Brewers and Yankees Emerge as Favorites in 2026 MLB Playoff Insider Poll

A poll of 16 MLB executives and scouts named the Milwaukee Brewers the National League favorite with six votes, while the New York Yankees led the American League with nine votes.

In a poll of 16 MLB executives and scouts, the Milwaukee Brewers were named the National League team to beat for the 2026 playoffs with six votes. The Los Angeles Dodgers followed with five votes, the Philadelphia Phillies received four, and the Chicago Cubs earned one. Insiders cited the Brewers' pitching staff, specifically the duo of Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson, as the primary reason for their selection. The San Diego Padres were identified as the NL sleeper team with seven votes, largely due to trade deadline acquisitions Casey Mize and Robbie Ray helping the staff achieve the best ERA in the league since the deadline.

In the American League, the New York Yankees received nine votes as the favorite following the return of Aaron Judge from a three-month injury absence and the return of Carlos Rodon. The Tampa Bay Rays, who have held the best record in the AL for most of the season, received four votes, while the Boston Red Sox earned three. Scouts noted that the Yankees' offense remains dangerous at home even without Giancarlo Stanton, and highlighted pitcher Cam Schlittler as a key asset. The Houston Astros emerged as the AL sleeper pick with seven votes, supported by the performance of Yordan Alvarez, closer Josh Hader, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.

Potential threats to the favorites include a Philadelphia Phillies rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo. In the American League, the Red Sox bullpen, led by Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman, is viewed as a significant obstacle. While the Chicago Cubs were noted for ranking first in offense and defense, their recent bullpen struggles were highlighted as a concern. The Seattle Mariners, who were the consensus sleeper pick in 2025, received no votes in this year's poll as they are expected to miss the postseason.