are reloading, and the Marlins and Nationals are no pushovers. Can Philadelphia stay on top? Or is their window closing faster than we think?
4. Blue Jays (AL East) – 94-68, won tiebreaker over Yankees
The Blue Jays are better on paper with additions like Dylan Cease and Tyler Rogers, but here’s the catch: the AL East is a gauntlet. The Red Sox, Orioles, Rays, and Yankees are all gunning for the top spot. Is Toronto still the best team in the division, or will they get dethroned in this baseball bloodbath?
5. Brewers (NL Central) – 97-65, 5 games over Cubs
The Brewers have won three straight division titles, yet they’re still underrated. Here’s the debate: Can they keep defying the odds, or will the Cubs, Reds, or Pirates finally knock them off their perch? I’ve doubted them before and been wrong—will this year be different?
6. Guardians (AL Central) – 88-74, 1 game over Tigers
The AL Central is anyone’s game. And this is the part most people miss: every team in this division has major question marks, especially on offense. Will the Guardians repeat, or will the Royals, Twins, or Tigers surprise us all? Honestly, it’s a coin flip.
Now, I want to hear from you: Which division winner do you think is most likely to repeat? And which underdog could pull off the upset? Drop your predictions in the comments—let’s spark some friendly debate!
