Spring training is in full swing, and the race for the 2025 World Series is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
After quite an eventful offseason, 5 teams are emerging as the strongest contenders to claim the coveted championship.
According to the latest betting odds from the biggest sports betting sites, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies are among the favorites to make a strong run.
Of course, anything can happen during the season, but all signs are pointing to these 5 being the best of the best.
One big factor is that each of these teams has made significant roster moves to improve their chances and increase their odds. Sure, some are looking to build on last year's incredible success, but some of the others have retooled after falling short.
Here’s a closer look at these 5 MLB franchises and why we think they have a legitimate shot at winning it all.
Odds to Win the World Series: +300
The Dodgers enter the 2025 season as the indisputable team to beat and absolutely nobody is surprised by this. After defeating the Yankees in the 2024 World Series, they made several bold moves to ensure they remain at the top — for years to come.
Pitching was a primary focus for the Dodgers this offseason despite their dominance last year. They signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a 5 year, $182 million deal. Snell joins an already stacked rotation featuring some of the biggest names on the mound such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and 23-year-old Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki.
Adding to that monster list of pitchers, Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the mound around May which makes this one of the deepest rotations in baseball. In fact, it might be one of the strongest rotations we’ve seen in a generation.
The bullpen also got a major boost with the addition of closer Tanner Scott. He inked a 4 year, $72 million contract.
With a solid core of stars which includes several big names like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Will Smith, the Dodgers are more than set for another title run.
With their depth on the mound and at the plate and postseason experience, they’re rightfully the favorites to repeat by a long shot.
Odds to Win the World Series: +800
The Yankees came close in 2024 but fell just a little short against the dominant Dodgers in the World Series. Their response? A major roster shake-up to prepare for the 2025 season.
The most notable departure was superstar Juan Soto. He left for the Mets in free agency after teasing the MLB world about where he was going. However, the Yankees addressed their pitching by acquiring Max Fried, who is easily one of the best southpaws in the game.
They also bolstered their outfield lineup with Cody Bellinger, who returns to the Bronx after a resurgent season with the Cubs last season.
The bullpen, of course, received a major upgrade with the addition of elite closer Devin Williams from the Brewers. He might not have thrown a lot last year, but when he did, he grabbed a 1.25 ERA on top of a 0.97 WHIP.
Despite these moves, the Yankees do have some concerns, particularly Giancarlo Stanton’s health. The slugger is dealing with tendinitis in both elbows. This has already sidelined him in spring training and could bleed into the regular season. This player needs to be monitored as he could swing the Yankees' odds for the WS.
The Yankees have enough firepower to make another deep playoff run despite that potential challenge. Aaron Judge remains one of the best hitters in the game, and if their pitching holds up like we think it will, they’ll undoubtedly be in the mix once again.
Odds to Win the World Series: +1000
The Braves had a strong 2024 regular season as they won the NL East, but their playoff run was cut shorter than expected in the NLDS. This offseason, however, they focused on adding depth to their lineup while keeping their core intact.
One of their biggest moves was trading Jorge Soler to the Angels for right-hander Griffin Canning. This trade helps bolster their rotation, which already includes Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton. They also signed All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar to a 3-year, $42 million deal which simply adds another dangerous bat to their already dominant lineup.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. returning from his injury and a powerful offense led by powerhouse duo Matt Olson and Austin Riley, the Braves remain a force in the National League and are set to go deeper this time.
Their biggest challenge, of course, will be getting past the Dodgers and their rotation in October. However, if they stay healthy, they have a real shot at another title.
Odds to Win the World Series: +1200
The Mets made headlines this offseason by signing Juan Soto to a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract. The move was explosive and took MLB fans by surprise. This move just goes to show their commitment to building a championship contender in an already stacked race.
Soto joins a lineup that already features some of the best players in the game — Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo. The Mets also re-signed Alonso to a 2-year, $54 million deal, keeping their offensive core intact for the 2025 season.
Pitching was another area they focused on. They addressed it by bringing back Sean Manaea and signing Frankie Montas to strengthen the rotation a bit. They added Clay Holmes on a 3-year, $38 million contract and transitioned him into a starting role despite him playing more of a relief role in his career.
The Mets finished 2nd in the NL East last season and made a deep playoff run as they reached the NLCS. With the additions they’ve made in the off-season, they have the potential to go even further this year.
Odds to Win the World Series: +1200
The Phillies have been knocking on the door of a championship for a few years now and we were surprised they didn’t go further last season. Fortunately for them, they’ve made the right moves to remain in contention.
Their biggest offseason acquisition was left-hander Jesús Luzardo. He adds another strong arm to a rotation that already features potential future hall-of-famers, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. They also signed Joe Ross to provide a bit of depth.
In the bullpen, they secured reliever Jordan Romano on a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Meanwhile, they added the veteran bat of Max Kepler to strengthen the outfield.
The Phillies were one of the best teams in the National League last year as they closed out the season with a 95–67 record. However, they were eliminated by the Mets in the NLDS, cutting their playoff run short.
With a well-rounded roster and strong leadership from big names like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, they’re telling the world that they’re determined to take the next step in 2025.
The Dodgers are the clear favorites, but looking at the moves these teams made, the competition is undeniably fierce.
The Yankees have retooled in some key areas, the Braves remain a perennial powerhouse that isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and the Mets and Phillies are loaded with raw talent that can take them deep into the playoffs.
Injuries and midseason trades will obviously play a big role in shaping the playoff picture, but one thing we can all agree on — the 2025 MLB season is set to be one of the most exciting we’ve seen in a long time.
Whether it’s a World Series repeat for the Dodgers or a new champion emerging, baseball fans all over the nation are in for a thrilling ride.