Super Bowl LX Overview
The highly anticipated Super Bowl LX will take place this Sunday evening in Santa Clara, California, serving as a showcase for two teams that have recently found their form.
A Rematch of Past Champions
The game features a rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, harking back to their encounter in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. Both teams had faced challenges in recent seasons, with the Seahawks missing the playoffs for two consecutive years and the Patriots failing to qualify for three straight seasons, including back-to-back 4-13 records.
Looking Ahead to MLB 2026
This situation led us to ponder if we could witness a similar turnaround in Major League Baseball (MLB) by 2026. Although it may sound unlikely, there is recent evidence to suggest it’s possible. The Toronto Blue Jays moved from last place in 2024 to reaching Game 7 of the World Series in 2025, and just a year prior, the Rangers and Diamondbacks faced off in a World Series despite both missing the playoffs the year before.
Expert Predictions for the 2026 World Series
We consulted five MLB.com writers and analysts to propose potential 2026 World Series matchups involving teams that fell short in the playoffs during 2025. To increase the challenge, each team could only be mentioned once in the predictions.
Challenges Faced by Teams in 2025
The Baltimore Orioles encountered numerous setbacks; after demonstrating a solid pitching performance in 2024, they surprisingly finished with one of the worst ERAs in 2025. Similarly, the New York Mets started strong but faltered significantly, leading to their elimination from playoff contention on the final day of the season.
Potential for Success in 2026
Looking forward, the Orioles have made key acquisitions and expect significant improvements from their young stars, aiming for a competitive push in the AL East. The Mets have also restructured their roster, acquiring several players that could return them to form alongside established stars like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
Conclusion
If NFL teams like the Patriots and Seahawks can rebound to meet again, why shouldn’t the Diamondbacks and Rangers aim for a similar fate in 2026?
