Eight big winners and losers of the 2026 MLB regular season

The 2026 MLB regular season was characterized by several dominant individual performances and decisions that changed the fate of several organizations. From players who laid statistical foundations at high levels to teams and executives facing criticism after unexpected results, the year left behind a clear list of winners and losers.

As Bleacher Report reports, among the main winners was Pete Crow-Armstrong, who hit 45 home runs, had 107 RBI, a .941 OPS, 41 stolen bases and 119 runs scored, achieving a 10.7 WAR that places him at the top of the league. Also, Jacob Misiorowski had an extraordinary season as a starter, with an average fastball velocity over 100 mph and finishing as MLB’s leader in ERA, ERA+, FIP, WHIP, K/9 and WAR.

On the other side of the winners’ list are also names like Cam Schlittler, who managed to dominate the American League and is expected to receive the AL Cy Young award, as well as Yordan Álvarez, who nearly came close to the AL Triple Crown and reignited the discussion of a serious MVP candidate.

Among the main losers is Cal Raleigh, who collapsed in the first half of the season with a .169 average, only nine home runs and a .581 OPS before the All-Star break, although he improved in the second half (.761 OPS after the Midsummer Classic). Also, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was criticized for recent moves in the transfer window: trading Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, losing Edwin Díaz and the departure of Pete Alonso to Baltimore on a five-year, $155 million contract, as well as signing Devin Williams to a three-year, $41.38 million contract that did not deliver the expected results.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. experienced a disappointing year after brilliant 2025 performances, failing to find the expected rhythm in Toronto and without a home run at home until mid-September; this made the first season of the 14-year, $500 million contract disappointing. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker, after signing a four-year, $240 million contract with an opt-out after two seasons, recorded a 98 OPS+ for 2026, well below the expected level, although he closed September with a .921 OPS.

According to Bleacher Report, these individual performances and front-office decisions sum up the main changes of the 2026 regular season and are expected to also have an impact on building teams for next season.