The 2025 MLB season is underway, and with Opening Day officially in the books, the chase for the World Series title is heating up. Bettors, fans, and fantasy players alike are scouring every detail to fine-tune their World Series predictions, especially after an offseason filled with free agency moves, blockbuster trades, and big-name injuries.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a dominant title run last season, defeating the New York Yankees in five games to capture the 2024 World Series championship. Now, the Dodgers open 2025 not only as defending champions but also as the overwhelming favorites to repeat—a rare feat in today’s unpredictable MLB landscape.
But as recent history has shown, longshots like the Rangers (2023), Braves (2021), and Nationals (2019) have made it clear: don’t count out under-the-radar teams, especially those in the NL East, AL East, or AL West divisions that often produce October surprises.
Let’s dive into the top contenders, longshots, and the teams that could surprise in the second half of the 2025 MLB season.
World Series Predictions: Dodgers Start Hot and Heavy Favorites to Repeat
The Los Angeles Dodgers started their 2025 campaign by sweeping the Chicago Cubs in a two-game Tokyo series. That early success, coupled with a stacked roster, has pushed them to +275 odds to win it all again—up from +400 during the offseason.
What sets this Dodgers squad apart? For starters, their Opening Day win total projection was set at 105.5, the highest since the 1999 Yankees (104.5). Not only did they return much of the 2024 core, but they also made aggressive additions via free agency:
- Roki Sasaki, the Japanese phenom, joins the starting rotation
- Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, provides another top-tier arm
- Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates bolster the bullpen
And let’s not forget Shohei Ohtani, the reigning AL MVP, who is expected to return to the mound this year after spending last season as a designated hitter while recovering from elbow surgery.
At some sportsbooks, more bets have been placed on the Dodgers than every other team combined. It’s no exaggeration to say they’re the most public-backed World Series champion pick we’ve seen in two decades.
Braves, Yankees Trail as Top Challengers
Behind the Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves (+800) and New York Yankees (+850) round out the top three.
The Braves remain a model of consistency in the NL East, returning a deep and balanced team anchored by MVP-caliber players and elite pitching. With a projected win total of 93.5, they are seen as the most realistic challenger to the Dodgers’ throne.
The Yankees, however, suffered a major setback when news broke that ace Gerrit Cole is facing Tommy John surgery, casting doubt on their early-season outlook. Despite the injury, they remain third on the board thanks to an offense anchored by Aaron Judge and a bullpen that could be one of the league’s best by the All-Star break.
Updated 2025 World Series Odds
| Team | World Series Odds |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +275 |
| Atlanta Braves | +800 |
| New York Yankees | +850 |
| New York Mets | +1000 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1000 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +1200 |
| Houston Astros | +1400 |
| San Diego Padres | +1600 |
| Boston Red Sox | +2200 |
| Chicago Cubs | +3000 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | +3300 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +6000 |
Longshot Teams Worth Watching
While top contenders get all the buzz, value often lies in longshots—big league teams with talent, upside, and a path to October glory.
Here are three World Series predictions from long odds that could turn heads in 2025:
🔴 Boston Red Sox (+2200)
The Red Sox, despite playing in a loaded AL East, are quietly building a roster capable of making a playoff run. Under new leadership, Boston made major rotation upgrades, adding Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler—two high-risk, high-reward arms.
The real twist came during spring training, when Boston signed Alex Bregman, a proven playoff performer and defensive standout. The move raised eyebrows due to the presence of Rafael Devers at third base, but Bregman is expected to play second, filling a critical hole.
Boston also has youth on the way: top-five prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell could provide big boosts by midseason. If Liam Hendriks can stay healthy, the bullpen will improve dramatically—making Boston a legitimate sleeper to win the World Series.
🔵 Chicago Cubs (+3000)
The Cubs, often criticized for their passive approach, made a statement this offseason by trading for Kyle Tucker, one of baseball’s best all-around players. They also expect rookie standout Matt Shaw to make an impact early.
On the mound, Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele headline the rotation. While the bullpen isn’t elite, the additions of Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier help stabilize the late innings.
If the Cubs hover around .500 through the first half, they’re expected to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline—a move that could elevate them from NL Central contenders to World Series threats.
🟣 Arizona Diamondbacks (+3300)
The Diamondbacks are just two seasons removed from a World Series appearance, and their offseason addition of Corbin Burnes makes them dangerous once again. Alongside Zac Gallen, Burnes gives Arizona one of the most formidable pitching duos in the NL West.
Offensively, the key will be Corbin Carroll, who struggled last season after winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2023. A bounce-back campaign from Carroll, continued production from Ketel Marte, and a breakout from Brandon Pfaadt could make Arizona a force down the stretch.
A Wild Card berth is likely their best path, but with postseason experience and an upgraded rotation, this team could absolutely make another October run.
AL MVP and Rookie of the Year Watch
Award races can offer clues into which teams will overperform expectations. Here are some early candidates tied to potential postseason success:
- Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): With a return to pitching in 2025, Ohtani could reclaim the AL MVP title and dominate both sides of the ball.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): The rising Royals star could post a 30/30 season, making him a serious AL MVP contender, especially if Kansas City flirts with playoff relevance.
- Roman Anthony (Red Sox) and Kristian Campbell (Red Sox): Both prospects are in the AL Rookie of the Year conversation and could become lineup staples by July.
- Matt Shaw (Cubs): A polished hitter with power and speed, Shaw has a clear path to a starting role and could challenge for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Can the Blue Jays or Mets Surprise?
The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets are two high-risk, high-reward teams this season.
- Toronto, listed at +6000, has underperformed in recent years but still boasts one of the strongest cores in the AL East. If players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette return to peak form, the Jays could climb quickly.
- The Mets, meanwhile, are loaded with talent but hampered by inconsistency. If their rotation holds up and stars like Francisco Lindor deliver, they’re dangerous in the NL East—a division that could send three teams to the playoffs. What about Juan Soto? Early projections for the 2025 season anticipate continued excellence from Soto. Analysts predict he will maintain a batting average around .289, with 4 home runs and 9 RBIs early in the season, contributing to an OPS of 1.049. These forecasts align with his career trajectory and suggest that Soto will be instrumental in the Mets’ pursuit of postseason success.
Final 2025 World Series Predictions
While the Dodgers are the safe pick, the 2025 season is loaded with uncertainty—and opportunity. Here’s a tiered list of our top World Series predictions:
🔒 Favorites
- Los Angeles Dodgers (+275)
- Atlanta Braves (+800)
- New York Yankees (+850)
💤 Sleepers
- Boston Red Sox (+2200)
- Chicago Cubs (+3000)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (+3300)
🧨 Dark Horses
- Toronto Blue Jays (+6000)
- Kansas City Royals (+4000) – especially if Bobby Witt Jr. explodes
- Seattle Mariners (+2500) – thanks to a strong rotation and youth core
Expect the Unexpected in 2025
If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from recent seasons, it’s that anything can happen in baseball. Injuries, call-ups, midseason trades, and second-half surges can turn the playoff picture upside down—and even make a +3000 longshot your best bet for World Series champion.
Whether you’re following the Dodgers’ quest to repeat, scouting the next Rookie of the Year, or keeping tabs on your favorite AL West or NL East club, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in recent memory.
Now is the time to trust your gut, do your research, and lock in those World Series predictions—before the odds shift again.
If you like these news check out a list of the best MLB players from Colorado here.
