8 Things We're Looking Forward to in 2026
The new year has arrived, and with it, the excitement for the upcoming baseball season is palpable. As the calendar flips to 2026, here's a glimpse into eight major events and milestones that will captivate fans:
The World Baseball Classic Returns: After a hiatus since 2023, the World Baseball Classic is back for its sixth edition in 2026. With 20 teams participating, the tournament promises intense competition. Team Japan, the defending champion, features the legendary Shohei Ohtani, who will showcase his two-way talent. The tournament opens on March 4, with the semifinals on March 15-16, and the championship game on March 17, all at loanDepot Park in Miami.
A Full Season of Ohtani's Two-Way Brilliance: In 2025, Ohtani's remarkable talent was showcased in his pitching debut for the Dodgers. Despite a recovery from elbow surgery, he hit 50 homers and stole 50 bases, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve this feat. In 2026, fans can anticipate a full season of Ohtani's dual excellence, both at the plate and on the mound, in a Dodgers uniform.
30 Years Later: All-Star Game in Philly: The MLB All-Star Game returns to Philadelphia for the first time in three decades. Citizens Bank Park, known for its electric atmosphere, will host the 96th Midsummer Classic in July. The last time Philly hosted was in 1996, where Mike Piazza's home run highlighted the National League's victory. The Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game the following night promise an exciting week in the City of Brotherly Love.
MLB at Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa, will once again host MLB games in 2026, marking a return to the site of the iconic movie 'Field of Dreams'. The first two installments were successful, and the 2026 event will bring baseball back to this magical setting.
Major Milestones in Reach: Several stars are on the cusp of achieving significant milestones. Aaron Judge, Harper, Freddie Freeman, and Manny Machado are all within striking distance of the 400-home run club. Additionally, players like Schwarber, Eugenio Suárez, and Ohtani are closing in on 250 and 300 career homers, respectively. Ronald Acuña Jr. aims to join the 200-homer/200-steal club, and Kenley Jansen seeks to become the third pitcher with 500 saves.
The ABS Challenge System Debuts: The Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) Challenge System, tested in the Minor Leagues and Spring Training, makes its regular-season debut. Players can now challenge pitch calls, with results tracked by HawkEye technology and displayed on the stadium screen and broadcasts. This system offers a balance between technology and human judgment.
Young Managers Take the Helm: The 2026 season introduces a wave of new managers, particularly younger ones. Nine managers were hired this offseason, with six being first-timers. The average age of this group is 41, with Blake Butera as the youngest at 33. Tony Vitello, hired directly from the college ranks, adds a unique perspective to the managerial landscape.
Bounce-Back Seasons for Underdogs: The Braves and Orioles, both underperforming in 2025, have new managers in 2026. Atlanta, after seven consecutive postseason appearances, missed the playoffs in 2025. Baltimore, following a six-year drought, also missed the postseason. Will these teams make a strong comeback in 2026? The baseball world eagerly awaits the outcome.
