As the 2024 MLB season enters its final act, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position. With a record of 87-59, they’re perched atop the National League West, holding a five-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the path to World Series glory is far from straightforward, with several formidable opponents potentially standing in their way.
National League
With the division just about locked up, the Dodgers’ immediate focus is getting healthy and securing the National League’s best record. They currently trail the Philadelphia Phillies by a single game for this coveted position. Clinching the top seed would grant them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a significant boon in the unpredictable world of October baseball. Current MLB betting lines have the Dodgers at a steady +300 to win the World Series.
The Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a genuine threat this season with their narrow lead over the Dodgers. A hot start vaulted them to the top of the National League East standings, and they have stayed well ahead of the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets the entire season. They’ve also owned Los Angeles, sweeping the Dodgers in July, including a 10-1 beat-down at Citizens Bank Park.
Led by the resurgent Bryce Harper, who’s been on a tear since returning from injury, and the consistent excellence of catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies have proven their mettle throughout the season. Their pitching staff, anchored by the formidable duo of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, has been particularly impressive. The Phillies’ World Series odds of +440 reflect their strong position and the respect they’ve earned from oddsmakers.
The Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks remain a dangerous opponent despite trailing the Dodgers in the NL West. Their young core, featuring the electrifying Corbin Carroll and the steady Ketel Marte, has continued to develop. The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff, led by Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, has shown flashes of brilliance. The memory of their playoff upset over the Dodgers last year lingers in the minds of Los Angeles players and fans alike. The Diamondbacks’ World Series odds stand at +2500, marking them as underdogs but still potential spoilers, particularly against a Dodger team that struggles to win big games in Arizona.
The Atlanta Braves
This weekend’s series between the Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves could be pivotal for both teams. The Braves, battling for the last wild card spot, are desperate for wins. Their lineup features sluggers Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson, who are always dangerous. Chris Sale is 16-3 and a Cy Young candidate, while Max Fried and Charlie Morton form a formidable one-two-three punch on the mound. The Braves’ World Series odds of +2200 indicate that oddsmakers still view them as contenders despite their current position in the standings.
The American League Contenders
While the Dodgers focus on navigating the National League, potential World Series opponents are emerging in the American League.
The New York Yankees
The Yankees are in a tight race, just three games separating them from the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians. Aaron Judge continues to be the centerpiece of their offense, while Gerrit Cole leads a strong pitching staff. Their World Series odds of +550 reflect their storied history, current competitiveness, and the uncertainty of their playoff position.
The Houston Astros
Perhaps the most dangerous AL team is the Houston Astros. Boasting the best record in baseball since May 1st, they’ve hit their stride at the right time. The dynamic duo of Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman continues to drive their offense, while Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier anchor a strong rotation. Their World Series odds of +800 indicate they’re considered strong contenders to represent the AL in the Fall Classic.
The Dodgers’ Outlook
With World Series odds of +300, the Dodgers are favored to win it all, and for good reason. Their lineup, featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and the newly acquired Shohei Ohtani, is arguably the most potent in baseball. On the mound, Clayton Kershaw continues to defy age, while Walker Buehler’s return from injury has bolstered an already strong rotation.
However, recent playoff disappointments serve as stark reminders that regular-season success doesn’t always translate to postseason glory. The Padres’ and Diamondbacks’ eliminations in 2022 and 2023 still sting and have likely instilled a sense of urgency in this veteran-laden team.
The Dodgers’ path to the World Series is straightforward but challenging. They must first secure their division and, ideally, the top NL seed. Then, they’ll likely face tough matchups against teams like the Phillies, Braves, or Diamondbacks in the NL playoffs. If they survive that gauntlet, a powerhouse from the AL—possibly the Astros or Yankees—would await them in the World Series.
As the season winds down, every game takes on added significance. The Dodgers’ upcoming series against the Braves could be a preview of a high-stakes playoff matchup. With 16 games left, the Dodgers have ample opportunity to solidify their position. Their performance in these final weeks will set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable postseason, where anything can happen, and legacies are forged in the crucible of October baseball.
