CBS Sports analysts outline 2026 MLB playoff bracket and World Series predictions
CBS Sports writers present their picks for every round of the 2026 MLB postseason, with two analysts favoring the Dodgers and two backing the Brewers to win the World Series.
The 2026 Major League Baseball postseason begins Tuesday with four best-of-three Wild Card Series. Winners will join the top two seeds in each league—who earned first-round byes—in the Division Series, followed by best-of-five League Championship Series and a best-of-seven World Series.
In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays (No. 1) and Cleveland Guardians (No. 2) receive byes, while the Houston Astros face the Chicago White Sox, and the New York Yankees meet the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card round. The National League sees the Milwaukee Brewers (No. 1) and Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 2) on bye, with the Atlanta Braves playing the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres facing the Chicago Cubs.
CBS Sports MLB writers each submitted a full bracket. Mike Axisa selected the Los Angeles Dodgers to defeat the New York Yankees in the World Series, citing the Dodgers’ strong rotation and depth despite Shohei Ohtani’s health concerns. > "Even without Aaron Judge, the Yankees have enough firepower to come out of the American League, and their pitching is tremendous," Axisa wrote.
Dayn Perry predicted a Brewers victory over the Rays, emphasizing Milwaukee’s balanced roster and bullpen depth. > "The Brewers have the deepest and most balanced roster and are especially adept on the run-prevention front," Perry explained.
Matt Snyder also chose the Brewers to win the championship, aligning with Perry’s assessment.
The staff’s predictions illustrate a split view of the likely champion, with two analysts favoring the Dodgers and two backing the Brewers as the 2026 World Series winners.