Who are the Favorites to Win the MLB World Series in 2025?

Over in the United States, two of the country's biggest leagues are drawing to a close. They, of course, are basketball's NBA and ice hockey's NHL, which have both reached the latter stages of their respective postseasons, and the championship finals are just around the corner. Following their conclusion and due to the fact that the 2025 NFL football season doesn't get underway until September, all eyes will be on MLB.

Baseball has been on somewhat of a decline in recent years, but plenty of storylines are unfolding. One of the most storied franchises in the league, namely the Oakland Athletics - the pioneers of the esteemed Moneyball system - will be relocating from their spiritual home in California to a stunning $1.75 billion amphitheater in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers look poised and ready to become the league's next great dynasty.

Led by two-way slugger Shohei Ohtani, the Tinseltown outfit romped to World Series glory last season. They racked up a mighty 98 regular-season wins last term before storming toward the championship with a resounding 4-1 drubbing of the Yankees in the World Series. Now, online betting sites make them the favorite to retain their title, but who joins them in the list of championship frontrunners?

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Dodgers

As mentioned, the reigning champion Dodgers are the betting favorites to claim a second straight World Series this season, but not just that: they are an overwhelming frontrunner. The latest online baseball betting odds currently make them a super short +240 shot to successfully defend their crown this term, and considering their stacked roster, it's hard to argue with the bookies.

Anchored by their powerhouse duo of Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, LA boasts depth in every corner of the diamond. The former of that superstar duo remains one of the most consistent hitters in the game, while his reliable second-in-command's five-tool brilliance can change the course of a game in an instant. Add Clayton Kershaw’s veteran leadership to a rotation packed with young firepower, and it’s easy to see why expectations are sky-high.

Even if that's all they had, the Dodgers would take some stopping. However, they also have arguably the best player on the planet in current form, the aforementioned Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese superstar became the first player in history to achieve a 50/50 season last term - specifically 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases - and if he gets anywhere close to that kind of form in 2025, he could well win his side the championship single-handedly.

🚨⚾️ NEW SEASON, SAME SHOHEI OHTANI 🤩#OpeningDay

pic.twitter.com/pDeV3hcJQq

— Bodog (@BodogCA) March 28, 2025

Yankees

The Yankees were always going to be part of the conversation, weren’t they? The Bronx Bombers are without question the biggest name not just in the MLB, but perhaps in American sports as a whole, and at odds of +700 to win the title, they could well be set to add to their already storied legacy. Their 2024 campaign ended on a bittersweet note as they reached the World Series for the first time in 15 years but ultimately missed out on a record-extending 28th title as they were handily vanquished by the Dodgers.

Their star-studded roster, however, gives them every chance to go one better this term. Aaron Judge remains the heart and soul of this squad, and he has carried his MVP-caliber form into the 2025 season. Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Volpe provide the perfect supporting cast, with Stanton delivering big-time power and Volpe flourishing as the Yankees’ future centerpiece. Oh, and Gerrit Cole? He’s still a menace on the mound, leading the rotation with Cy Young-worthy outings.

They have already won 34 games this season, the same amount as the Dodgers. If they can find a way back to the World Series, they will bank on their historic championship pedigree getting them over the line.

Tigers

Surprised to see the Detroit Tigers in this mix? Don’t be.

Sports teams from the Motor City are enjoying an epic renaissance in recent years. The NBA's Pistons made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years this year. Over in the NFL, the Lions have become a genuine force, winning the NFC North in each of the last two seasons, as well as reaching the conference championships for the first time in franchise history.

Now, Detroit has a baseball team it can be proud of, too. After years of rebuilding, the Tigers are finally delivering on their promise, and MLB oddsmakers have taken note, making them a +1000 joint third-favorite to win a first World Series in 41 years. Their 2024 campaign showed flashes of brilliance, but 2025 looks like the year the Tigers plan to make real noise in the playoffs.

Detroit has already picked up 37 wins this season, the most in the entire league. Young stars like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson have ignited the team with consistent production, while pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez continues to exceed expectations. Their underdog status only adds to their charm, but don’t mistake this team for a fairytale gone wrong; they have the roster to deliver a happy ending.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!