In March, with the common season drawing nearer every day, Yardbarker’s group of MLB writers obtained collectively to determine what a best-case situation would possibly seem like heading into the approaching season, laying out circumstances for every of the American League and Nationwide League franchises.
Now, with the season coming to a detailed, it’s the excellent alternative to look again and see how issues truly unfolded.
(Information and stats are all coming into play on Monday.)
AL East
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer.
Kevin Sousa-Imagn Photographs
Toronto Blue Jays (87-62) | Finest case: 77-85 |
Nobody may’ve anticipated a resurgence of this caliber by the 2025 Blue Jays. Broadly projected to complete final within the AL East heading into this season, Toronto has ridden a revitalized George Springer and Bo Bichette in addition to a veteran pitching workers to regular-season greatness. The American League isn’t precisely a gauntlet, both, giving the Blue Jays as a lot of an opportunity to make a run as every other contending membership.
New York Yankees (83-66) | Finest case: 86-76 |
They had been presupposed to take a step again after shedding outfielder Juan Soto to the crosstown rival Mets, however the Yankees have greater than held their very own in 2025 regardless of accidents to stars like starter Gerrit Cole and outfielder Aaron Choose and regardless of a regarding summer season swoon. They need to eclipse 86 wins reasonably simply, however whether or not New York captures back-to-back AL East titles continues to be to be decided.
Boston Purple Sox (82-68) | Finest case: 89-73 |
That is wanting like a stable projection, largely as a result of the Purple Sox have capitalized on matchups in opposition to AL East rivals in 2025 (28-18 versus groups in division). With an ace in lefty Garrett Crochet, a dominant nearer in Aroldis Chapman and a stable core of place gamers, Boston may make some noise in a wide-open American League.
Tampa Bay Rays (73-76 ) | Finest case: 84-78 |
In what looks like a uncommon prevalence given their propensity to shock, the Rays may very well underachieve our projected best-case file in 2025. It hasn’t been a season to recollect in Tampa, however the Rays have some nice constructing blocks to construct momentum for the 2026 season, specifically third baseman Junior Caminero.
Baltimore Orioles (69-80) | Finest case: 88-74 |
2025 will go down as a misplaced season in Baltimore, because the Orioles received’t even come near their finest case of 88 wins. As an alternative of successful the AL East as a number of projection websites forecasted, former supervisor Brandon Hyde was fired in Could, and the membership by no means recovered underneath interim skipper Tony Mansolino.
— Seth Carlson
AL Central
Detroit Tigers beginning pitcher Tarik Skubal.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Photographs
Detroit Tigers (85-65) | Finest case: 90-72 | The Tigers ought to surpass the 90-win mark as they need to win the AL Central for the primary time since 2014. An damage scare for Tarik Skubal was not what the Tigers wanted heading into the postseason, however their ace might not miss a begin. If the Tigers are going to make noise within the postseason, they want Skubal on the prime of his sport.
Cleveland Guardians (78-71) | Finest case: 92-70 | It has been an odd 12 months in Cleveland, with pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase being positioned on administrative depart as a consequence of potential playing violations. Regardless of being sellers on the deadline, the Guardians have confirmed resilient and stay within the wild-card hunt, though they could have dug too deep a gap to succeed in the postseason.
Kansas Metropolis Royals (75-75) | Finest case: 90-72 | Apart from three weeks from April 23 by Could 9, when the Royals went 16-2, they’ve been mediocre at finest this season. Third baseman Maikel Garcia took a big step ahead, however the remainder of the lineup proved underwhelming, torpedoing the Royals’ possibilities.
Minnesota Twins (65-84) | Finest case: 86-76 | Byron Buxton remained fairly wholesome this 12 months, however that’s about the one factor that went proper. A fireplace sale on the commerce deadline, regardless of having an opportunity at contending for a playoff berth, may imply that there might be some lean years forward in Minnesota.
Chicago White Sox (57-93) | Finest case: 63-99 | If the White Sox can play .500 ball the remainder of the way in which, they are going to keep away from shedding 100 video games this season. Though they’ve a protracted technique to go earlier than contending, the White Sox are beginning to put collectively an attention-grabbing younger core. Likelihood is, they won’t contend in 2026, however a return to relevance will not be too far-off.
— David Hill
AL West
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates with first baseman Josh Naylor (12).
Ken Blaze-Imagn Photographs
Seattle Mariners (82-68) | Finest case: 92-70 |
The Mariners’ aggressive commerce deadline, through which they added former All-Stars Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez, has stored their hopes for 90-plus wins and the elusive AL West crown intact.
Houston Astros (81-69) | Finest case: 90-72 |
The Astros would want to win 9 of their remaining 12 contests to succeed in the 90-win mark. Extra importantly, nevertheless, the perennial powerhouse Astros are only one sport behind the division-leading Mariners, conserving their hopes of claiming their eighth AL West title within the final 9 years alive.
Texas Rangers (79-71) | Finest case: 92-70 |
Regardless of their offensive woes, Texas’ pitching workers, that includes a bounce-back season by former Cy Younger winner Jacob deGrom, thrilling leaps by former prime prospect Jack Leiter, stable manufacturing from veterans Patrick Corbin and Tyler Mahle and an completely dominant 1.73 ERA, 0.854 WHIP, 11-3 file and 129 strikeouts throughout 130 innings by veteran Nathan Eovaldi (pre-injury) have anchored the Rangers’ season. Whereas they don’t have an opportunity to succeed in their 92-game ceiling, they’re solely two video games out of the ultimate AL wild-card spot.
Athletics (70-80) | Finest case: 81-81 |
If the A’s rolled out a 10-game successful streak over their last video games of 2025, they might nonetheless fall simply wanting 81 victories. Nevertheless, the emergence of rookies Nick Kurtz (whose 32 homers in 105 video games have him wanting like a future AL MVP) and Jacob Wilson (whose .318 batting common ranks second within the AL behind Aaron Choose) has the membership’s future wanting brilliant.
Los Angeles Angels (69-81) | Finest case: 75-83 | A 6-6 file over the Angels’ last 12 contests will get them to the 75-win mark. With three-game sequence in opposition to the Rockies and Royals (in addition to the Astros and Brewers) remaining, Zach Neto, Mike Trout, Jo Adell and firm have the chance to tie a bow round a stable common season.
— Allen Settle
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies aid pitcher Jhoan Duran.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Photographs
Philadelphia Phillies (89-61) | Finest case: 92-70 | The Phillies are one win (or one Mets loss) away from successful their second straight division title, however it will not imply a lot till they’ll show themselves in October. Philadelphia’s trade-deadline pickups of nearer Jhoan Duran and OF Harrison Bader have paid off and appear to be establishing for a deep postseason run.
New York Mets (77-73) | Finest case: 86-76 | On June 12, the Mets had been 45-24 with a 5.5-game lead within the NL East. They’ve gone 33-49 since, and are 12 video games again of the Phillies for first place. Pitching-staff struggles and failure to hit with runners in scoring place are two of the primary causes for the Mets’ collapse.
Miami Marlins (70-80) | Finest case: 54-108 | Miami’s encouraging season reached its peak on Aug. 3 following a sweep of the Yankees at house to succeed in a .500 file. Though they’ve gone 16-25 since, the Marlins have far exceeded expectations and look to additional enhance in 2026.
Atlanta Braves (66-83) | Finest case: 97-65 | Winless by their first seven video games of the season, the Braves by no means rebounded as many thought they might. Whereas the return of OF Ronald Acuna Jr. and the emergence of rookie catcher Drake Baldwin pumped some life into their offense, the membership suffered too many accidents and was by no means in a position to get again on observe.
Washington Nationals (62-87) | Finest case: 78-84 | Solely three video games underneath .500 on June 6 at 30-33, the Nats then went on an 11-game shedding streak and by no means absolutely recovered. A couple of weeks later, they fired supervisor Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo. Following a tumultuous marketing campaign, Washington hopes to proceed constructing for the longer term and creating its younger stars, with 22-year-old James Wooden main the way in which.
— Lauren Amour
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers supervisor Pat Murphy.
Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Community through Imagn Photographs
Milwaukee Brewers (91-59) | Finest case: 90-72 | After a 93-win marketing campaign in 2024, the Brewers misplaced notable names within the offseason, together with shortstop Willy Adames and nearer Devin Williams. Expectations dipped following the departures, with Milwaukee projected to win simply 82 video games, per BetMGM. However with Pat Murphy successful the franchise’s first Supervisor of the Yr award, the prediction was a minimal dip, which was confirmed mistaken. Now sitting at 91 wins — six shy of the franchise file — Murphy could also be on observe to win the glory once more, proving the chances mistaken as soon as extra.
Chicago Cubs (85-64) | Finest case: 91-71 | At the moment 19 video games above .500, Chicago is on tempo for a 92-win season — one shy of the projected ceiling. Though they path the Milwaukee Brewers within the NL Central by 5.5 video games, the Cubs are closing in on a playoff berth — at present holding the highest NL wild-card spot.
Cincinnati Reds (74-75) | Finest case: 86-76 | In Terry Francona’s first season as Cincinnati’s supervisor, the Reds regarded on observe for a postseason look — with a 67-60 file as of Aug. 19. However momentum has pale, as they’ve dropped 15 of their final 22 video games. Whereas the younger core continues to point out flashes of potential, the 86-win mark now feels out of attain.
St. Louis Cardinals (73-77) | Finest case: 79-83 | In a rebuilding 12 months, the Cardinals are on tempo to complete with the most effective case of 79 wins — a good mark given the circumstances. Whereas a postseason berth is sort of off the desk, younger bats like Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan, Ivan Herrera and Masyn Winn supply hope that St. Louis may exceed this season’s complete subsequent 12 months.
Pittsburgh Pirates (65-85) | Finest case: 83-79 | Pittsburgh is closing in on one other disappointing season, at present 11 wins shy of its projected 76-win mark, per BetMGM, with 22 video games remaining. Paul Skenes has delivered one other Cy Younger-worthy season, main the majors with a 1.92 ERA, however the Pirates’ offense — final in MLB in OPS — has stored Pittsburgh from gaining any actual traction
— Taylor Bretl
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17).
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Photographs
Los Angeles Dodgers (84-65) | Finest case 100-62 | The Dodgers received’t get to 100 wins, however additionally they received’t have to to clinch one other division title. A really attention-grabbing sequence this week at house in opposition to the Phillies might point out how October-ready the defending world champs actually are.
San Diego Padres (82-68) | Finest case 88-74 | For San Diego, there’s good and dangerous with regards to the shut of the common season. The Padres face the Mets on the highway for 3 video games and get Milwaukee at house for 3, but in addition have the White Sox and Diamondbacks for 3 every as nicely, that means the highway to catch the Dodgers within the division is bumpy and opportunity-filled at finest.
San Francisco Giants (75-74) | Finest case 79-83 | San Francisco has been one of many shock groups in baseball this season, and has fought its means again into the wild-card image because of its late-season play and the Mets’ lack of ability to win constantly. Coming into Monday simply 1.5 video games behind New York, San Francisco nonetheless has an opportunity … which is greater than we thought they might have when the season started.
Arizona Diamondbacks (75-75) | Finest case 90-72 | Accidents derailed Arizona’s season shortly, and questions within the bullpen weren’t answered in time for the Diamondbacks to make an actual postseason push. Ending close to .500 could be a stable season for a lot of franchises, however it is going to go down as an enormous disappointment within the desert.
Colorado Rockies (40-103) | Finest case 75-87 | We knew it was going to be a troublesome 12 months for the Rockies, however didn’t count on it to be a season the place supervisor Bud Black was fired in Could and 100 losses had been simply handed. This would be the worst season in franchise historical past record-wise, however it seems the Rockies won’t lose 121 video games, that means the Chicago White Sox’s all-time loss file is protected for one more season.
— Kevin Henry
