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Now that the season has turned to spring, and our calendars are heading into April, that means it’s baseball time. And, the 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be an exciting one for both leagues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the year as the odds-on favorites to win the National League pennant and the 2025 World Series. In the American League, the New York Yankees sit on top of the betting boards as they aim to win another championship.
Without further ado, let’s figure out which teams will win the MLB Pennants and head to the World Series.
We’ve hit the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season, and with the All-Star break officially underway, it’s a natural time to revisit the pennant race across both leagues. Between injuries, surprises, and midseason trades, the betting markets look very different than they did on Opening Day.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are still near the top of the odds boards, but teams like the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays have surged in the junior circuit. Below, we break down the latest pennant odds, highlight movement since the spring, and offer betting value picks as the playoff push heats up. If you’re diving into futures markets, now’s also a great time to browse the best MLB picks or review the top-performing handicappers for the season’s second half.
2025 American League Pennant Odds
Check out the latest American League Pennant odds:
Team | Opening Odds | July Odds |
---|---|---|
New York Yankees | +330 | +310 |
Houston Astros | +650 | +400 |
Toronto Blue Jays | +3000 | +750 |
Seattle Mariners | +1100 | +800 |
Boston Red Sox | +900 | +1400 |
Detroit Tigers | +1300 | +285 |
Tampa Bay Rays | +1700 | +2000 |
Texas Rangers | +900 | +3000 |
No team has seen its odds shift more dramatically than the Detroit Tigers, who entered the year as a mid-tier contender and now sit atop the board at +285. Toronto has also made a major jump, with its price slashed from +3000 to +750. On the other end of the spectrum, the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox have faded after dealing with injury issues and inconsistent offensive production.
For those looking to ride momentum or fade recent hype, the latest market movement is a helpful place to start, especially when paired with guidance from expert handicappers.
American League Favorites
The following American League teams are considered the favorites, according to the top sports betting sites:
Detroit Tigers (+285)
What started as a feel-good story is beginning to look like a serious title run. The Tigers’ pitching has outperformed preseason expectations, and the lineup has quietly become one of the most reliable in the league.
The starting rotation has been key. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal appears primed to repeat, as he’s 10-3 with a 2.23 ERA through 19 starts. Former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize earned his first All-Star appearance after dealing with injuries in previous years, while the reacquisition of Jack Flaherty has proven to be a fruitful decision. The bullpen is deep and among the best in baseball, as well.
With a World Series-winning manager in AJ Hinch at the helm, who’s to say the Tigers can’t take the next step and contend for the AL pennant? Detroit upset the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Round of last year’s playoffs, and that was with Skubal headlining a makeshift rotation. The staff has much more depth this time around, while the addition of Gleyber Torres and the resurgence of Javier Baez have boosted what was a mediocre offense in 2024.
This team has balance, confidence, and now the odds to match. Anyone who got them at +1300 is sitting pretty, but there may still be value even at +285.
New York Yankees (+310)
Even with Gerrit Cole sidelined, the Yankees have managed to stay near the top of the odds board. Aaron Judge looks destined for yet another AL MVP award, and the front office hasn’t been shy about making win-now moves.
Missing out on Juan Soto in free agency figured to hamper the Bronx Bombers’ chances to contend for a second straight AL pennant, but, perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise. Soto is a future Hall-of-Famer, but his departure allowed the Yankees to spend their free-agent cash on Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt. Fried and Carlos Rodon give the Yanks a legit 1-2 punch atop the rotation even without Cole, and it’s certainly a team nobody will be excited to face in the postseason.
That said, New York has the second-best AL pennant odds despite the fact that they’re currently looking up at Toronto in the AL East. The Yankees are just 5-5 in their last 10 entering the All-Star break, and they’re only a game in front of Boston for third place. Winning the division won’t be an easy task, and the Yankees’ road to the World Series gets more complicated if they punch a playoff ticket via a Wild Card spot.
I don’t love the value on the Yankees’ AL pennant odds at +310.
Best American League Betting Value
The following MLB teams offer betting value to win the American League Pennant:
Houston Astros (+400)
The Houston Astros looked down and out after losing Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Justin Verlander last winter. All they’ve done since then, however, is start the season 56-40 and vault their way back to the top of the American League West. This even though the Astros have also dealt with a rash of injuries to key players, including Yordan Alvarez, Spencer Arrighetti, Jeremy Pena, and Ronel Blanco, among others.
There’s certainly something to be said about Houston’s winning culture. Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes have been useful additions via the trade that sent Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. Hunter Brown is right behind Skubal in the AL Cy Young race, while the bullpen has, once again, been among the most dominant in the sport. The Astros’ plus-56 run differential is easily the best mark in the division, and a sign that their success to this point isn’t fluky.
That said, just five games separate the Astros from the second-place Seattle Mariners in the AL West, while the Texas Rangers’ offense started to click just before the All-Star break. I’m not fully convinced the Astros will be able to navigate any more injuries to important players should they arise, but they have built themselves a decent cushion. Houston also has one of the easiest schedules in the league the rest of the way.
All bets are off once the postseason begins, but betting against the Astros come October hasn’t been a profitable endeavor over the last decade. Even with a slew of new faces, it’s fair to assume Houston will be relevant once the tournament gets underway. I much prefer Houston at +400 to win the AL than New York at +310, all things considered.
Toronto Blue Jays (+750)
Toronto’s young core has finally clicked. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has returned to form, and Kevin Gausman is pitching like a true ace again. A healthy stretch after the break could make this one of the most dangerous teams in the American League.
The Jays got off to a fairly unremarkable start, but they’ve been among baseball’s hottest teams over the past couple of months. Toronto recently swept the Yankees at home to vault themselves back into first place in the division. There was early talk that the Blue Jays could be sellers ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, but they’re now firmly entrenched as potential buyers.
Whether they can hold up is another question, especially with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays all vying for the division crown. Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios have been solid secondary rotation options behind Gausman, while Max Scherzer recently returned after missing a few months with a thumb injury. Toronto has also gotten surprisingly steady work from Eric Lauer as the No. 5 starter, while Jeff Hoffman has proven to be a worthy replacement for the departed Jordan Romano.
What makes the Jays’ rise to the top of the division even more remarkable is that they’ve done it without two of their most prolific hitters, Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho, who are both on the injured list. Addison Barger has been a revelation in the heart of the order, while George Springer and Bo Bichette have had resurgent campaigns after dealing with injuries in recent seasons. There’s a lot of depth on this roster, and they’ll only get better once Santander and Varsho return.
At +750, the Blue Jays are a phenomenal sleeper pick to win the AL.
Top American League Longshot
Few teams have had weirder seasons than the Red Sox (+1400). Boston got off to a surprisingly hot start, only to hit the skids once May rolled around. In the middle of June, Boston made the shocking decision to trade franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Not only did that signal the end of an era, but many believed it was a sign the Red Sox were ready to start over.
Not so fast, my friend. The Red Sox are suddenly the hottest team in baseball. Boston entered the All-Star break riding a 10-game winning streak that put them right in the thick of the crowded AL East. There’s still plenty of talent left on the roster even without Devers, and who’s to say they can’t stick with Toronto, New York, and Tampa Bay the rest of the way?
Boston has a legit ace in Garrett Crochet, who’s among those chasing Skubal in the AL Cy Young race. Whether the rest of the rotation holds up may determine how far they go, however. Walker Buehler has been wildly shaky in his first year in town, while Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito haven’t been too consistent, either. Despite the Devers trade, there’s a chance the Red Sox will be in the buyer’s market once the deadline rolls around in a few weeks. Another starting pitcher should be at the top of the wish list.
You’re getting good bang for your buck with Boston at +1400 to win the American League. This is a franchise that’s defied the odds on numerous occasions over the past couple of decades. With a few upgrades to the roster, I think they have sleeper potential.
American League Prediction
The Tigers are the real deal. Detroit has the arms, the lineup depth, and now the market momentum to justify a pennant pick. They’ve evolved from longshot to legitimate contender faster than anyone expected, and they don’t appear to be slowing down. I’m not thrilled with the +285 odds, however, especially with such an inexperienced roster.
I’ll come back to the Astros at +400. For whatever reason, this franchise just keeps finding ways to win even after losing star-level talent seemingly every offseason.
Bet: Houston Astros (+400)
2025 National League Pennant Odds
Check out the latest MLB odds for the National League Pennant race:
Team | Opening Odds | July Odds |
---|---|---|
Los Angeles Dodgers | +140 | +140 |
Philadelphia Phillies | +450 | +450 |
New York Mets | +500 | +500 |
Chicago Cubs | +600 | +600 |
San Francisco Giants | +1600 | +1600 |
San Diego Padres | +1700 | +1700 |
Milwaukee Brewers | +1100 | +1100 |
Atlanta Braves | +11000 | +11000 |
While the Dodgers are steady at the top, most other contenders have seen their odds hold firm, as well. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets haven’t done much to change their pricing, but they still profile as serious playoff threats. The Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres all have paths to October, though they’ll need strong finishes.
National League Favorites
These teams are the early favorites to emerge victorious in the National League in 2025:
Los Angeles Dodgers (+140)
The reigning World Series champions will exit the All-Star break exactly where they entered the season: at the top of odds boards. Los Angeles has a fairly comfortable lead atop the NL West despite dealing with a number of injuries, particularly on the pitching staff.
Tyler Glasnow recently returned from a long-term stint on the injured list, while Blake Snell is reportedly due back soon. Michael Kopech, Tony Gonsolin, Blake Treinen, Roki Sasaki, and Evan Phillips are among the pitchers currently on the shelf, while Max Muncy is due back in several weeks after suffering a bone bruise on his knee a few weeks ago. Muncy’s absence from the lineup has been notable, considering he was arguably LA’s hottest hitter at the time he went down.
That said, the Dodgers are going to be playing into October thanks to their broad organizational depth and endless resources. Shohei Ohtani is once again playing at an MVP level, and they’ve gotten consistent contributions from Will Smith and Andy Pages, as well. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman haven’t been playing at their respective bests, yet it hasn’t hurt Los Angeles too much just yet.
They’re prohibitive favorites to win the NL pennant for the second straight year at +140, and rightfully so.
Philadelphia Phillies (+450)
The Philadelphia Phillies are an interesting case. Much of the roster that advanced to the 2022 World Series is still there, though their window for contention may be closing. Bryce Harper is still playing at an elite level when healthy, while Kyle Schwarber is arguably the game’s most consistent slugger this side of Judge and Ohtani.
However, rather than relying too heavily on the bats to carry them, the Phillies have become a pitching-first club this season. Zack Wheeler looks primed to win his first-career Cy Young Award, while Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez were legitimate All-Star snubs. Jesus Luzardo has shown flashes of ace potential, while Aaron Nola – who may be the team’s No. 5 starter at this point – will return from a rib injury soon.
Don’t be surprised if the Phillies go hunting for a bat at the trade deadline given the relative weakness of the bottom of the order. Alec Bohm, JT Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos haven’t lived up to their promise at the plate this season, and they should be in the market for a lefty bat if Max Kepler can’t get it together. The pitching staff will make them a contender if they can punch a playoff ticket, but I’m not convinced they’re better than several other teams vying for the NL crown.
I’d fade the Phillies at +450.
Best National League Betting Value
The following MLB teams offer betting value to win the National League Pennant:
New York Mets (+500)
The Mets generated all sorts of hype this winter when they inked Juan Soto to the most lucrative free-agent deal in the history of the sport. Soto’s performance at the plate wasn’t up to par earlier this season – which led to plenty of grumbling among fans – but he’s been his old self over the past couple of months. He inexplicably didn’t earn an All-Star nod, but Soto has an OPS north of .900 with 23 homers and 56 RBI through his first 96 games in Queens.
Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor continue to do their thing. As is the case with most teams, it’ll be up to the pitching to show up in October. New York fell to the Dodgers in last year’s NLCS, and they’re 13 games north of .500 as we prepare to enter the second half of the season. If they can stay healthy, there’s no reason to believe they can’t set up a rematch against LA this fall.
Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea have dealt with injuries, but both are healthy as of now. Clay Holmes has proven to be a solid addition to the rotation, while David Peterson quietly picked up an All-Star nod after an excellent first half. Edwin Diaz is back in peak form at the backend of the bullpen, but this is another team that could be scouring the market for relief help in the coming weeks.
All things considered, I like the value on the Mets more than I do on the Phillies at similar NL pennant odds.
Chicago Cubs (+600)
The Cubs haven’t played postseason baseball since 2020, but that streak appears to be coming to an end. Chicago was aggressive in upgrading the roster last winter by swinging trades for Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly while hoping the rest of the young roster would continue to develop around them. So far, so good on that front.
Tucker’s been Tucker, but the biggest surprise has been the play of Pete Crow-Armstrong. The former top prospect was a positive asset thanks solely to his defense in center field last season, but he’s come around in a big way with the lumber in 2025. The first-time All-Star is slashing .265/.302/.544 with 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 27 stolen bases in 95 games. Not too shabby for a guy who knocked just 10 balls over the fence in 123 games a season ago.
PCA could be due for some regression in the power department in the second half, but Chicago has enough depth in the lineup to weather it. The Cubs’ 512 runs on the year are the second-most in the league behind only the Dodgers (518), while they’re one of just four clubs with at least 140 home runs. Their 108 stolen bases as a team are also the third-most in the sport, so they can hurt you in several ways offensively.
The Cubs could use some help in the rotation, and I’d expect them to make a move before the end of July. They’ll have to sweat out the NL Central race with the Brewers, but I’d give the Cubs the edge as of now. At +600, Chicago is a real threat to win the NL for the first time since winning it all back in 2016.
Top National League Longshot
The San Francisco Giants (+1600) got off to a surprisingly hot start to the season, and their expectations leaped to the next level when they nabbed Devers from Boston in mid-June. However, the bats have fallen off a cliff since Devers was slotted into the lineup, which was an outcome few could’ve seen coming.
Hitting for power in San Francisco’s home ballpark ain’t easy, but there’s still too much talent in the lineup for the Giants to continue to struggle over the long haul. In addition to Devers, they’ve put together a solid all-around lineup that also includes former All-Stars in Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames.
Logan Webb and Robbie Ray give the Giants a pair of Cy Young contenders atop the rotation, while Randy Rodriguez has flown under the radar despite having one of the best seasons of any reliever in baseball. It hasn’t quite come together for San Francisco just yet, but they still have two-and-a-half months to figure it out.
Winning the division is highly unlikely, but the Giants are very much alive in the Wild Card race. As we know, all it takes is one hot team to flip the postseason on its head. If they get in, they’ll have a puncher’s chance. You can do worse than a flier on the Giants to win the pennant at the current +1600 odds.
National League Prediction
The Dodgers are built for October. With elite starting pitching, playoff-tested bats, and a deep bench, Los Angeles has the makeup of a team ready to repeat. The Mets and Phillies may be their biggest hurdles in the league, but the Dodgers match up well and offer better value in the current market.
Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers (+140)
MLB Pennants Prop Bets
Check out the following MLB prop bets courtesy of Bet365:
Which Division Wins The National League?
- NL West (-150)
- NL East (+150)
- NL Central (+550)
The NL West is the heavy -150 favorite to present the National League in the World Series again this season, and rightfully so. In addition to the Dodgers, the NL West also features potential contenders in the Padres, Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Any of these teams is capable of making a run.
The NL East (+150) is a solid bet, too, with the Braves, Phillies, and Mets all firmly in the mix.
Bet: NL West (-150)
Which Division Wins The American League?
- AL East (-135)
- AL West (+290)
- AL Central (+325)
On the AL side, the East (-135) is also an odds-on favorite. I’m less convinced about this one, especially considering the Yankees’ fragile status as early favorites. I’d rather take a shot on the AL West (+290), with the Astros, Rangers, Mariners, and Athletics all potentially ticketed for improvement this season. To me, this MLB Division offers solid betting value considering the amount of talent in the AL West.
Bet: AL West (+290)
MLB Pennant Winners
Year | Last 10 AL Pennant Winners | Last 10 NL Pennant Winners |
---|---|---|
2024 | New York Yankees | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2023 | Texas Rangers | Arizona Diamondbacks |
2022 | Houston Astros | Philadelphia Phillies |
2021 | Houston Astros | Atlanta Braves |
2020 | Tampa Bay Rays | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2019 | Houston Astros | Washington Nationals |
2018 | Boston Red Sox | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2017 | Houston Astros | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2016 | Cleveland Guardians | Chicago Cubs |
2015 | Kansas City Royals | New York Mets |
2014 | Boston Red Sox | San Francisco Giants |