It’s that time of year again. As the cold of winter slowly gives way to the sunshine of spring, Major League Baseball prepares for the regular season, set to begin on March 25. With each new campaign comes the chance to add to the pages of baseball history, and 2026 is no exception. Here are a few historic MLB achievements to look out for in the coming season.
For the first time in MLB history, calling balls and strikes will no longer be the exclusive domain of human umpires. Already in use for Spring Training in 2026, the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System will certainly leave its impact on the game. While umpires have famously taken heat for questionable ball and strike calls in the past, now players will have the chance to overturn an inaccurate pitch call.
Teams will begin the game with two ball-strike challenges and will keep their challenge if it successfully overrules the original call by the home plate umpire. An additional challenge is awarded to both teams if the game goes to extra innings. Batters, pitchers, or catchers can decide to have any pitch call they disagree with reviewed, provided their team has a remaining challenge. The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System traces its roots back to 2019, when it was first introduced in Minor League Baseball. The 2026 season, however, marks its debut on the game’s biggest stage.
It’s no secret that Shohei Ohtani has cemented his status as one of the best to ever play the game, but 2026 could see him add to his list of accolades. Having won the National League MVP Award for the past three consecutive seasons, Ohtani looks to become only the second player after Barry Bonds to win the award four times in a row. Additionally, Ohtani’s total would climb to five MVP Awards, placing him one step closer to Bonds’ record of seven. Only time will tell if the Dodger superstar can secure yet another MVP trophy this season, but his remarkable talent certainly gives him a good chance.
In the American League, Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has the opportunity to write his name in the history books as well. The starter has been a model of consistency the prior two seasons, claiming a pair of Cy Young Awards while leading the Junior Circuit in ERA both years and amassing more than 450 strikeouts. A third Cy Young in as many seasons would make Skubal the only AL pitcher to win the award three times in a row. Additionally, he would join the likes of Sandy Koufax, Pedro Martinez, Clayton Kershaw, and others in a tie for fifth on the all-time Cy Young Award list.
Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton enters 2026 moving towards a career milestone of his own. The power hitter sits atop the active player list in career home runs, with 453 round-trippers to his credit during the regular season. Although it is possible for Stanton to reach 500 career dingers this season, he will more likely close in on the impressive number this year and look to break into the 500 club in 2027.
It’s not often that a baseball team pulls off back-to-back World Series titles. Before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory in 2025, the last team to win consecutive championships was the New York Yankees from 1998-2000. The Dodgers will attempt to continue their run of success over the previous two seasons and become the first National League team to claim three straight World Series crowns. Fueled by a roster that includes heavyweights such as Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, Los Angeles has made winning look easy.
The coming baseball season offers a mix of compelling storylines. From new technology to Dodger dominance and individual player achievements, a preview of the 2026 edition of MLB provides both a look at the past and future of the sport. With Opening Day just around the corner, it’s time for a new entry in the ledger of baseball history.
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