Just one game in to the Major League Baseball season and panic has set in, right? Aaron Judge four strikeouts! Panic. Paul Skenes only went one inning! Panic.
Breathe, as the old adage says, it’s a long season.
Advertisement
Expectations are high as always for the Yankees, that’s because, you know, they’re the Yankees.. I’ll look at their projected win totals and that of a few other contenders in the American League.
Odds courtesy of Caesar’s sportsbook.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 19: Giancarlo Stanton #27 celebrates with Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees after hitting a home run in the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on August 19, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesNew York Yankees win total 91.5 – Under
We’ll start with the Bronx Bombers.
The AL East will be the most competitive division in baseball with Toronto, Boston and Baltimore battling New York for the division. Aaron Judge will be fine. He’ll strikeout a ton, leave runners on, but hit 50 dingers and drive in 120 runs. Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton will protect Judge to a degree. Max Fried anchors the rotation. Bullpen questions maybe but runs shouldn’t be a problem for this lineup. They will protect the pitching staff. I’m looking forward to the three/four team battle in the East.
Advertisement
Prediction: Under. 89 wins and a playoff berth.
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 15: Javier Baez #28 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners to take a 2-1 lead during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on August 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesDetroit Tigers win total 86.5 – Over
Tarik Skubal is in a Tiger uniform. That alone is worth a bunch of wins. Justin Verlander adds experience and still has gas in the tank (maybe). The offense I feel is underrated. Javier Baez provides a veteran presence to help lead a fairly young group. Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene could be breakout stars this year. There’s a lot to like here. Bringing in Framber Valdez along with Verlander was a great addition to the rotation. The bullpen was overhauled. Kenley Jansen is the new closer, an interesting story to watch. They will battle Kansas City for the Central Division.
Advertisement
Prediction: Over. 88 wins and in the playoffs.
PEORIA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 19: Bryan Woo #22 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait at Peoria Sports Complex on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesSeattle Mariners win total 89.5 – Over
The best team you aren’t watching. Period. Seattle will clinch the West early. Catcher Cal Raleigh is a cult favorite and for good reason. Julio Rodriguez is an up and coming star, Randy Arozarena is the steady veteran. If healthy, the starting rotation can be elite. Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Bryan Woo could all be Cy Young caliber pitchers. The loss of Jorge Polanco hurt, but Seattle will weather it. The ALCS appearance in 2025 was no fluke. They are my favorite to come out of the American League in 2026.
Advertisement
Prediction: Over. 96 wins and World Series appearance.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 07: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals dives into third for an RBI triple in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium on June 07, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesKansas City Royals win total 83 – Over
Caesar’s may have undershot this one. The Royals are great defensively. The pitching staff is very good led by Cole Ragans. Young stars like Jac Caglianone. Oh yeah, this is also Bobby Witt, Jr.’s team. More on him in a minute. Remember the name Vinnie Pasquantino if you aren’t already familiar. 32 home runs and 113 RBI last year is a starting point. He’s only going to turn into a monster. If the bullpen holds up, Detroit gets a run for it’s money in the Central.
Prediction: Over. 89 wins and the Central Division title.
Advertisement
Bonus prediction: Bobby Witt Jr. wins MVP over Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge. I am a big Witt fan. It’s his year.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Dylan Cease #84 of the Toronto Blue Jays poses for a portrait during photo day at the Toronto Blue Jays Player Development Complex on February 20, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesToronto Blue Jays win total 86.5 – Over
Not as much discussion on the reigning, defending American League champs. I have no idea why. Great lineup (Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. anyone?), starting pitching boosted by the addition of Dylan Cease, Japanese sensation Kazuma Okamoto makes his debut, young guys like Addison Barger poised to make a major impact. Daulton Varsho is a beast. Reliable vets like George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer. What’s not to like about this club? Nothing that’s what. Toronto beats projections in a big way.
Advertisement
Prediction: Over. 94 wins and a division title.
More Bonus predictions: Houston under 86.5 win total. I see a tough season for the Astros coming.
Tampa Bay over 76.5. The Rays could surprise this year. Gut feeling, but no panic.