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MLB brackets released by ESPN have delivered a major surprise ahead of the 2026 postseason: the Milwaukee Brewers are the most popular pick to win the World Series. The prediction comes despite the Los Angeles Dodgers entering October as the defending champions and chasing an unprecedented National League three-peat.
ESPN published its expert forecast on September 29, 2026, asking 24 analysts from its digital, television and research teams to predict every round of the playoffs. Their selections covered the wild-card series, division series, League Championship Series and the Fall Classic.
MLB Brackets Put Brewers Ahead of Dodgers
Milwaukee received 14 of 24 World Series votes, giving the Brewers a clear advantage in the final championship forecast. The Dodgers collected six votes, while the Tampa Bay Rays received four selections.
The Brewersâ case is built around balance rather than one overwhelming strength. ESPN analysts pointed to Milwaukeeâs pitching, defense, speed, lineup depth and aggressive style of play. The club also finished the regular season with a franchise-record 103 wins, creating historic momentum as it seeks the first championship in team history.
Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson were highlighted as crucial weapons in the rotation. Milwaukeeâs bullpen was also viewed as strong enough to protect leads against elite postseason opponents. Although the Brewers finished tied for 28th in home runs, they ranked second in the majors in runs scored.
Dodgers Still Threaten a Historic Three-Peat
The Dodgers remain one of the biggest threats in the playoff bracket. They received 23 of 24 votes to win their National League Division Series, with only one analyst choosing Atlanta to advance instead.
Los Angeles can potentially use a formidable rotation featuring Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. That group gives the Dodgers the kind of October pitching depth that can overwhelm opponents in a short series.
However, analysts also identified concerns surrounding Shohei Ohtaniâs health, Kyle Tuckerâs production and the reliability of Edwin Diaz. The Dodgers finished with 100 wins, but their aging roster and inconsistent offense have created more uncertainty than in previous championship runs.
Surprising Wild-Card Picks Shape the Playoff Bracket
The wild-card predictions were closely divided in several matchups. The Chicago White Sox edged the Houston Astros by a 13-11 vote margin in the American League. Analysts cited Chicagoâs left-handed power and bullpen, while Houstonâs supporters pointed to Yordan Alvarez, the clubâs major league-leading home run total and closer Josh Hader.
The New York Yankees were a much stronger favorite against the Boston Red Sox, earning 18 votes to Bostonâs six. The Yankeesâ pitching staff, including Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, was seen as a major postseason advantage.
In the National League, Atlanta defeated Philadelphia in the prediction count, 18-6. The Bravesâ defense, power and bullpen helped separate them from the Phillies, even though Philadelphia has a strong rotation led by Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler.
San Diego was favored over Chicago in the other NL wild-card matchup, receiving 17 votes. The Padresâ late-season surge, led by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill, made them an attractive upset pick. Their bullpen, featuring Mason Miller, was another important factor.
Guardians and Rays Lead American League Forecast
The Cleveland Guardians were the overwhelming favorite to win the AL Division Series, taking 19 votes. Houston received three, while Chicago received two. Clevelandâs first-round bye allows the club to rest its bullpen and align its starting rotation.
Analysts also noted the Guardiansâ strong finish, including 24 wins in their final 35 games. Steven Kwan, Travis Bazzana and Jose Ramirez were identified as key offensive players entering October.
The Tampa Bay Rays earned 18 votes to win their ALDS matchup, compared with four for the Yankees and two for the Red Sox. Tampa Bayâs 55-26 home record, disciplined pitching and disruptive running game made the Rays a popular championship contender.
What the 2026 Predictions Mean
The forecast sets up a potential Brewers-Dodgers clash in the NLCS, a rematch filled with postseason history and pressure. ESPN voters narrowly favored Milwaukee, believing the Brewers are better equipped than last year to handle Los Angelesâ elite rotation.
Still, predictions are not results. Injuries, bullpen usage and one timely swing can completely reshape the MLB playoff bracket. The 2026 postseason begins with 12 teams chasing the same prize, and the Brewersâ surprise status only adds to the October drama.
FAQs About the 2026 MLB Brackets
Which team received the most World Series predictions?
The Milwaukee Brewers led all teams with 14 of 24 ESPN expert selections to win the 2026 World Series.
How many experts picked the Dodgers to win?
Six ESPN voters selected the Los Angeles Dodgers as their World Series champion.
Who was favored in the American League?
The Tampa Bay Rays received the most American League Championship Series votes, with 18 selections. Cleveland was the leading ALDS pick with 19 votes.
Who was favored to win the NLDS between the Dodgers and Atlanta?
The Dodgers were heavily favored, earning 23 of 24 votes to advance from that National League Division Series matchup.
Are these official playoff results?
No. The MLB brackets discussed here are ESPN expert predictions. The actual postseason results will be determined on the field.
