MLB 2025 World Series Odds: Best Bets, Sleepers & Predictions

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is upon us, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs set to officially kick things off with a two-game series in Japan. While the traditional Opening Day festivities are still a week away, the early start signals a prime opportunity for baseball enthusiasts to put their predictions to the test and wager on who they believe will ultimately hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy at the end of the year.

For those feeling confident in their ability to foresee the future of baseball, placing a bet on the World Series champion now, before the season begins, could prove to be a lucrative endeavor. The odds are typically more favorable at this stage, offering potentially higher payouts if your chosen team manages to navigate the long and arduous season and emerge victorious.

However, predicting the World Series winner is far from an exact science, and many fans find themselves unsure of which team to back. In such cases, turning to the expertise of Las Vegas oddsmakers can be a wise strategy. These professionals dedicate their careers to analyzing team strengths, weaknesses, and various other factors to determine the likelihood of each team winning the championship. Their primary goal is to ensure that the house wins, and their odds often reflect a calculated assessment of each team’s chances. Following their trends can often be a more rational approach than relying solely on gut feelings or biased opinions.

Here’s a breakdown of the current World Series odds for all MLB teams, as provided by BetMGM, along with an analysis of the top contenders and potential dark horses:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (+240): The Dodgers enter the season as overwhelming favorites, largely due to their star-studded roster and deep pockets. However, despite their undeniable talent, the extremely low odds might not be the most appealing for bettors. The playoffs are a crapshoot, and a team facing odds that are quadruple the next nearest doesn’t scream "smart bet".

2. Atlanta Braves (+900): The Braves, with their potent offense and solid pitching, represent a formidable threat in the National League. Their consistent performance over the past few seasons makes them a strong contender.

3. New York Yankees (+900): The Yankees, boasting a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, are poised to make a run in the American League. Their consistent spending in the offseason is starting to bear fruit as the franchise looks to end its championship drought.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (+1100): The Phillies, with their aggressive style of play and passionate fanbase, are a team that could surprise many. They have proven to be a tough out in the playoffs in recent years.

5. New York Mets (+1200): The Mets, armed with a revamped roster and high expectations, are looking to make a splash in the competitive National League East.

The article wisely points out an interesting trend with these top teams, with four representing the National League. Those teams will batter each other all season, and the playoffs will be a gauntlet to survive. With the Yankees as the only American League team represented in the top five, they become an intriguing pick. They may not be as talented as the Dodgers, but the road to the World Series may be less treacherous.

6. Baltimore Orioles (+1600)
7. Boston Red Sox (+1800)
8. Houston Astros (+1800)
9. Seattle Mariners (+2500)
10. Texas Rangers (+2500)
11. Arizona Diamondbacks (+3000)
12. Chicago Cubs (+3000)
13. Detroit Tigers (+3000)
14. San Diego Padres (+3000)

This mid-tier presents some enticing options for those seeking a more lucrative potential payout. Of particular note are the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have bolstered their roster with the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, providing a significant upgrade in the outfield. If key players like Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson can elevate their performance, the Cubs have the potential to dominate a relatively weak NL Central division. The departure of a top reliever from the reigning NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers, coupled with the Cubs’ addition of Ryan Pressly, further strengthens their position. Given the challenges posed by the other divisions represented in this tier, the Cubs stand out as a potentially rewarding dark horse pick.

15. Cleveland Guardians (+3500)
16. Minnesota Twins (+3500)
17. Kansas City Royals (+4000)
18. Milwaukee Brewers (+4000)
19. Tampa Bay Rays (+5000)
20. Toronto Blue Jays (+6000)
21. Cincinnati Reds (+8000)
22. San Francisco Giants (+8000)

While not considered top contenders, several teams in this range possess the potential to surprise. The San Francisco Giants, despite lacking overwhelming star power, have addressed key weaknesses and assembled a well-rounded roster. The addition of Willy Adames solidifies their shortstop position, while the return of Jung Hoo Lee bolsters their outfield. Furthermore, the Giants boast a potentially elite starting rotation anchored by Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Justin Verlander, Jordan Hicks, and Kyle Harrison. Their bullpen is solid, and their lineup, while not spectacular, is generally consistent.

23. St. Louis Cardinals (+10000)
24. Pittsburgh Pirates (+12500)
25. Oakland Athletics (+20000)
26. Washington Nationals (+20000)
27. Los Angeles Angels (+25000)
28. Chicago White Sox (+50000)
29. Colorado Rockies (+50000)
30. Miami Marlins (+50000)

Even among the teams with the longest odds, there are a few that could defy expectations. Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics have the opportunity to shock the baseball world. The Athletics, in particular, were identified as a potential surprise team in a recent MLB player survey. Their offense, featuring Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, and potentially rookie Jacob Wilson, has the capacity to cause problems for opposing pitchers. Their bullpen is also strong, and they’ve added quality pitchers in Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs.

The Pirates, despite some offensive question marks and bullpen uncertainty, could feature one of the best rotations in baseball. Paul Skenes is a Cy Young contender. Mitch Keller and Jared Jones are quality arms. Prospect Bubba Chandler is a candidate to be added to the rotation.

Ultimately, the decision of which team to bet on rests with the individual. However, by considering the odds, analyzing team strengths and weaknesses, and exploring potential dark horses, fans can make informed decisions and increase their chances of experiencing the thrill of backing a World Series champion. The 2025 MLB season promises to be filled with surprises and excitement, and placing a wager on the World Series is a perfect way to enhance the experience.