First pitch is set for this year’s 2025 World Series, and we’re getting a fun mix of a powerhouse favorite and a team that refuses to quit. The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to claim back-to-back titles and their third in six seasons, while the Toronto Blue Jays are chasing their first championship since 1993.

LA’s been the betting favorite to win it all since Opening Day, and they haven’t let up. Toronto’s had to scratch and claw its way through the AL, surviving elimination games, slugfests, and injuries to reach the Fall Classic. It’s a matchup that blends star power, youth, and two lineups that can punish mistakes in a hurry.

Before we get into how these two stack up, here’s a look at the latest odds and projections for this year’s World Series from the top sports betting sites.

2025 World Series Odds

Check out the latest MLB odds for the World Series:

The Dodgers entered the postseason as favorites to win it all, and they’ve lived up to the billing. After running through the NL again, they head into Game 1 as strong -220 favorite.

Toronto, on the other hand, opened the year around +6500 and has been the league’s ultimate longshot story. The Jays were underdogs in both the ALDS and ALCS, but timely hitting and consistent pitching carried them to their first World Series in over 30 years. They’ll need that same energy again to hang with LA.

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Why the Dodgers Can Win

The Dodgers are baseball’s version of a cheat code. They’ve got elite pitching, a lineup that can mash from top to bottom, and the deepest rotation in the game. Their front office spent aggressively again in 2025, adding Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Blake Snell to an already loaded staff.

That investment’s paid off big time. LA posted the third-best team ERA this postseason (2.45) and led all playoff teams in strikeout rate. Opponents have hit just .173 against them in October, and they’ve allowed two or fewer runs in five of their last six games.

Offensively, it’s been more of the same. The Dodgers finished top-three in MLB in runs scored, homers, and OBP. Between Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, this team doesn’t give pitchers a breather. Even their role players—guys like Teoscar Hernandez and Max Muncy—are swinging like All-Stars right now.

The biggest reason LA should feel confident is its pitching depth. Sasaki’s been a revelation as a rookie, Snell’s rediscovered his Cy Young form, and Ohtani’s pulling double duty like only he can. When you’ve got that kind of talent on the mound and an offense that scores early, you’re not just beating teams—you’re choking out their hope.

Why the Blue Jays Can Win

Toronto’s been the league’s feel-good story all season. After starting the year with +6500 odds, they’ve turned into one of baseball’s most complete teams down the stretch. What they lack in name-brand power, they make up for in depth, balance, and approach.

While the Dodgers have star firepower, the Blue Jays have something just as dangerous—momentum. They’ve out-hit and out-pitched their opponents all postseason and led the majors in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333) during the regular season.

Postseason heroes have emerged from everywhere. Ernie Clement (.429 SLG) and Nathan Lukes (.333 BA) have been clutch, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is in full monster mode. Vladdy’s hitting over .440 in October with six homers and twelve RBI in just eleven games. When your franchise player’s this hot, the entire lineup benefits.

The Blue Jays also play with a chip on their shoulder. They’ve taken down the Yankees, Mariners, and Astros by leaning on quality at-bats and mistake-free defense. They’re not the flashiest team in this series, but they are the most battle-tested. LA’s got the stars, but Toronto’s got the rhythm of a team that believes it’s their time.

X-Factors

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Ohtani hasn’t been perfect at the plate this postseason, but when he connects, it’s violent. He’s slugging near .600 in the playoffs and still owns a 2.8 ERA on the mound. If he wins two starts and leaves the yard once or twice, we could be looking at another MVP-level performance.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
Guerrero has been the best hitter on either side of this matchup. His discipline, power, and ability to hit to all fields have turned Toronto’s lineup into a nightmare. If the Jays make this a series, it’ll be because Vladdy keeps carrying them.

Blake Snell, Dodgers
Snell’s been quietly dominant, posting a 2.10 ERA through his last four outings. His ability to neutralize lefty-heavy lineups is huge here, especially with Toronto’s core of Guerrero, Bichette, and Schneider swinging well. If he keeps his command, he’s a Game 3 or 4 difference-maker.

Who Wins the 2025 World Series?

This isn’t a mismatch—it’s just two teams built differently. Toronto’s been playing loose and confident, but the Dodgers’ talent advantage is real. LA’s starting rotation gives them a massive edge over seven games, and Ohtani’s presence is the ultimate tiebreaker.

Expect the Blue Jays to steal one in Toronto, maybe two if Guerrero stays red-hot, but the Dodgers’ combination of power and pitching is too much over the long haul. Los Angeles in six games feels about right.

Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers (-220)

2025 World Series MVP Odds

There’s no shortage of firepower in this year’s World Series. Between Ohtani’s two-way dominance, Guerrero’s hot streak, and a handful of past MVPs on both sides, there are plenty of ways to bet this market.

Shohei Ohtani (+165)

Ohtani’s the obvious favorite and for good reason. Even when he’s “off,” he still finds a way to impact games on both sides. His postseason numbers—five homers and a 1.04 WHIP on the mound—tell the story of a player who can single-handedly swing a series.

He’s also chasing history. Another MVP performance would make him the first player ever to win back-to-back World Series MVPs. With LA’s pitching depth behind him and plenty of run support, Ohtani’s in position to dominate both statistically and narratively.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+600)

If you’re looking for value, this is the ticket. Guerrero’s having one of the best postseasons of any player in recent memory—six homers, a .440 average, and an OPS north of 1.400. If Toronto pulls off the upset, there’s no world where someone else wins MVP.

The Jays go as Vladdy goes. He’s been their emotional center and offensive engine. If he keeps seeing the ball this well, it’s easy to picture him hitting his way to a surprise MVP at +600.

Freddie Freeman (+1000)

Freeman’s postseason numbers don’t jump off the page, but his consistency is what makes him dangerous. He’s been LA’s quiet stabilizer, working counts and producing key RBIs late in games. He’s also a former World Series MVP, which gives this pick some narrative juice.

If Ohtani gets walked or pitched around, Freeman’s the one who’ll have to cash in. That makes him a sneaky value play at +1000—especially if the Dodgers win the series in six or fewer.

George Springer (+1200)

Springer’s not the same slugger he was in his Houston days, but his leadership and clutch hitting have been massive for Toronto. He’s already had a couple of momentum-shifting bombs this postseason, and he thrives on the big stage.

The Jays’ veterans lean on Springer in tight spots. If he delivers one or two huge games early, he could easily be the narrative darling voters lean toward if Toronto makes it competitive.

Longshots to Watch

If you’re chasing longer odds, Teoscar Hernández (+1600) is worth a look. He’s hit for power and average in October and has been LA’s most underrated weapon behind Ohtani and Freeman.

On the other side, Bo Bichette (+2200) is finally healthy again and could change this lineup’s ceiling. If Toronto steals a few games, it’ll probably be because Bichette gets hot near the top of the order.

Who Wins World Series MVP?

It’s tough to fade a player who dominates at this level. Guerrero’s red-hot, and Springer’s always lurking, but Ohtani’s ability to take over games from both the mound and the batter’s box is unmatched.

If LA wins again—and that’s the most likely outcome—it’s almost impossible to imagine anyone else getting the nod

Bet: Shohei Ohtani (+165)

World Series Winners

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