The Athletic’s 2025 World Series odds show that the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorites over the Braves, Yankees, Phillies, and Mets.

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The Athletic’s 2025 World Series odds show that the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorites over the Braves, Yankees, Phillies, and Mets.

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is just around the corner, and as Opening Day approaches, oddsmakers have released their latest World Series odds. According to The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers are overwhelming favorites, surpassing top contenders like the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets. But what makes the Dodgers the clear front-runners, and how do their closest competitors stack up? Let’s break it all down in a detailed analysis.

Dodgers: The Overwhelming Favorites

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the MLB landscape in recent years, consistently making deep playoff runs. Coming off a strong 2024 campaign, they enter the 2025 season with even more firepower. According to The Athletic’s odds, the Dodgers have a +275 chance to win it all, significantly ahead of their closest rivals.

Key Factors for Dodgers’ Success

  1. Elite Roster Depth – The Dodgers boast a lineup filled with superstars. With Shohei Ohtani fully healthy and expected to contribute both offensively and on the mound, the team has arguably the best two-way player in baseball history. Alongside Ohtani, they have former MVP Mookie Betts and veteran slugger Freddie Freeman leading the charge.
  2. Pitching Rotation Strength – The Dodgers fortified their pitching staff by acquiring ace Blake Snell and Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki. With Walker Buehler returning from injury, they have a formidable rotation that can shut down even the best offenses.
  3. Proven Postseason Experience – Many of the Dodgers’ key players have extensive postseason experience, which is invaluable when making a deep playoff run. Manager Dave Roberts knows how to guide this team through the challenges of October baseball.

The Closest Contenders

While the Dodgers may be the favorites, several other teams are well-positioned to challenge them for the 2025 title.

Atlanta Braves (+800)

The Braves, fresh off a 2024 NLCS appearance, remain one of the biggest threats in the National League. With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson anchoring the lineup, the team has the offensive firepower to keep up with the Dodgers.

  • Rotation Concerns – The Braves’ biggest question mark lies in their starting pitching. Spencer Strider is an ace, but the team needs reliable depth behind him to make a serious title push.
  • Defensive Strength – Atlanta has one of the best defensive units in baseball, helping them maintain consistency over a long season.

New York Yankees (+850)

The Yankees always find themselves in World Series discussions, but 2025 presents some challenges.

  • Gerrit Cole’s Injury – The Yankees’ ace is expected to miss most of the season due to Tommy John surgery, which significantly impacts their pitching rotation.
  • Aaron Judge and Juan Soto – The Yankees’ offense will still be one of the best in baseball, with power hitters like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto leading the way.
  • Bullpen Depth – New York boasts one of the best bullpens in baseball, a crucial factor in postseason success.

Philadelphia Phillies (+1000)

The Phillies have consistently been a strong playoff team, but can they take the next step?

  • Bryce Harper’s Leadership – Harper continues to be the face of the franchise and a key offensive contributor.
  • Wheeler and Nola Duo – With Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola at the top of their rotation, the Phillies have the pitching talent to compete with anyone.
  • Infield Concerns – The team’s defensive infield remains an issue, which could hurt them in close games.

New York Mets (+800)

The Mets made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking contract.

  • Offensive Firepower – With Soto, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor, the Mets have one of the most dangerous lineups in the NL.
  • Pitching Depth Issues – While the Mets’ offense is elite, their pitching staff remains a concern. Kodai Senga is a solid ace, but the back end of the rotation needs improvement.

Other Dark Horse Contenders

While the five teams mentioned above are the favorites, several others could make surprising runs:

  • Houston Astros (+1200) – Still a dominant force in the AL, especially with their veteran lineup and strong pitching.
  • Toronto Blue Jays (+1500) – If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette take another step forward, the Blue Jays could be a major threat.
  • San Diego Padres (+1800) – Despite losing some key players, the Padres remain a dangerous postseason team.

The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. While the Dodgers enter as the clear favorites, the competition is fierce, and anything can happen in baseball. Will Los Angeles live up to expectations, or will one of the challengers rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this season will be thrilling from start to finish.

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