Six MLB franchises identified as primary threats to Dodgers' three-peat hopes
Experts have highlighted the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves as the only teams possessing the requisite pitching depth and offensive potential to defeat the Dodgers, despite the Dodgers' status as the league's top pick.
As the 2026 Major League Baseball season advances, a panel of six experts has identified six franchises capable of challenging the Los Angeles Dodgers for a third consecutive World Series title. While the Dodgers remain the overwhelming favourites to secure the crown, the analysis suggests the rest of the league is not going to roll over and let Los Angeles cruise to another victory without a fight. The contenders selected by the panel include the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves.
The evaluation focuses on specific roster strengths, particularly pitching depth and offensive potential, that could allow these teams to defeat the Dodgers when it matters most in October. Notably, despite the San Diego Padres keeping pace with the Dodgers in the National League West, none of the consulted experts selected them as a potential World Series opponent for the defending champions. This omission highlights the specific criteria used by the analysts, who prioritised game-changing elements over current regular-season standings alone.
The Philadelphia Phillies are cited as a significant threat despite a poor run differential and a 15-20 record at the time of the assessment. Experts project that the team possesses arguably the best pitching staff in baseball, ranking third in WAR and second in xERA. The analysis suggests that positive regression for their offense, which has underperformed relative to talent, could complement this elite pitching staff to knock the Dodgers out of the series.
The Seattle Mariners are described as offering a full package with a formidable rotation featuring Kirby, Gilbert, Castillo, and Woo. Their bullpen is noted for high-leverage arms such as Munoz, Bazardo, and Brash. While their offense currently ranks bottom-10 in runs scored, analysts expect it to improve, providing the necessary support for a staff that does not walk batters and features the fastest average fastball in the American League.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are highlighted for ace Paul Skenes and a bullpen ranked sixth in batting average allowed. The offense has shown improvement with offseason additions and a hot start from Oneil Cruz, though the team faces a difficult path to the playoffs in the NL Central. The argument hinges on the belief that the best time to knock off the Dodgers will be the division series, where the Pirates' pitching could carry the team.
The Chicago Cubs are praised for exceptional lineup depth capable of competing from the top of the order to the bottom, with pinch hitters OPSing over 1.000 for the season. Their bullpen features Daniel Palencia, assuming Edwin Diaz remains out, giving them the ability to survive injuries around the diamond. However, their rotation is viewed as a weakness compared to Los Angeles' depth, presenting an uphill battle unless they acquire front-line starters at the deadline.
The New York Yankees are identified as the best team in the AL with a 26-12 record, a plus-81 run differential, and the league's lowest ERA and FIP. Key additions include Carlos Rodón and the expected return of Gerrit Cole, creating a surplus of pitching that most teams dream about. The Atlanta Braves are described as talented and deep, leading the majors in runs per game in April, with a bullpen noted for a combined 52-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio for key relievers.
