The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the early favorites to win the 2025 World Series, with oddsmakers setting their chances at +400. Their victory in the 2024 World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in five games, finally validated their approach to building a winner after several playoff flameouts following magnificent regular seasons. Fans know that betting on baseball futures can be difficult, but the Dodgers have two World Series victories in the last four years. Their short odds reflect their continued dominance and the expectation that they will maintain a powerhouse roster, including stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.
Adding to the Dodgers’ favorable outlook is the potential acquisition of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old right-hander is set to be posted as an international free agent before the 2025 season. While the Dodgers are considered frontrunners to sign Sasaki, the timing of his availability may level the playing field. Sasaki is expected to wait until the new international signing period begins on January 15, 2025, when all teams’ bonus pools are replenished. This could hurt the Dodgers’ chances, as they currently have $2.5 million remaining in their international bonus pool.
The New York Yankees, despite falling short in the 2024 World Series, are not far behind in the odds for 2025. They are listed at +700, making them the second favorite and the top American League contender. The Yankees’ strong showing in 2024, which included a .581 winning percentage and leading the league in home runs per game, positions them well for another championship run. They are currently favored to re-sign Juan Soto in free agency, presenting intriguing betting insight opportunities for those looking to wager on his next destination, with odds of -170.
Favorites to Win the 2025 World Series
1. Los Angeles Dodgers: +400
2. New York Yankees: +700
3. Atlanta Braves: +750
4. Philadelphia Phillies: +1000
5. Baltimore Orioles: +1100
6. Houston Astros: +1300
7. New York Mets: +1400
8. San Diego Padres: +1500
9. Texas Rangers: +2800
10. Toronto Blue Jays: +2800
At the other end of the spectrum, the Chicago White Sox are the longest shot at +40000. They are coming off a dismal 2024 season in which they suffered 121 losses.
The Atlanta Braves, with +750 odds, round out the top three favorites. They get Ronald Acuna Jr. back, and their consistent performance and a strong core of young talent keep them in contention year after year. The Philadelphia Phillies, at +1000, had the second-best record in the National League and have shown they can make deep playoff runs and remain a formidable force.
The Baltimore Orioles, with +1100 odds, continue their ascent as a rising power in the American League. Their young, dynamic roster has propelled them into serious contention. The Houston Astros, at +1300, maintain their status as perennial contenders, backed by a proven track record of postseason success.
The New York Mets, despite a massive payroll and surprise late-season surge, are still viewed as relative longshots amongst large market teams at +1400, likely due to their willingness to spend and retool. The San Diego Padres, at +1500, remain in the mix, boasting a talented roster that keeps them in the championship conversation, but playing in the National League West with the perennial division-winning Dodgers makes their path all that more difficult.
Rounding out the top 10 are the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays, both at +2800. These teams have shown flashes of brilliance and possess the potential to make significant jumps in the standings. The Blue Jays, in particular, given they are in rumored to be hot for Juan Soto.
As the offseason unfolds and teams make roster moves, these odds will likely shift. The potential signing of Roki Sasaki and Juan Soto, in particular, could significantly impact the 2025 World Series landscape.
