As the confetti settles and the parades wind down on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory, the team already finds itself in a familiar position: favorites to win it all again next year. According to odds released by American and Irish online casinos and sportsbooks, the Dodgers are the early frontrunners to claim the 2025 World Series title, with odds of +400. This places them well ahead of their closest competitors and positions them as the team to beat heading into the offseason. They opened at +350 favorites last year.
Dodgers’ 2024 Success
The Dodgers’ status as 2025 favorites follows a dominant 2024 campaign. During the regular season, Los Angeles posted an impressive 94-68 record, securing the top seed in the National League. Their success continued into the postseason, where they overcame challenges from formidable opponents.
The Dodgers faced a tough test against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. After falling behind 2-1 in the series, Los Angeles rallied to win the final two games and advance. The Dodgers squared off against the New York Mets in a hard-fought National League Championship Series battle. Los Angeles ultimately prevailed in six games, securing their place in the World Series.
The Fall Classic pitted the Dodgers against the New York Yankees in a matchup of baseball’s most storied franchises. The Dodgers raced to a commanding 3-0 lead in the series and ended it by erasing a five-run deficit in the deciding game five in New York. The comeback was one for the ages and will be long remembered for a single inning where the Yankees failed to make fundamental baseball plays, and the Dodgers capitalized on every misque. The 4-1 series win gave Los Angeles it’s 8th World Series Championship, their first since 1988.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Dodgers’ outlook for 2025 is bright, with the core of their championship team set to return. Superstars Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith are all under contract, providing a formidable foundation for another title run.
Additionally, the Dodgers anticipate the return of several key pitchers who missed significant time in 2024 due to injuries. The rotation could be bolstered by the comebacks of Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Gavin Stone. Their returns would add depth and experience to an already strong pitching staff.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline for the 2025 Dodgers is the potential return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound. After focusing solely on hitting in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, Ohtani is expected to resume his two-way role sometime in the 2025 season. His ability to impact the game as a hitter and pitcher could give the Dodgers an unparalleled advantage.
The Competition
While the Dodgers are the clear favorites, several other teams are positioned as contenders for the 2025 World Series. Here’s a look at some of the top challengers:
New York Yankees
Fresh off their World Series appearance, the Yankees are tied for the second-best odds at +800. Despite falling short against the Dodgers, New York’s powerful lineup and strong pitching staff make them perennial contenders. The addition of Juan Soto before the 2024 season proved to be a difference-maker, and the Yankees will look to build on their success in 2025. The team has already locked in ace pitcher Gerrit Cole for four more seasons, but Soto is adamant about testing free agency. The Yankees’ odds will likely move depending on where Soto signs.
Atlanta Braves
Tied with the Yankees at +800 odds, the Braves remain a force to be reckoned with in the National League. Despite a disappointing exit in the 2024 wild-card round, Atlanta’s young core, led by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, gives them a solid foundation for future success. Chris Sale should be healthy, and the potential return of ace pitcher Max Fried from injury could further strengthen their chances in 2025.
Philadelphia Phillies
With odds of +1100, the Phillies are considered serious contenders for 2025. Philadelphia’s lineup, featuring stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, remains one of the most potent in baseball. If they get the same pitching performances that they did this past season, where they finished with the second-best record in the National League, the Phillies could be poised for a deep playoff run.
New York Mets
Despite falling to the Dodgers in the 2024 NLCS, the Mets enter the offseason with +1200 odds to win the World Series in 2025. They’ll probably lose Pete Alonso, but rumors have them zeroing in on Juan Soto. If the Mets can add some starting pitching, they could challenge for supremacy in a competitive National League East.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians, coming off an ALCS appearance in 2024, are given +1600 odds for 2025. Cleveland’s success is built on solid pitching and defense, with a young core that continues to develop. If their offense can take a step forward, the Guardians could be a dark horse candidate in the American League.
Boston Red Sox
Rounding out our list are the Boston Red Sox, with +2000 odds to win the 2025 World Series[11]. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Boston will look to retool and return to contention. Developing young talents like Triston Casas and Marcelo Mayer could be crucial to their success in the coming years.
As the offseason begins, the Dodgers find themselves in an enviable position. Los Angeles appears well-equipped to defend their title with a championship core returning and the potential for significant reinforcements. However, as the 2024 season proved, the path to a World Series is never easy. With intense competition across the league, the 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in baseball history.
