Mega-Market Power Brand Teams Dominate 2025 World Series Futures
Payroll disparity continues to be a problem for Major League Baseball, and that is reflected on the futures market board, where the majority of teams favored to win the 2025 World Series have the largest payrolls in the sport.
Defenders of the indefensible will tell you that 10 different franchises have won the Fall Classic since 2011. And they will wax poetically about how the expanded wild-card format has given smaller-market clubs access to the postseason, where anything can happen.
While there is an element of truth to that, the fact remains that the big market teams can retain talent and then sign the best players from the smaller market teams when a player’s initial contract ends.
Thus, betting on the future market success means that the value is found with teams that have smaller payrolls but plenty of developing talent. Betting on the power brand chalk is not very valuable because that is where the casual money flows.
And, yes, the eventual World Series champions are often surprise teams.
2025 World Series Futures
Odds: Los Angeles Dodgers +260, New York Yankees +750, New York Mets +800, Detroit Tigers +1000, Philadelphia Phillies +1100, Atlanta Braves +1600, Seattle Mariners +1700, Chicago Cubs +1700, Texas Rangers +1900, Houston Astros +1900, San Diego Padres +2200, Arizona Diamondbacks +2500, Minnesota Twins +2500, Boston Red Sox +2800, Kansas City Royals +3500, All Other Teams +4000 or Higher
Los Angeles Dodgers +260
The Dodgers have a ridiculous payroll of over $329 million, the biggest in the game. Since 2013, they have made the playoffs every season and won the National League West every year but one.
But what is fascinating is that the Dodgers have not been a dominant World Series team. LA won the 2020 COVID-shortened World Series before winning the Fall Classic again in 2024. It was the first full-season championship for the Dodgers since 1988.
It is not the Dodgers’ fault that they can afford such a payroll, and, to their credit, they have invested wisely. With stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell, the Dodgers aren’t going anywhere.
Also, Manager Dave Roberts has proven to be the perfect fit for such a marquee franchise.
New York Yankees +750
The Yankees have the third-largest payroll in the sport and are its marquee brand. But, like the Dodgers, the Yankees are not ripping off World Series championships despite all of their wealth.
Last year, the Yankees lost to the Dodgers 4-1 in the Fall Classic. It was the Yankees' first World Series appearance since winning it in 2009, which was the only title for the Yankees since 2000.
Aaron Judge heads the marquee of a big-name team that includes Carlos Rodon and Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees play in the weak American League East, which will enhance their ability to advance in the postseason.
New York Mets +800
Previously, in 2022 and 2023, the Mets had one of the largest payrolls in baseball and were touted as a World Series favorite, yet flopped miserably on the field and at the betting window.
So far in 2025, the Mets are finally taking the shape of the team that they were always supposed to be. New York leads the National League East Division, which is one of the toughest divisions in baseball, with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets' biggest concerns remain consistent run production and quality starting pitchers. But an elite bullpen is proving to be an asset.
Detroit Tigers +1000
The Tigers shocked fans and gamblers with a late run in 2024 to make the playoffs.
So far in 2025, Detroit is proving that its ALDS appearance was no fluke. The Tigers are here to stay and play in the winnable American League Central Division.
The Tigers continue to show good betting value as a team that the masses ignore. Detroit shows the balance of a complete team and boasts an effective bullpen.
Other Favorites
The Phillies are challenging the Mets for NL East superiority, but their bullpen ranks 24th for earned run average. A fourth consecutive playoff berth is likely, but advancing to the World Series remains a question.
Since 2018, the Atlanta Braves have made the playoffs every season, but with the exception of their 2021 World Series championship, continue to be best known for their playoff failures. Inconsistent run production and a mid-level bullpen remain concerns.
The Chicago Cubs are a team to watch under manager Craig Counsell, who is considered the best in baseball. Chicago is getting powerful run production, but its pitching has been inconsistent.
