The 2025 World Series is fast approaching. It’s set to begin this October and will run through early November. As always, the games will follow a best-of-seven format, with home-field advantage determined by the team with the best regular-season record.
While regular-season performance provides insight into potential contenders, the past seasons have repeatedly shown that the postseason rarely follows expectations. Even the strongest teams can face unexpected challenges, and dominance during the season doesn’t always translate into a title.
With this unpredictability in mind, identifying not only potential favorites but also unexpected dark horses is a must. Check them out here:
The Dodgers have once again positioned themselves as the team to beat and remain one of baseball’s most unstoppable forces. According to ESPN BET, they open as +400 favorites to repeat and are now sitting at +275 odds to win World Series as of June 10, 2025.
Despite their dominance, history shows that nothing is guaranteed. The Dodgers have been upset in previous postseason runs, including the 2023 and 2022 National League Division Series (NLDS) and 2021 National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Atlanta enters 2025 with one of the league’s most balanced rosters. Their lineup remains powerful, and their pitching staff has improved since their last championship run. Injuries held them back in 2024, but with key players returning, they’re ready to reclaim their status as one of baseball’s elite teams.
Although the NL East is stacked with strong competition, the Braves have a proven formula for success. Experts explain that if the Dodgers are no. 1, the Braves are A1 (or even better). If they stay healthy and their bullpen avoids past mistakes, they’ll be right back in the championship discussion.
The Phillies are coming off a strong season but seem overlooked compared to other top-tier teams. Their aging core and disappointing offseason changes, including a minor bullpen adjustment where they lost reliever Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays, have led some to doubt their ability to contend.
However, they could surprise doubters, especially with key additions like Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo is known for his powerful fastball that reaches the upper 90s and his ability to rack up strikeouts consistently. In 2023, he recorded 208 SOs, the highest by a left-handed starter in Marlins history.
After an exciting offseason, the Mets enter the season with high expectations. Adding Juan Soto instantly improves their lineup, and retaining Pete Alonso gives them a strong core. However, their pitching stability remains a concern, which makes them one of the unpredictable teams in 2025.
If their offense delivers, they could mask their pitching weaknesses and remain competitive throughout the year. But if injuries or inconsistencies derail their season, they might struggle against tougher competition. Monitor Weekly MLB Matchup Analysis to see if the Mets could go all the way—or fall short.
Considering their last year’s 78-84 record, few expected the Rangers to be serious contenders in 2025, but they have the potential to pull off a remarkable turnaround. Key acquisitions like AL Rookie of the Month Wyatt Langford and returning talent like Jacob deGrom make them a team worth watching.
Concerns remain about their bullpen and certain lineup spots, including Adolis García, who has an oblique injury. On a positive note, the American League lacks a clear dominant team. If they capitalize on opportunities and their new pieces gel, they could emerge as one of the league’s biggest surprises.
The Dodgers are the safest pick, followed by the Braves. The Phillies remain a solid sleeper pick, even with minimal offseason moves, while the Mets present a high-risk, high-reward option. For bold bettors, the Rangers could be a strong pick for future bets, particularly in the World Series winner market.
While favorites like the Dodgers and Braves offer safer bets, the Phillies and Mets provide solid mid-tier options, while the Rangers present a long-shot bet with high upside. No matter your pick, diversify wagers across future bets, win totals, and playoff advancement to maximize return while managing risk.
