World Series Projections

Favorite - Philadelphia Phillies (+1000)

The Dodgers are the overwhelming favorite to repeat as World Series champs, but the return is not favorable for LAD at +240. If one team has the ability to knock off the 2025 favorites, it is the Phillies. They currently have the 2nd highest active payroll and plenty of talent to compete with anyone in the league. Last season Philly finished with the second most wins, and dominated at home winning a league best 54 games at Citizen Bank Park. However, that sensational performance only amounted to a disappointing divisional series loss to the Mets in four games. On offense, Philadelphia has an elite top five of their batting order, projected as Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos. Ranked top five in almost all offensive categories in 2024, except the Phillies to have elite bats once again. On defense, Zack Wheeler is the highest paid starter in baseball, while having exceptional depth behind him. Having a top tier roster (or payroll) is not necessary to win the World Series, but it certainly helps when trying to dethrone the heavily favored Dodgers. Philly is one of the few who can compete with them on paper. 

Mid-Tier - Detroit Tigers (+3000)

Even though Detroit ended their season to Cleveland in the divisional round, losing the series 3-2, they still finished as one of the hottest teams in MLB. The Tigers were 55-63 in August, then finished the regular season 31-12, sporting the best pitching in the league during that stretch. A historic ending to 2024 leaves high hopes for Detroit in 2025. Pitching is the catalyst for the Tigers, led by reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Reese Olson and Jack Flaherty are extremely solid while Jackson Jobe is possibly the best pitching prospect in the sport, with a flamethrower of an arm. With a rotation like that, the Tigers will be in a lot of close ball games. They led MLB in one run wins last season with 31, but hope to have a better run differential in 2025. They have an elite group of pitchers, making them dangerous for any team to face.  

Long-Shot - Milwaukee Brewers (+5000)

Each year the Brewers seem to lose a few of their best players, yet reload again and again in true moneyball fashion. They have made the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons which is one of the best marks in the league, especially considering their 23rd ranked payroll. Milwaukee had a top 5 team ERA last season, and the rotation is expected to be strong again with the return of star Brandon Woodruff. The batting is led by veteran Christian Yelich, William Contreras, and young star Jackson Chourio. The Brewers should once again be in contention for a NL Central title with the chance to make some noise come playoff time. Milwaukee seems to get the absolute most bang for their buck when it comes to players, maybe their World Series odds could provide some value as well.