We’ve reached the Division Series in Major League Baseball, and the race for the World Series is heating up. With the field trimmed to the best of the best, updated futures odds reflect both regular-season dominance and how teams are currently positioned heading into October.

Some early favorites are still among the leaders, while a few surprise contenders have made their way into the mix. Below, we’ll break down the latest odds for the top teams and highlight which clubs may offer the best value as the postseason continues.

When Is The World Series?

The 2025 MLB World Series is scheduled to begin in late October, shortly after the conclusion of the League Championship Series. Exact dates will be determined after the MLB Pennants have been decided.

2025 World Series Odds

Check out the latest MLB odds for the World Series:

Just over the last month, we’ve seen plenty of movement with the remaining teams. The Phillies have been one of the biggest movers from +900 in July to +750 in September, and now +475. The Brewers are another team that exceeded all early season expectations, and have continued to see their World Series odds shrink.

Join me as I dive into the biggest threats to a Dodgers repeat, and make a prediction as to whether or not Shohei Ohtani and co. can make it happen. Of course, if you want more advice – for this market or anything else related to MLB betting – be sure to check out the best handicappers available on the internet.

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World Series Favorites

Check out the following MLB teams that are considered the odds-on favorites to win the 2025 World Series, according to the top sports betting sites. 

Los Angeles Dodgers (+320)

The Dodgers once again enter October as one of the most complete teams in baseball, but this time it feels a little different. Injuries took a toll throughout the regular season, especially on the pitching staff, yet Los Angeles still found a way to secure a top seed. A rotation led by Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell gives them firepower few teams can match. Even when they’ve had to patch things together, the Dodgers have managed to keep run prevention steady, thanks to depth arms and timely bullpen adjustments. That blend of star power and adaptability is why they remain so dangerous.

Offensively, the Dodgers remain loaded. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts are still among the game’s most reliable bats, while Ohtani provides an MVP-level presence in the middle of the order. The supporting cast is what makes this lineup especially tough to handle. Young contributors like Andy Pages and veterans like Max Muncy add balance, making it difficult for opposing pitchers to find easy outs. When the Dodgers are locked in, they can produce runs in bunches and wear down pitching staffs over the course of a series.

The bullpen remains the one area of concern. While Roki Sasaki has brought flashes of brilliance since arriving late in the year, the overall group has been inconsistent. Walks and home runs have plagued the relief corps at times, and against a patient Phillies lineup, that could become an issue. Still, when Los Angeles shortens games and leans on its best arms, they can look like the same October force that delivered titles earlier this decade.

In short, the Dodgers carry the pedigree, depth, and talent to win another World Series. But the NLDS against Philadelphia feels like more than just an opening round. With the Braves already eliminated and the Cubs untested on this stage, the winner here might very well be the team that represents the National League in the Fall Classic. For Los Angeles, advancing past a dangerous Phillies squad would reinforce their place as the NL’s most consistent powerhouse.

Philadelphia Phillies (+475)

Philadelphia enters this series with the confidence of a team built for October. They’ve been here before, winning big series with timely hitting and relentless energy, and this roster is constructed in much the same way. Bryce Harper remains the centerpiece, and while his regular season numbers dipped slightly by his lofty standards, his track record in the postseason is undeniable. Add in Kyle Schwarber’s power and J.T. Realmuto’s steady presence behind the plate, and the Phillies bring plenty of October experience to the table.

What makes this Phillies team particularly tough is its balance. Bryson Stott has emerged as a steady middle-infield bat, Brandon Marsh has developed into one of the better defensive outfielders in baseball, and the midseason addition of Harrison Bader brought another spark. They might not have the same star depth as the Dodgers, but Philadelphia thrives on role players stepping up. It’s been a recipe for their recent postseason success, and it’s one they’ll lean on again in this matchup.

On the mound, Philadelphia’s rotation is good enough to go toe-to-toe with anyone. Cristopher Sánchez has taken a leap, pitching like a frontline starter down the stretch, and Jesús Luzardo has proven to be a valuable pickup. Even if they don’t have Wheeler or Nola lined up this time, the Phillies can still throw quality arms at Los Angeles. The bullpen, led by Jhoan Duran, might actually give them an edge late in games, especially if the Dodgers’ relievers stumble.

For the Phillies, this series against Los Angeles is more than just a chance to advance. It feels like their shot to finally push through as the National League’s team to beat. If they can get by the Dodgers in a best-of-five, the path to the World Series looks wide open. They’ve shown they can outslug opponents, they’ve shown they can win with pitching, and their October track record speaks for itself. This clash could be the moment that cements Philadelphia as the NL’s toughest out.

Best World Series Betting Value

The following MLB Playoff teams offer solid betting value based on their current odds, matchups, and season to date:

Seattle Mariners (+550)

For the first time in nearly a quarter-century, the Seattle Mariners enter October as a true contender. They won the AL West for the first time in 24 years and secured the No. 2 seed in the American League, setting up a postseason run that feels different from past attempts. While their 90–72 record doesn’t jump off the page, this team is deeper, more balanced, and arguably better equipped to make a World Series push than any Mariners club in history. With the ALDS matchup against the Tigers ahead, Seattle finally has the tools to go from fringe playoff hopeful to legitimate title threat.

The biggest reason is catcher Cal Raleigh. His 60-homer season wasn’t just historic, it was transformative, giving Seattle a middle-of-the-order anchor that almost no other team can match at his position. Pair him with Julio Rodríguez, who rebounded from a slow start to post MVP-level numbers in the second half, and you’ve got one of the most dangerous duos in the postseason. But what makes the Mariners truly dangerous is their depth. Randy Arozarena, Jorge Polanco, and J.P. Crawford all posted well above-average seasons, while trade additions Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez gave Seattle an even deeper lineup heading into October. This isn’t a top-heavy roster—it’s a lineup with quality bats 1 through 9.

Seattle’s pitching hasn’t been quite as dominant as expected, but the top end of their rotation is still strong enough to carry them. Bryan Woo and Luis Castillo give the Mariners a frontline duo capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent, while Logan Gilbert returned from injury down the stretch looking like his best self. Even if the rotation behind them has shown cracks, this trio should be enough to keep Seattle in every game. And when they hand the ball to the bullpen, Andrés Muñoz looms as a shutdown closer who can slam the door on October wins.

Put it all together, and the Mariners have their best chance yet to finally bring a World Series to Seattle. There’s no single weakness that stands out, no soft spot that opponents can reliably attack. They’ve got the power, the depth, the arms, and the late-inning stability to make a run. It’s been 24 years since their last division title, but this Mariners team feels like it’s built to go much further. If they keep playing to their potential, Seattle has the pieces to not just win the AL, but to win it all.

Chicago Cubs (+750)

The Chicago Cubs have stormed back into October relevance for the first time since 2017, and they did it with a convincing Wild Card victory over San Diego. Behind a short but sharp outing from Jameson Taillon and a bullpen that bent without breaking, Chicago punched its ticket to the NLDS and now faces division rival Milwaukee. It’s a matchup layered with drama, as manager Craig Counsell squares off against the franchise he led for nearly a decade. With momentum on their side and an energized lineup, the Cubs enter this series confident they can knock off the NL Central champs.

This Cubs offense has been one of the most relentless in baseball throughout 2025. They ranked sixth in home runs, third in RBIs, and piled up the 11th-most hits overall. That mix of contact and power makes them especially dangerous in short series, where one big swing can tilt the outcome. What makes them stand out, though, is how deep the lineup is — nearly every hitter poses a threat, which is why they were able to pound Padres pitching for 14 hits in their elimination game. Few teams can match the sheer pressure this group puts on opposing staffs.

While Chicago’s lineup drives headlines, their bullpen has quietly become a stabilizing force. Counsell has leaned heavily on high-leverage arms who thrive in tight spots, and the group has repeatedly delivered late in games. Add in a defense that grades out solid across the diamond, and the Cubs have the makeup of a club built to grind out wins, especially in one-run contests. If the rotation can give them enough innings, the relief corps and bats are more than capable of carrying the load.

For Chicago, the key will be carrying the same level of aggression that fueled their Wild Card win into this divisional clash. Milwaukee may be the more balanced team, but the Cubs are built to swing momentum quickly with their power-heavy attack. If their stars keep producing and the bullpen continues to hold the line, this is a group that could ride its offensive firepower all the way to the NLCS — and perhaps further. In a postseason where anything can happen, Chicago’s mix of thump, depth, and veteran leadership makes them a real threat.

Top World Series Longshot

The Toronto Blue Jays (+850) may not have the star power or October pedigree of the New York Yankees, but they’re far from pushovers in this ALDS matchup. They enter the series as a rested, well-rounded team that won the season series against New York (7–6) and outscored them across those meetings. The Jays’ offensive identity differs from the Yankees’ homer-driven approach; instead, Toronto thrives on contact and putting the ball in play.

They led the majors in hits (1,461) and had the lowest strikeout rate in baseball (17.8%), a stark contrast to the Yankees’ boom-or-bust style. That balance allows them to sustain rallies and pressure opposing defenses, something that could loom large in a short series.

Toronto’s lineup depth is a clear strength. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may have scuffled through the early postseason with a .136 batting average, but he remains a potent bat capable of flipping a series in an instant. More importantly, George Springer provides playoff-tested experience, boasting 19 career postseason home runs and a .959 OPS this season with 32 long balls.

If Springer continues producing and Guerrero heats up, the Jays could have the middle-of-the-order punch to keep pace with New York’s Aaron Judge-led offense. The health of Bo Bichette, dealing with a left knee sprain, is another storyline. If he’s active, his bat lengthens a lineup that already boasts plenty of contact ability.

On the pitching side, Toronto doesn’t have the same big-name rotation as the Yankees, but they counter with a strong front led by Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber. Both are capable of shutting down elite lineups when locked in, and they’ll need to be sharp to neutralize Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

The Blue Jays may also turn to rookie Trey Yesavage, though his 9.00 ERA in recent starts is concerning, and Chris Bassitt’s inconsistency adds another layer of unpredictability. While not as intimidating as New York’s red-hot staff, the Jays’ rotation gives them a chance to compete, especially if Gausman sets the tone in Game 1.

Toronto’s bullpen remains a question mark, but closer Jeff Hoffman has been steady all year, ranking third in the AL with 33 saves. However, his underlying numbers suggest vulnerability: 15 runs allowed in 66 innings and a tendency to give up home runs at the wrong time. That could be a fatal flaw against a Yankees team built on power. Still, if Toronto’s lineup can control the tempo by making contact and avoiding strikeouts, they can put pressure on New York’s defense — which has been shaky at times. The Jays may not be favorites, but their balanced offense and solid front-end pitching give them a clear path to springing an upset.

World Series Predictions

If you’re looking for the best value bet heading into the Division Series, the Seattle Mariners stand out. The Dodgers are once again the betting favorite, and for good reason—they’re loaded with star power, they have Shohei Ohtani back healthy, and they know how to win in October.

But at +550, there’s limited upside compared to Seattle’s number. The Mariners may not have the postseason track record of Los Angeles, yet they bring something just as important: balance. This is one of the deepest lineups in the American League, anchored by Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, and it’s paired with a top-of-the-rotation duo of Bryan Woo and Luis Castillo that can hang with anyone. Add in a bullpen that shortens games with Andrés Muñoz on the back end, and Seattle checks more boxes than they’re getting credit for.

That’s why the Mariners are such an appealing MLB pick. The Dodgers are the safe pick to make it out of the NL, but the AL feels more wide open, and Seattle’s path looks clearer than most. If they get through Detroit in the ALDS, they’ll be favored to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

At their current price, the Mariners offer the kind of upside bettors should be chasing in October—strong enough to make a deep run, but undervalued because of their lack of past postseason success. If it comes down to Dodgers vs. Mariners in the Fall Classic

Bet: Seattle Mariners (+550)

World Series Winners

The following is a list of the most recent World Series winners: