The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the clear favorites to win the 2025 World Series, with their odds improving from +400 to +300 following a pair of high-profile acquisitions. After convincingly capturing the 2024 World Series title over the New York Yankees, the Dodgers have only strengthened their roster, solidifying their position as the team to beat in Major League Baseball and as a value wager.
The Dodgers’ latest coup came from Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who chose to sign with Los Angeles over other interested teams like the Chicago Cubs. Sasaki, just 23 years old, boasts an impressive 2.02 ERA over 414.2 innings in Japan and is widely regarded as one of the most promising pitching prospects in recent memory. His addition to an already formidable rotation that includes Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell makes the Dodgers’ pitching staff arguably the best in baseball for years to come.
Further bolstering their bullpen, the Dodgers also secured the services of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal. Coming off an outstanding season split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA. He was dominant in the playoffs, striking out seven batters in five scoreless innings.
According to BetBrain.com, the Dodgers’ statistical edge based on game simulations has them at 2.5-1 odds to win the World Series this season, slightly better than current odds and prices at most sportsbooks and marketplaces.
Dodgers and Mets Odds Shorten
These additions have widened the gap between the Dodgers and their closest competitors. The defending American League champion New York Yankees, who seemed poised to challenge for the top spot, now have +850 odds, a significant drop from their opening position. The Atlanta Braves, perennial contenders, are also sitting at +900, while the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros have fallen further behind at +1600 and +1300, respectively.
Perhaps the most intriguing development in the World Series odds landscape has been the rise of the New York Mets. After shocking the baseball world by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, the Mets have vaulted up the odds board to +850, placing them just behind the Yankees. Soto’s departure from the Bronx to Queens has strengthened the Mets and weakened their crosstown rivals, potentially shifting the balance of power in New York and the National League.
The Mets’ ascension is a testament to a single player’s impact on a team’s championship prospects. Before Soto’s signing, the Mets were considered longshots at +1400. They find themselves firmly in the conversation as serious contenders, with only the Dodgers and Braves ahead of them in the National League.
Dodgers Open in Japan
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Dodgers as they begin their title defense in a unique setting. Los Angeles is set to open the MLB season in Tokyo, Japan, facing off against the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19. This international showcase will feature a star-studded cast of Japanese talent, including the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as the Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.
The Tokyo Series presents an intriguing backdrop for the Dodgers to start their campaign as heavy favorites. It will offer fans worldwide an early glimpse of the team’s new additions, including Sasaki, who could potentially make his MLB debut in his home country. The series also marks the 25th anniversary of MLB’s first regular-season games in Japan, adding historical significance to the event.
As the Dodgers embark on their quest for back-to-back World Series titles, a feat not accomplished since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998-2000, their +300 odds reflect their roster’s immense talent and depth. With a blend of established stars, exciting newcomers, and a proven track record of success, the Dodgers have positioned themselves as the clear team to beat in 2025. However, as history has shown, the path to a World Series championship is fraught with challenges, and the competition will undoubtedly be fierce as teams like the Yankees, Braves, and the resurgent Mets aim to dethrone the reigning champions.
