The Los Angeles Dodgers have again taken center stage in baseball betting, with American sports betting sites listing them as the clear favorites to repeat as World Series champions in 2025. Their dominance on the field, with a star-studded roster and a massive payroll, has kept them at the top of futures boards. Yet, a closer look at the odds, standings, and the team’s current injury woes reveals a nuanced picture that savvy bettors and Dodgers fans should consider as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
The Dodgers and the Betting Market: Odds, Standings, and Public Perception
As of May 28, 2025, the Dodgers lead the National League West with a 34-22 record and a .607 winning percentage, holding a two-game edge over the San Diego Padres. Their run differential stands at +65, a testament to their offensive firepower and pitching depth. However, while American sports betting sites continue offering a wide array of MLB futures and live betting opportunities, the Dodgers’ odds reflect their strengths and vulnerabilities.
The Dodgers are heavy favorites to win the 2025 World Series, with odds as short as +220 at major sportsbooks. This implies a roughly 31% chance of winning it all, a significant edge over the next tier of contenders like the Yankees (+700), Tigers (+800), and Phillies (+900). For the National League pennant, the Dodgers are listed at +145, translating to an implied probability of just over 40%—by far the best in the NL and a reflection of their sustained excellence. These odds have tightened since the start of the season, when the Dodgers opened at +380 for the pennant and +450 for the World Series, largely thanks to a flurry of offseason acquisitions and a hot start.
Despite these numbers, the betting market isn’t treating the Dodgers as a lock. Their divisional odds, hovering around -140 to -160, suggest a 58-62% chance of claiming another NL West crown. This is lower than one might expect for a team with such a dominant track record, and it reflects both the improved competition in the division and the Dodgers’ ongoing injury concerns.
Injury Woes: The Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Under Siege
A key reason for the market’s caution is the Dodgers’ mounting pitching injuries, which have tested the limits of their vaunted depth. As of late May, the Dodgers’ rotation and bullpen have been hit hard, with several key arms sidelined.
Shohei Ohtani, the team’s two-way superstar, remains limited to hitting as he recovers from right elbow and left shoulder surgeries. He is not expected to return to the mound until after the All-Star break, though he has resumed throwing to live hitters. Roki Sasaki, the highly-touted rookie from Japan, is on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. His velocity had been trending down before the injury, and his timeline for return is still uncertain. Pitching coach Mark Prior noted that Sasaki’s shoulder issues date back to his time in Japan, and the team is proceeding cautiously with his development and rehab.
Blake Snell, the reigning Cy Young winner and a key offseason addition, is out with left shoulder inflammation. While he has resumed a throwing program, there is no firm timetable for his return. Other pitchers on the IL include Evan Phillips (right elbow inflammation), Michael Kopech (right shoulder impingement), Emmet Sheehan (Tommy John recovery), Kyle Hurt (Tommy John recovery), and Blake Treinen (right forearm sprain).
The Dodgers’ ability to withstand these injuries is a testament to their organizational depth. Still, the uncertainty around their pitching staff is a significant reason why oddsmakers have not made them overwhelming favorites, despite their record and run differential. While bolstered by the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the bullpen has also faced inconsistency, particularly in late-game situations.
How the Dodgers Stack Up: Lineup Strength, Depth, and October Pressure
Offensively, the Dodgers remain a juggernaut, led by MVP-caliber performances from Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani (as a DH). Their lineup depth is unmatched, and the bench continues to provide valuable contributions. The Dodgers’ run production (314 runs scored) is among the best in baseball, and their home-field advantage at Dodger Stadium remains a significant asset.
Yet, postseason performance remains a lingering question. Despite regular-season dominance, the Dodgers have just one World Series title in the past 35 years and have suffered early exits in recent Octobers. The pressure to deliver in the postseason, combined with the unpredictability of short series and the volatility of relief pitching, means that even the most talented roster faces real risks come playoff time.
Betting Trends and Market Movement
For those navigating American sports betting sites, the Dodgers’ odds have seen notable line movement throughout the season. After opening as favorites, their odds shortened following key signings and a strong April. However, injuries and increased competition from teams like the Padres and Giants have led to some fluctuation, creating opportunities for bettors to find value by backing the Dodgers at favorable prices during injury stretches or by hedging with other NL contenders. The most popular MLB betting sites offer a variety of futures markets, live betting options, and prop bets tailored to Dodgers games. These sites provide in-depth data on line movement, allowing sharp bettors to track public sentiment and professional action in real time.
The Looming Trade Deadline: Will the Dodgers Make a Move?
With the MLB trade deadline set for July 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET, the Dodgers are widely expected to be active in the market. Their current pitching injuries and the uncertainty around the health of key starters make it likely that President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman will look to add reinforcements, particularly in the rotation and bullpen. The Dodgers’ deep farm system and financial resources allow them to target top arms or impact relievers as they gear up for another postseason run.
Potential trade targets around the league include frontline starters and established relievers. The Dodgers are rumored to be monitoring both rental options and controllable arms. The team’s ability to address its pitching needs at the deadline could be the difference between another early exit and a successful title defense.
Smart Betting and the Dodgers’ 2025 Outlook
The Dodgers remain the team to beat in 2025, both on the field and in the eyes of American sports betting sites. However, their path to another championship is far from guaranteed. Current odds balance their overwhelming talent and the real risks of injuries, bullpen volatility, and postseason pressure. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how the Dodgers respond to their pitching crisis and whether they can shore up their roster for another deep October run.
For bettors, this means opportunity. Whether you’re backing the Dodgers to repeat or looking for value among their rivals, understanding the nuances behind the odds—and keeping a close watch on injuries and trade rumors—will be key to making smart, informed wagers as the 2025 MLB season unfolds.
