We’re officially past the 2025 MLB All-Star Break. With contenders rising and pretenders fading within their respective MLB divisions and leagues. So, now’s a great time to re-evaluate the World Series odds and find value on the boards.

Some preseason favorites have stumbled, while a few longshots have played their way into the mix. Below, we’ve updated the odds for the top teams using both the opening numbers from earlier this year and the current July odds.

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:

Several teams have seen significant movement. The Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Milwaukee Brewers have surged thanks to strong first halves, while the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres have slid as inconsistency and injuries mount. Bettors looking for midseason value can find plenty of opportunity now that rosters are set for the stretch run.

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 (+275)

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All-Star break with the best record in the National League, and their +275 World Series odds reflect their dominance despite a challenging first half. Injuries hit their rotation hard early on – Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow combined for just eight starts before the break – but the team still found ways to win. Glasnow is now back, Snell will return soon, and Shohei Ohtani has started pitching again, which gives the Dodgers’ staff the potential to be elite down the stretch.

What makes the Dodgers such a strong title contender is how they’ve managed to weather adversity. Their bullpen, despite being overworked, leads the majors in innings pitched and has held up remarkably well. The offense is deep and dangerous, even though established hitters like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez have yet to hit their stride this season. With the rotation getting healthier and the lineup due for positive regression, the reigning champs have a clear path to more October success.

There are, however, a few concerns. Max Muncy is expected to be out until at least the end of July, and his left-handed power has been sorely missed. The Dodgers have also gotten little production out of Michael Conforto, who struggled badly in the first half. If those issues persist, look for the front office to be aggressive at the deadline. A left-handed bat or bullpen help could be on the way.

Still, this is a team with few holes and a championship pedigree. At +275, the Dodgers are not a value bet, but they’re arguably the safest pick on the board. If their rotation holds up and their superstars round back into form, it’s tough to envision a postseason without them deep in the mix.

New York Yankees (+650)

The New York Yankees enter the second half of the 2025 season with +650 World Series odds, a significant move from their +900 opening number, and for good reason. Despite some recent hiccups, New York has shown the kind of resilience and firepower needed to return to October glory. After falling to the Dodgers in five games in last year’s World Series, this team has unfinished business and a roster built to contend.

Injuries have tested their depth, especially in the rotation. Losing Clarke Schmidt for the season was a blow, and the Yankees are expected to prioritize pitching help at the deadline. Luis Gil’s pending return from a lat injury could ease the pressure, while Max Fried and Carlos Rodon give the Bombers a pair of aces to anchor the rotation. Still, General Manager Brian Cashman is expected to stay active, with third base, bullpen depth, and another starter all on the shopping list.

Offensively, everything starts and ends with Aaron Judge. He’s once again playing at an MVP level, but he’ll need more consistent help from the likes of Anthony Volpe, who has struggled defensively, and the rest of the lineup’s supporting cast. If the Yankees can pair Judge’s production with upgrades at key positions, they’ll be one of the toughest outs in the postseason.

There’s also plenty of intrigue around what Cashman might give up to make a run. Spencer Jones, a powerful outfield prospect crushing Triple-A pitching, could be dangled in trade talks. The Yankees have a clear window to strike: win the AL East, ride elite talent in October, and maybe, just maybe, flip the script against the Dodgers in a World Series rematch.

Philadelphia Phillies (+900)

The Philadelphia Phillies have held steady as one of the National League’s contenders with their World Series odds tightening from +1100 to +900 since the start of the season. Their rise is anchored by elite starting pitching: not just Zack Wheeler, but also Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and even Jesus Luzardo before his recent regression. Add in steady contributions from Taijuan Walker and a slowly recovering Aaron Nola, and it’s obvious why this rotation leads the league in ERA.

Philadelphia’s success isn’t a fluke. Even with a roster full of star position players, it’s been the arms carrying the weight. The Phillies entered the break 55-41 and are projected for a 93-win season, which puts them firmly in the postseason picture. Their path forward, however, hinges on staying healthy and shoring up a shaky bullpen that currently ranks 23rd in ERA.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is unlikely to stand pat at the trade deadline. While Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering have held their own, the bullpen needs more help, and newcomer Jordan Romano’s ugly WHIP suggests he may not be the answer on his own. An additional high-leverage reliever would go a long way toward bridging the gap between the rotation and the back end of games in October.

Ultimately, the Phillies are built for postseason baseball. Their rotation gives them a legitimate shot to win any playoff series, and if Dombrowski adds the right bullpen piece, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in either league. This is a go-for-it season in Philly, and their current +900 odds reflect that urgency.

Houston Astros (+1000)

The Houston Astros have once again climbed their way into the thick of the World Series race, slicing their odds in half from +2000 to +1000 since Opening Day. Despite an ever-evolving roster, the Astros continue to perform like a postseason mainstay. This year’s AL West push has been especially impressive considering major setbacks. Kyle Tucker was traded to the Cubs, Yordan Alvarez has been sidelined most of the season with a hand injury, and longtime second baseman Jose Altuve is now playing left field.

Still, Houston is winning with a formula that’s all too familiar: elite pitching and a lights-out bullpen. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have anchored one of the league’s best rotations, and Jeremy Peña’s emergence as a top-five WAR player has helped the lineup stay afloat. The Astros currently lead the division and are on track for their ninth consecutive playoff appearance, with another ALCS run well within reach.

Looking ahead, reinforcements are coming. Alvarez is expected to return soon, and his absence has been felt in a lineup that’s lacked consistent pop. Yainer Diaz and Christian Walker have underperformed, but the Astros’ depth and experience give them an edge over AL West rivals like Seattle and Texas. And with a dozen intra-division games remaining, Houston controls its own destiny.

While some rosters flash more star power on paper, few organizations are as postseason-ready as the Astros. Their World Series pedigree, coupled with one of the league’s best pitching staffs, makes them a legitimate threat come October. At +1000, they’ve become one of the most intriguing bets on the board.

Best World Series Betting Value

The following teams offer the best betting value to win the World Series:

Chicago Cubs (+1100)

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the biggest movers on the World Series odds board, leaping from +2800 in the preseason to +1100 as of July. It’s not a fluke. This team has a relentless, dynamic offense that rarely cools off for long, which is a big reason they’ve avoided getting swept in any series of three games or more this season. They rank second in slugging and third in stolen bases. There aren’t many other offenses in baseball that can beat you in so many different ways.

The emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong and the addition of Kyle Tucker have supercharged a lineup that can beat teams with both power and speed. Nearly every hitter in the order is a threat to go deep or swipe a base. On top of that, their defense has been rock-solid, and a retooled bullpen featuring rising closer Daniel Palencia has held up in high-leverage situations. It’s a roster with few obvious holes, which is why they’ve surged to the top of the NL Central.

Looking forward, the Cubs are expected to be aggressive at the deadline. Adding depth in the rotation, shoring up third base, or bringing in another high-leverage reliever would make this team even more dangerous. They may not be quite as star-studded as the Phillies or Dodgers, but they’ve played like a top-tier team all year.

Chicago hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020, but this version of the Cubs looks capable of doing real damage in October. At +1100, they’re one of the best value bets in the World Series market. You can argue they’re even undervalued at +1100 to win it all.

Toronto Blue Jays (+1600)

The Toronto Blue Jays were an afterthought to start the season at +4500, but they’ve surged to +1600 entering the second half thanks to a red-hot run before the All-Star break. Toronto went 12-4 over its last 16 games, including a four-game sweep of the Yankees that briefly vaulted them into first place. The offense came alive during that stretch, averaging 5.6 runs per game and pushing the team batting average to .258, which is tied for the best in the majors alongside Houston and Tampa Bay.

Toronto’s lineup is built around contact and timely hitting, rather than overwhelming power. They’ve been out-homered 126 to 101 so far, but with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Addison Barger showing signs of life, there’s potential for that dynamic to shift. If that trio heats up simultaneously, the Jays could combine average and slugging into a dangerous playoff-ready mix.

Defensively and in close games, this team has delivered. They’re 17-12 in one-run games and 7-3 in extra innings.The bullpen, once a glaring weakness, has found consistency behind Brendon Little, Braydon Fisher, and Yariel Rodriguez. Despite Jeff Hoffman’s home run issues as the closer, the relief corps has made a leap overall. These days, having a sturdy bullpen is a must when it comes to making a deep playoff run.

There’s still reason to be skeptical, though. Toronto has a modest +17 run differential overall (though it’s +51 since May), and their path to October is complicated by a crowded AL Wild Card race. But at +1600, they’re priced like a team that’s turned a corner, and if the offense keeps producing while the bullpen holds, they’ll be a dangerous out come playoff time.

Top World Series Longshot

The Tampa Bay Rays (+4000) aren’t getting much attention in the World Series futures market, but maybe they should be. Their odds have nudged slightly from +4500 to +4000, and while they’re still longshots, this is a team that knows how to hang around. They had the best record in baseball for nearly a two-month stretch and nearly pulled even in the AL East during a torrid 6-week run before the All-Star break. A lot of that came without big-name stars, just guys stepping up. That includes first-time All-Star Jonathan Aranda, rookie phenom Junior Caminero, and comeback story Drew Rasmussen.

The pitching has been the backbone of this team. Tampa starters have quietly logged the second-most innings in baseball and rank among the league’s best in WHIP and ERA, which is a huge leap from where they’ve historically ranked. Rasmussen’s been dependable, and the staff is about to get a big boost with Shane McClanahan expected back in the coming weeks. This team isn’t flashy, but it’s deep and durable.

What’s made their first-half success even more impressive is that they’ve spent most of it playing home games in a temporary, hitter-friendly stadium. They’ll play a very road-heavy schedule the rest of the way, which could hamper their chances at nabbing a postseason spot.

No one’s labeling the Rays as favorites, and that’s just how they like it. They’ve got the pitching, they’ve got the manager, and if McClanahan comes back strong, they’ll have the frontline ace that most longshots don’t. At +4000, there are worse darts to throw.

World Series Predictions

If you’re looking for a team outside the obvious chalk, the Chicago Cubs are an enticing MLB Pick to win the 2025 World Series. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a legitimately well-rounded roster that has climbed from +2800 to +1100 for good reason. The offense is relentless, with power, speed, and balance throughout the lineup. They haven’t gone cold for more than a game or two all season, and they’ve avoided getting swept entirely.

What really sells the Cubs is how adaptable they are. They can slug with the Phillies, manufacture runs against top-tier pitching, and win low-scoring games when needed. They also have flexibility at the deadline. They’ve been linked to a few arms and a possible third base upgrade, and with the right addition, they could go from “tough out” to “team to beat.” They’re not as flashy as the Dodgers or as headline-heavy as the Yankees, but they’re incredibly dangerous.

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Bet: Chicago Cubs (+1100)

World Series Winners

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