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Who Will Win the World Series This Year? Early Picks vs. Dark Horses

Know more about Guest By Guest - Apr 03, 2025 10:06 PM
Last updated on Apr 03, 2025 10:18 PM
Who Will Win the World Series This Year? Early Picks vs. Dark Horses

Predicting who will win the World Series is no straightforward task, but for MLB enthusiasts and bettors alike, it’s the ultimate challenge. From powerhouse teams with loaded rosters to dark horses poised for a deep run, the odds to win the World Series are shaping up to make this season one of the most competitive yet.

Here’s a detailed look at the favorites, dark horses, underdogs, and long shots to help guide your MLB betting predictions and insights.

The Favorites

When it comes to MLB betting news, every prediction begins with taking a closer look at the favorites. These teams boast powerhouse lineups, elite pitching rotations, and the experience needed to raise the trophy come October.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+240)

No surprise here. The Dodgers sit atop the odds to win World Series again—with good reason. They return with a stacked roster, including talents like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman and impressive additions like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki.

FanGraphs gives them an impressive 23% chance to win it all, but keep in mind that even “favorites” fail three out of four times. However, with their deep lineup and strong bullpen, the Dodgers remain a juggernaut in the National League.

New York Yankees (+800)

The Yankees stand as the American League’s best odds to take home the championship. Even with some early bumps in spring training, their star-studded roster ensures they’ll remain a formidable contender. Plus, consistent postseason appearances make them a safe bet for bettors looking beyond the NL-heavy competition.

Atlanta Braves (+850)

With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider leading the charge, this team has the tools to dominate across the board. They’re returning stronger than ever, and their mix of offensive firepower and pitching depth keeps them firmly in the conversation.

Philadelphia Phillies (+1000) and New York Mets (+1100)

The Phillies and Mets round out the favorites. The Phillies bring postseason experience and a balanced roster, while the Mets have added firepower with Juan Soto, instantly boosting their credibility in both the division and the World Series chase.

The Dark Horses

Dark horse teams may not appear at the top of every MLB betting prediction, but savvy bettors know they often bring excellent value.

Baltimore Orioles (+1600)

The Orioles’ young core, led by Adley Rutschman and possibly Jackson Holliday later in the season, gives Baltimore the edge to upset juggernauts. Questions remain about their pitching depth, but there’s no doubting the offensive potential in this lineup.

Boston Red Sox (+1800)

After a few quiet years, Boston has retooled with impactful acquisitions like Kyle Tucker, Justin Turner, and Garrett Crochet. If their new pieces click and their young prospects deliver, the Red Sox could make noise in the AL East.

Houston Astros (+1800)

Although they’re not quite the Astros of old, their championship pedigree still makes them dangerous. Players like Yordan Álvarez and new additions like Christian Walker ensure they remain a threat come postseason.

Chicago Cubs (+3000)

The Cubs might be a long shot on paper, but their offseason pickups, including Kyle Tucker and a bolstered bullpen with Ryan Pressly, make them an intriguing option. With a weaker NL Central, the path to October feels more attainable.

Detroit Tigers (+3500)

Don’t sleep on Detroit. Armed with promising young talent and steady veterans, the Tigers have every reason to be taken seriously as sleeper contenders this year.

The Underdogs

For teams hovering just outside playoff contention, look no further than the underdogs. These squads are capable of surprises, and in the postseason, anything is possible.

San Francisco Giants (+8000)

The Giants’ pitching staff, including Logan Webb and newcomer Justin Verlander, are their backbone. While their lineup lacks elite bats, their balanced roster offers hope for another sneaky playoff run.

Tampa Bay Rays (+5000)

Although the Rays hit a homerun with their pitching depth, their lack of a consistent offensive presence puts them just outside the favorites. That said, postseason magic is nothing new for Tampa Bay.

Milwaukee Brewers (+5000)

Even though they’ve lost star closer Devin Williams, the Brewers have found another young star in Jackson Chourio to add some spark to their lineup. If Milwaukee’s pitching holds steady, they’ve got the tools to steal the NL Central title.

The Long Shots

Every year, fans hope that one Cinderella story will shock the world. While these teams have the longest odds to win the World Series, they carry the potential to disrupt betting trends and weave a magical story.

Pittsburgh Pirates (+15000)

With a young roster full of exciting prospects like Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, the Pirates are taking steps in the right direction. While still far from contention, they’ll be a team to watch closely this season.

Miami Marlins (+50000)

It’s unlikely the Marlins will make any serious push this season, but stranger things have happened in baseball. Pitching ace Sandy Alcántara gives them at least some competitive edge on the mound.

Oakland Athletics (+16000)

This scrappy group sees major contributions from rookies and overlooked stars. While far from postseason-ready, the A’s are laying the groundwork for a future that could be surprisingly competitive sooner than later.

The Race to the Championship

The race to win the World Series is never as predictable as the odds suggest. While favorites like the Dodgers and Yankees dominate MLB betting news, dark horses like the Orioles and Cubs hold the promise of surprise. Meanwhile, underdogs like the Brewers and Giants remind us not to count anyone out, and long shots carry the dreams of something magical.

For MLB fans and bettors, one thing is clear this season: The competition is fierce, no matter your wager on MLB betting predictions. Playoffs are as much about momentum as talent, and the postseason is where legends are made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How are World Series odds determined?

Oddsmakers analyze team performance, injuries, pitching depth, and historical trends to set betting odds for the World Series winner. Odds change based on team form and playoff results.

When is the World Series played?

The MLB World Series usually takes place in late October to early November, featuring a best-of-seven series between the American League and National League champions.

What is a dark horse team in the World Series race?

A dark horse is a team that isn’t heavily favored but has the potential to surprise everyone and make a deep playoff run due to momentum, underrated talent, or strong late-season performance.

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