Winners and losers from a pivotal Memorial Day weekend around MLB
As the 2026 season hits a major milestone, some contenders made major statements — while others now have to ask some tough questions.

As the 2026 season hits a major milestone, some contenders made major statements — while others now have to ask some tough questions.

Pythagorean win percentage and one-run records reveal which MLB teams are overperforming their true talent level and which contenders are hiding in plain sight with a third of the 2026 season in the books.

By trading for Tarik Skubal, the Philadelphia Phillies would establish themselves as clear World Series contenders.

These NFC West vets are running out of time to justify their roles on teams expecting to contend.

The American League is as wide open as it's been in a very long time — which could make for a very chaotic trade season.

The latest MLB standings reveal the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees can't buy luck. Meanwhile, the Rays, Padres and Cardinals are performing well above their weight.

Cardinals are not real contenders for two understandable reasons sportingnews.com

These college football contenders will be nearly impossible to score on, from Georgia's returning talent to Miami's reloaded lineup.

General managers tend to be myopic about NFL schedules, but some brutal stretches for contenders got attention among rival front offices.

Nothing beats a good home run chase, and 2026 has a massive field of potential contenders. I love it.

One week into the WNBA season, some teams are figuring it out faster than others.

The latest MLB standings reveal troubling details about the Dodgers, Yankees and more. Plenty of would-be contenders are struggling against teams with a record of .500 or higher.

Every MLB contender has a chance to improve from within by calling up a transformative prospect in the coming months.

Chicago is sure looking like legitimate World Series contenders right now. But when you have to get through the two-time defending champs, there's no margin for error.

The Dodgers have given the rest of the league just one more reason to wish for their downfall, but what other contenders need to keep their wits about them?

Who are the Top 3 contenders in the very-real race for the very-real "Playoff MVP" award?

With contenders squaring off all over the league, all six divisions could look a whole lot different after the next few days.

The Chicago White Sox are no longer a laughing stock thanks to several smart moves.

With the way New York is playing right now, the AL pennant race might be wrapped by the All-Star break.

The latest MLB standings showcase some true contenders, and who still has work to do. Teams like the Braves, Dodgers, Reds, Cubs and Yankees have stablished themselves as early favorites.

With the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and other expected contenders floundering, these MLB stars could end up on the trade block.

If the Angels are willing to trade Cy Young candidate Jose Soriano, there will be plenty of interest. Teams like the Cubs, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Phillies could make the call.

These MLB teams are outperforming expectations in the early going, but which surprise contenders are truly built to last?

The early-season highs and lows are already impacting the MLB awards race. Let's take stock of each league's contenders — and predict how each verdict will fall.
