MLB Odds to Make the Playoffs and Predictions: Who Reaches the Postseason?

Atlanta Braves 2026 MLB Odds to Make the Playoffs and Prediction

• • Yes (-200)
  • No (+150)

The Atlanta Braves fell well below expectations last season and are searching for much better results in 2026. After making the playoffs every year from 2018 to 2014, the Braves couldn’t overcome a rash of injuries and cold stretches to clinch. They had to settle for a record of 76-86 and 20 games behind the Phillies for the NL East title.

How will the Braves respond? According to their odds to make the 2026 MLB postseason at top MLB betting sites, the Braves have a 66.7% implied probability to qualify. Let’s break down the Braves’ chances and where they stand heading into the season:

Hitting Analysis

With several key bats sidelined at various points in 2025, the Braves were forced to experiment with different lineups throughout the season. The first major blow was Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury, which kept him out until late June, only for him to later suffer a calf issue in July.

"If anybody in my mind can un-plant Shohei Ohtani as National League MVP, it's this guy…"#MLBNHotStove discusses Ronald Acuña Jr.'s form heading into the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/YYgajgw0Yq

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 2, 2026

Austin Riley’s absence over the final two months ultimately proved to be the death knell for Atlanta’s 2025 campaign. The Braves finished in the middle of the pack offensively in MLB, averaging 4.47 runs per game. Still, despite Marcell Ozuna’s departure, there’s reason to expect more consistency from this lineup in 2026.

If Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Riley, and Acuña Jr. can stay on the field, the Braves should be in strong shape offensively. I’m projecting a breakout campaign from catcher Drake Baldwin behind the plate. As a rookie in 2025, Baldwin posted a .274 batting average with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs.

Expect a lot more people to know Baldwin’s name in 2026. He could emerge as the X-factor in Atlanta’s lineup this season. On top of Baldwin’s continued growth, Michael Harris II has a strong chance to bounce back after regressing in 2025. If those two developments materialize and the Braves’ core remains healthy, this offense should deliver significantly stronger results.

Pitching Analysis

The pitching staff wasn’t immune to injuries in 2026. Spencer Schwellenbach made 17 starts before exiting with an elbow injury. They’ll begin the season without Schwellenbach in the rotation, as he continues to clear up bone spurs. 24th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Hurston Waldrep, will also miss time.

Fortunately, the Braves are optimistic they can get both pitchers back at some point during the summer months. They already have a strong 1-2-3 combo at the top of the rotation and will enter the season with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo López. A fourth starter will need to emerge, but there is useful depth in Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and Grant Holmes.

Last year, the Braves posted a mediocre 4.36 ERA, ranking 22nd in the Majors. Like the offense, however, the pitching staff appears poised to rebound. With Schwellenbach expected to return to the rotation at a critical point in the season, the Braves should get a meaningful boost for their postseason push down the stretch.

Prediction: Braves to Make the Playoffs

Following a tough season for the Braves, I foresee a big bounce-back campaign in the works. They had to say goodbye to Ozuna, but there remains plenty of power in the lineup. An injury-free season for Acuña Jr. will prove to be a massive catalyst for Atlanta in 2026, and potentially put him in the running for NL MVP.

I’m a huge believer in Baldwin’s game this season, so he has a chance to replace what they lost in the offseason. In addition to more consistency from the pitching staff, the Braves are going to likely be in a position to compete for the divisional crown.

The Phillies were pleased to see the Braves fall hard in 2025, but they’re back in the running. At -200, the Braves are one of the best bets to make the MLB playoffs in 2026.

Baltimore Orioles 2026 MLB Odds to Make the Playoffs and Prediction

• • Yes (-115)
  • No (-115)

If you are searching for a breakout candidate in 2026, the Baltimore Orioles are one of the clubs atop my list. The Orioles are on the heels of a disappointing last place performance in the AL East, but I expect them to be more competitive.

They were 19 games out of first, with a record of 75-87 and well out of the Wild Card hunt. Nevertheless, the Orioles made some key moves in the offseason that have them positioned well heading into the spring. Below, find my analysis of the Orioles’ outlook in 2026:

Hitting Analysis

Despite a down year for the Orioles, they’re still loaded with young talent that’s poised to give AL East opponents problems this season and for years to come. With another year of experience for their young bats, there’s every reason to believe the offense comes together in Baltimore.

The upside runs throughout the lineup. Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo are all 25 or younger and strong candidates to take another step forward in 2026. We already saw a glimpse of that power in 2025, when the O’s hit 191 home runs, good for 11th in the majors.

The Orioles offense will be one of the best in baseball this season, and a big reason for that will be newly acquired Pete Alonso.

He was hitting the ball harder than he ever has:

Barrel%: 13.2%—18.9%
Hard-Hit%: 46.4%—54.4%
Avg EV (MPH): 89.9—93.5

(All are career highs) pic.twitter.com/kvhKaFA4v7

— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) February 10, 2026

Now, add Pete Alonso to that mix, and the Orioles should be in serious business at the plate. Alonso arrives from the Mets after launching 38 home runs and driving in 126 runs last season. As long as he doesn’t turn into another Chris Davis, this has the makings of one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball.

Alonso wasn’t happy in Queens and still crushed the ball. If he finds fresh motivation in Baltimore, he has a real chance to get back over the 40–home run mark. On top of the production, he brings a veteran presence in the clubhouse and a natural leadership role for this young core.

Pitching Analysis

The Orioles bolstered their pitching staff with the addition of former Blue Jays’ hurler Chris Bassitt. Bassitt was one of the unsung heroes for the Blue Jays during their run to the World Series and provides an arm they were missing a year ago.

The 37-year-old veteran posted an ERA of 3.96 and a 1.33 WHIP to show that he can be a solid addition in the middle of the rotation. With Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish sitting ahead of Bassitt, that’s a strong punch for the O’s. Shane Baz and Zach Eflin complete the five-pitcher rotation in Baltimore.

TREVOR ROGERS MY GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/sP2pSMkBp4

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 20, 2026

I’m high on Rogers developing into a bona fide ace and becoming a household name in 2026. He has the talent to emerge as a legitimate dark-horse Cy Young contender. After overcoming an early-season injury last year, Rogers caught fire, making 18 starts and posting a 1.80 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP across 109.2 innings.

A full season of Rogers and Bradish together should elevate the Orioles’ pitching staff into elite territory. With that duo at the top, Baltimore’s 4.60 team ERA from last season is likely to improve significantly, and I’m very optimistic about this group heading into 2026.

Prediction: Orioles to Make the Playoffs

The Orioles are going to surprise a lot of baseball fans this season. They play in a stacked division, but I expect them to contend seriously for the AL East crown.

I do think they fall just short of winning the division, but I’m projecting the Orioles to reach the MLB playoffs as a Wild Card team. Everything is coming together nicely in Baltimore, and the 2026 campaign is shaping up to be a standout year both on the mound and at the plate.

The front office acted like true buyers in the offseason, recognizing that this club has the talent to make a deep run this year. Simply put, the Orioles are one of the strongest MLB bets to make the playoffs in 2026.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2026 MLB Odds to Make the Playoffs and Prediction

• • Yes (+240)
  • No (-340)

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ odds to make the 2026 MLB playoffs suggest they’ll be watching from home. At -340 to miss, the market is giving them roughly a 77.3% implied chance of falling short. Still, their outlook might not be quite as bleak as the betting line implies.

Pittsburgh is trying to flip the script from one of the worst teams in baseball into a legitimate postseason threat. The Pirates finished 71-91 last year, landing in last place in the NL Central. But buried in that record was a quietly encouraging stretch: they went 32-33 after the All-Star break and were competitive more often than their overall mark suggests.

With a few key additions and a fresh perspective in 2026, this could be the most promising season Pittsburgh has seen in a while. Below is my full evaluation of the Pirates’ 2026 outlook:

Hitting Analysis

The Pirates’ offensive woes were well documented last season. They scored just 3.60 runs per game, finishing dead last in the Majors, and hit a meager .231, with only two teams faring worse.

This year, though, the Buccos are positioned to show far more pop. The arrival of Marcell Ozuna, after six productive years in Atlanta, finally gives Pittsburgh a proven middle-of-the-order bat who can leave the yard at any time. While 2025 wasn’t his best campaign, a change of scenery at age 35 could be exactly what he needs.

Ozuna isn’t arriving alone. The Pirates also added Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn, and those three combined for 69 home runs last season. If Ozuna had turned in one of his more typical years, that total likely would have easily cleared 70 long balls.

Beyond the veterans, there’s plenty of reason for excitement around NL Rookie of the Year favorite Konnor Griffin. The 19-year-old phenom has already been turning heads in Spring Training and enters the season as the clear front-runner for the award.

Konnor Griffin … WOW 🤯

MLB's No. 1 prospect goes yard AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/F1VTJnWlWB

— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2026

With the added power from Ozuna, Lowe, and O’Hearn, plus Griffin’s upside, the Pirates’ lineup should be significantly more dangerous and far better equipped to shake off last year’s offensive struggles.

Pitching Analysis

Led by NL Cy Young winner and generational pitcher Paul Skenes, the Pirates’ pitching staff did their best to keep them in games. With a 3.76 ERA, seventh best in the Majors, Skenes and Co. did everything possible.

Skenes was electric last season, posting a 1.97 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over 32 starts and 187.2 innings. He returns for his third year already armed with both an NL Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young Award on his resume.

Paul Skenes doing Paul Skenes things 💪

He strikes out the side in order to start the game! pic.twitter.com/Yg0wEXi4NP

— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2025

Skenes isn’t the only power arm on this staff. The Pirates’ rotation is followed by Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler behind him, with Chandler profiling as the true X-factor. As a rookie, Chandler recorded a 4.02 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across seven appearances, flashing stretches of dominance that hint at significant upside.

If Chandler takes a step forward in 2026, Pittsburgh could build on last year’s strong performance on the mound. I’m confident the Pirates’ pitching staff can blossom into a real force in the National League this season.

Prediction: Pirates to Make the Playoffs

It’s a long shot, but the Pirates are one of the best value plays to make the MLB playoffs. At +240, it’s tough to ignore a flier on Pittsburgh putting itself in position to fight for a Wild Card spot. Yes, the Pirates finished 20 games under .500 last season, but their second-half results were far more promising.

Now, with a stronger roster on the field, they’re positioned to build on that momentum. The emergence of Griffin, paired with new offensive talent in the lineup, should finally give the pitching staff the run support it’s been missing.

Last year, the Pirates were known for dropping low-scoring one- or two-run games. In 2026, that should flip. With better bats behind an already solid staff, and a price of +240, the Pirates stand out as one of the best MLB bets to make the playoffs.

Boston Red Sox 2026 MLB Odds to Make the Playoffs and Prediction

• • Yes (-185)
  • No (+140)

Red Sox fans will be happy to learn that their cherished club is favored to make the postseason in 2026. With -185 odds, the Red Sox own a 65% implied probability to qualify after reaching the postseason last season. This team could be better than the 2025 edition, so optimism remains high in Boston.

New additions to their rotation could push them to new heights this season. Are they better than the 89-73 club from a year ago? Let’s delve into the details and find out if the Red Sox are one of the best bets to make the MLB playoffs in 2026:

Hitting Analysis

The Red Sox offense was in solid standing in the Majors a season ago. They finished in the top 10, with a total of 748 RBIs and were in the top 5 with a .254 team batting average.

There weren’t any huge black holes in the Red Sox lineup, and should see even more growth from the offense, including OF/DH Roman Anthony. Anthony is going to send a jolt through the AL East for the Red Sox this season.

The 21-year-old is ready to enter a new phase of his promising career in 2026. As a rookie, Anthony recorded a .292 batting average with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 71 games. That’s just the start for Anthony, who projects to take a leap forward.

Jarren Duran leaves the park AGAIN!

That's 3 homers in the past 2 games for the @RedSox outfielder 😳 pic.twitter.com/HL7ZbAhqfv

— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2026

I also have faith in Jarren Duran reaching career highs this season. Duran regressed from a .285 and 21 home runs to a .256 and 16 long balls over the last two years. He has been blazing hot in Spring Training, and that kind of production should translate into regular season success for the Red Sox.

Pitching Analysis

The front office addressed the starting rotation in the offseason by inking Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray. Those are strong singings, especially Suarez who is one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball.

Suarez posted a 3.46 ERA and 3.20 ERA the last two years in Philadelphia. I expect the 30-year-old to settle in nicely as the No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher. The Red Sox have plenty of options behind AL Cy Young candidate Garrett Crochet.

Crochet's 250th K this season! 👊 pic.twitter.com/TfHi0q51tF

— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 24, 2025

Crochet led the majors in strikeouts and pushed Tarik Skubal for the Cy Young all season. Expect him to be back in the Cy Young mix again this year, supported by an outstanding cast. The back of the rotation is strong as well, with Brayan Bello and Johan Oviedo providing excellent depth.

Even in a tough division in 2026, the Red Sox pitching staff should find plenty of success and have a real chance to excel from top to bottom.

Prediction: Red Sox to Make the Playoffs

It’s going to be a highly competitive race for the AL East crown, with all five clubs looking strong this season. The Red Sox are expected to be right in the mix, and I believe they’ll live up to those expectations.

Overall, Boston looks better on paper than it did a year ago. The pitching staff has the potential to be something special, with a legitimate Cy Young candidate leading the way at the top of the rotation.

The offense was steady and reliable in 2025, and there’s a real chance it takes another step forward. Roman Anthony’s continued development and Jarren Duran entering the season with a chip on his shoulder could give this lineup even more punch.

Given all of that, the Red Sox should make the playoffs and stand out as one of the best bets on the board at -185.

• Yes to Atlanta Braves (-200)
• Yes to Baltimore Orioles (-115)
• Yes to Pittsburgh Pirates (+240)
• Yes to Boston Red Sox (-185)