3 Surprise Teams That Could Contend for the World Series in 2026

We know the Los Angeles Dodgers are a contender for the World Series, as the loaded lineup with aces galore on the mound are looking to be the first-ever National League team to three-peat in MLB history.

There’s also the Toronto Blue Jays, who came so close last year, the New York Yankees, per usual, and other NL contenders like the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs, who all have strong rosters.

But who are the surprise teams that might challenge for a title this year?

Here are three dark horses that might make some magic in October.

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Tampa Bay Rays

Regardless of whether you like their patched-up home stadium or believe they should continue playing in Tampa Bay, the Rays know how to play baseball.

Great front office, some legitimate boppers in the lineup, and some young arms that they’ve pieced together to make an interesting rotation. They will never have any spotlight in an American League East with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and even Baltimore Orioles, but don’t be too surprised if they’re a favorite out of the AL come September.

Arizona Diamondbacks

If they could find any pitching consistency, they might be the biggest challenger to the Dodgers in the National League.

The Diamondbacks deploy three of the top 40ish best players in baseball with Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Geraldo Perdomo, and have a lineup that can hang with the monstrous Dodgers.

If Corbin Burnes can come back around in July and be near his ace-level self, along with the Dbacks making a move for another big arm at the deadline, there’s no reason why they can’t be a dark horse for the World Series.

Cleveland Guardians

Like the Rays, they’ll never be considered the sexiest or flashiest team, but with a strong rotation, good contact hitters, and a legitimate superstar in Jose Ramirez, Cleveland can do damage in the postseason.

What it comes down to with the Guardians is they’ll finally be aggressive at a trade deadline. The Dbacks will, and the Rays have shown to be savvy, but can the Guardians actually pull the trigger on a deadline acquisition that could put the lineup over the top and help Ramirez vie for a championship?

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 4:59 PM.