11 Players Projected to Make MLB History in 2026
With the start of baseball season approaching, it's time to dive into the world of projections and predictions. While we can't predict the future with certainty, these 11 players are projected to make significant impacts in the 2026 MLB season, potentially setting records and making history.
Juan Soto
Soto is projected to continue his remarkable on-base skills, with a .413 on-base percentage, the highest in the NL and second only to Aaron Judge in the MLB. This would mark his ninth straight season with an on-base percentage of at least .395, an impressive feat. Soto is also projected to hit 34 home runs and walk 117 times, his sixth season with 25+ homers and 115+ walks. He's on pace to tie for the fourth most such seasons in a career, behind only Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams.
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani's two-way talent is projected to shine in 2026. As a pitcher, he's expected to strike out 136 batters, and as a hitter, he's projected for 43 home runs, tied with Judge for the most in the MLB. Ohtani has already achieved this feat in multiple seasons, making him a unique and dominant force in the game.
Paul Skenes
Skenes is projected to lead the NL in ERA for the second consecutive year, posting a 2.92 ERA. At 24 years old, he would be the youngest pitcher to achieve this since earned runs became official in 1913. Skenes is also projected to lead the NL in strikeouts with 237, making him one of the youngest pitchers to lead his league in both ERA and strikeouts.
Tarik Skubal
Skubal is projected to continue his dominance, leading the AL in ERA for the third straight year with a 2.81 ERA. He's also expected to strike out 242 batters and tie for the lead in wins with 14. Skubal's consistency in leading the league in ERA is rare, and he's on track to achieve his second career Triple Crown.
Aaron Judge
Judge is projected for another monster year, tying Ohtani for the most home runs in the MLB. If he hits at least 45 home runs, it would be his fifth such season, joining an elite group of players. Judge is also projected to have a 172 wRC+, offensively, and he's on a streak of four consecutive seasons with at least 35 homers and a 170 wRC+.
Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber is projected to hit 40 home runs, continuing his impressive power at the plate. With his re-signing in Philly, he's on track to surpass Ruth's home run record with 227 in five years. Schwarber is already the third-highest home run hitter in his first four seasons with a team.
Stealing Bases
While Steamer doesn't project any players with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, three players are projected to have at least 30 stolen bases and 25 home runs: Carroll, Ramírez, and Witt. If they achieve this, they'll join a select group of players with consecutive 30-30 seasons.
Cal Raleigh
Raleigh, last year's home run king, is projected for 38 home runs, the highest for a catcher in Steamer's archive. He's on track to achieve his fourth season with at least 30 home runs, joining an exclusive group of catchers with such consistency.
Luis Arraez
Arraez is projected to lead the MLB in batting average with a .305 average. As a free agent, he has a chance to set a record by winning a batting title with a fourth team, becoming the only player to win a batting title in three consecutive years with three different teams.
These projections highlight the potential for some remarkable achievements in the 2026 MLB season. While we can't predict the future, these players are poised to make history and leave their mark on the sport.
