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Bold 2026 MLB Predictions Prove The White Sox And Reds Are Real
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- Bold 2026 MLB Predictions Prove The White Sox And Reds Are Real
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Forget the hype. The 2026 baseball season just wrapped, and the bold predictions made back in March were either spot on or wildly off base. The Chicago White Sox were supposed to win 19 more games. They actually won 24 and made the playoffs. That is a massive jump for a team that looked bleak just a year ago. 6abc Philadelphia reported that the bullpen was the key to this turnaround, moving from last place to 15th in win probability added.
The Bullpen and The Rookie
Grant Taylor was the secret weapon in Chicago. He posted a 2.25 ERA with 10 saves over 84 innings. The writers at 6abc Philadelphia graded that prediction an A because the numbers don't lie. But the real story might be Kevin McGonigle of Detroit. He was predicted to win Rookie of the Year with an .825 OPS. He finished with an .806 OPS and a 7.1 WAR according to reports. Since 1900, no other rookie position player has achieved a total this high, ranking eighth overall. He hit 18 home runs and walked 95 times. He is a star for the long haul.
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The Cincinnati Reds also nailed their forecast. Chase Burns was expected to pitch 150 innings with a sub-3.00 ERA. He went 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA and struck out 10.8 batters per nine innings. He carried a team that finished 75-87. If he adds 25 more innings next year, he becomes a top-five starter in the game. These young arms are changing the league fast.
Philosophy Clash in Philadelphia
Not every team got it right. The Philadelphia Phillies are staring down a make-or-break winter. Sports Illustrated warns that President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski must fix the roster or the window closes. The team has an aging core with many players in their mid-30s. Don Mattingly, the manager, aims for the squad to draw more walks and emulate their August performance style. The pitching staff has depth issues behind the top five starters. The bullpen also needs help, especially from the left side.
The biggest risk for Philadelphia is blocking their own kids. Aidan Miller was a top-100 prospect before a back injury sidelined him for almost the entire 2026 season. He is healthy now and ready to play shortstop or third base. Bryan Rincon is another elite defensive prospect at shortstop. If the Phillies sign big free agents to long-term deals, they might block these young players from getting their chance.
