Imagine this: two teams, written off just a year ago, battling it out under the bright lights of the World Series. Sounds far-fetched, right? But it's happened before, and it could happen again. The recent Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Seahawks, teams that had struggled in recent years, got us thinking: could we see a similar story unfold in Major League Baseball in 2026? It might seem like a long shot, but history tells us otherwise. Just look at the Blue Jays' incredible turnaround, going from last place in 2024 to a Game 7 World Series appearance in 2025. And let's not forget the 2023 World Series, where the Rangers and Diamondbacks, both absent from the playoffs the year before, faced off in a historic showdown.
This got us wondering: which teams could pull off a similar feat in 2026? We challenged five MLB.com writers and researchers to predict potential World Series matchups featuring teams that missed the playoffs in 2025. To make it even more interesting, each team could only be chosen once. Here's what they came up with, along with the reasons why these seemingly unlikely contenders might just surprise us all.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some of these picks might raise eyebrows. Are we underestimating the challenges these teams face, or could they truly rise from the ashes?
1. Orioles vs. Mets:
2025 Struggles: The Orioles experienced a complete meltdown, with their pitching staff crumbling and injuries plaguing their lineup. The Mets, despite a strong start, collapsed in the second half due to pitching woes.
2026 Hope: Both teams have undergone significant roster overhauls. The Orioles added power hitters like Pete Alonso and bolstered their pitching with Shane Baz. The Mets acquired stars like Bo Bichette and Freddy Peralta, aiming to capitalize on the talent of Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. Could these moves be enough to propel them to the top?
And this is the part most people miss... The Orioles' young core, including Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, is poised for breakout seasons, while the Mets' young pitchers like Nolan McLean could be key to their success.
2. Astros vs. Braves:
2025 Struggles: The Astros missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years, hampered by injuries to Yordan Alvarez and underperformance from veterans like Jose Altuve. The Braves, plagued by injuries to their starting rotation and key hitters, fell short of their usual dominance.
2026 Hope: Both teams still boast talented rosters. The Braves, projected to have one of the best lineups in baseball, rely on the health of Ronald Acuña Jr. The Astros, while slightly older, have added pitching depth with Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, hoping for bounce-back seasons from Altuve and Carlos Correa. Is their window closing, or can they recapture past glory?
3. Rangers vs. D-backs:
2025 Struggles: The Rangers' offense, once potent, sputtered due to injuries to key players. The D-backs, despite a powerful lineup, were let down by their pitching, with ace Zac Gallen struggling and Corbin Burnes sidelined by injury.
2026 Hope: The Rangers, with a strong run differential in 2025, have added Brandon Nimmo to their lineup and bolstered their rotation with MacKenzie Gore. The D-backs, retaining their dangerous offense, hope for a healthy Gallen and Burnes to lead their pitching staff. Can these teams overcome their pitching woes and make a run?
4. Athletics vs. Pirates:
2025 Struggles: The Athletics had a powerful offense but lacked pitching, while the Pirates had strong pitching but a weak offense.
2026 Hope: Both teams showed signs of improvement in the second half of 2025. The Athletics, led by Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, have a well-rounded lineup. The Pirates have added offensive pieces to support their talented young rotation, led by Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. Are these teams finally ready to break through?
A bold prediction: Keep an eye on Konnor Griffin, the Pirates' top prospect. If he lives up to the hype, Pittsburgh could be a serious contender.
5. Royals vs. Giants:
2025 Struggles: The Royals, after a surprising 2024 playoff appearance, regressed due to a lack of offensive depth. The Giants, stuck in mediocrity, lacked consistency on both sides of the ball.
2026 Hope: The Royals are hoping that lowering the outfield walls at Kauffman Stadium will boost their offense. The Giants have taken a gamble with an unconventional managerial hire in Tony Vitello. Both teams have made modest roster additions, but their success may hinge on the development of young players like Jac Caglianone and Bryce Eldridge. Will these risky moves pay off?
These predictions are just that – predictions. But they highlight the beauty of baseball: anything can happen. Teams can rise from the ashes, underdogs can become champions, and the seemingly impossible can become reality. So, who will be lifting the Commissioner's Trophy in 2026? Only time will tell. What do you think? Which of these matchups seems most likely? Which team do you think has the best chance of pulling off a miraculous turnaround? Let us know in the comments!
