As of October 18, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear favorites to capture the World Series, sitting at -200 on ESPN BET, while the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners battle for the American League pennant. The Dodgers clinched the National League title with a 4-0 sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, a run that drove their odds from +115 at the series start to a staggering -5000 after taking a 3-0 lead.
Background: NLCS Sweep and the Odds Shift
The NLCS was a textbook showcase of Dodgers dominance. After posting a 93-69 regular‑season record, the club entered the playoffs as a Wild Card but rode a 12‑time postseason streak into a decisive sweep. Their four‑game run not only secured the 23rd NL pennant in franchise history but also reshaped the betting market. ESPN BET reported that the Dodgers’ odds plummeted to -200 on October 18, making them the first team this season with sub‑even money.
Meanwhile, the American League side has been a roller‑coaster. The Mariners surged to a 2-0 series lead in Toronto, which briefly nudged their futures odds to +180. The Blue Jays responded, flipping the series momentum and forcing a decisive Game 5, only to see the Mariners rebound for a 3-2 edge. As of the latest BetMGM update, Seattle sits at +225 and Toronto at +850 for the championship.
Betting Volume and Market Reaction
Betting operators have taken note. According to BetMGM senior trader Hal Egeland, "The Dodgers winning the World Series would make many bettors happy. The sportsbook will be cheering for whichever team comes out of the American League, with the Blue Jays being the best outcome."
In raw numbers, the Dodgers command twice the wagering money that the next‑closest team, the Brewers, attracted before their elimination. Ticket volume places the Dodgers first, the Blue Jays fifth, and the Mariners somewhere in the middle of the pack.
Historical Stakes: A Repeat Champion in the Making
If Los Angeles can repeat, they become the first club to win back‑to‑back titles since the New York Yankees’ three‑peat from 1998‑2000. The Dodgers have now appeared in three Fall Classics in the past six years, a feat matched only by the Yankees’ early‑2000s run.
Their postseason resilience is noteworthy: a 13‑year streak of playoff appearances — tied for second‑all‑time with the Yankees (1995‑2007) — underscores a sustained culture of winning. The Braves still hold the record with 14 straight trips.
Home‑Field Advantage: Who Holds the Edge?
The regular‑season standings add another layer of intrigue. Toronto finished at 94‑68, just a game ahead of Los Angeles (93‑69) and well clear of Seattle’s 90‑72. Should the Blue Jays win the ALCS, they would earn home‑field advantage in the World Series, because the league uses regular‑season records to decide the venue.
Conversely, if Seattle advances, the Dodgers would host Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 in Los Angeles, thanks to their superior record over the Mariners. The first possible World Series game is slated for October 25, 2025, with the actual start date hinging on whether the ALCS extends to a Game 7 in Toronto.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect When the World Series Begins
Baseball fans can mark their calendars: Game 1 of the 2025 World SeriesLos Angeles is set for October 25, with the full series potentially stretching to October 31 if it goes the distance.
- Dodgers odds: -200 (ESPN BET)
- Mariners odds: +225 (BetMGM)
- Blue Jays odds: +850 (BetMGM)
- Brewers odds after elimination: +5,000
- Key dates: ALCS Game 6 – Oct 19, World Series start – Oct 25
Regardless of which AL team emerges, the Dodgers enter as heavy favorites, backed by a massive betting pool and a postseason pedigree that few franchises can match. The next few days will decide whether the Fall Classic becomes a repeat for Los Angeles or a new chapter for the Mariners or Blue Jays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Dodgers' odds compare to previous World Series favorites?
At -200, the Dodgers are the first team this season with sub‑even money, a level usually reserved for heavily favored clubs like the 2022 Astros (-250) or 2019 Yankees (-210). Their odds reflect both the NL sweep and a betting market hungry for a repeat champion.
What determines home‑field advantage in the World Series?
MLB uses regular‑season win totals to decide which league hosts more games. Toronto’s 94‑68 record would give them the edge over Los Angeles if they win the ALCS; Seattle’s 90‑72 record would hand the advantage to the Dodgers if the Mariners advance.
Why did the Mariners’ odds swing so dramatically during the ALCS?
The Mariners opened the series with two wins in Toronto, pushing their futures odds to +180. After dropping Games 3 and 4, the odds rose to +225, reflecting the series‑level volatility and the market’s reaction to each game’s outcome.
What does a "sub‑even" odds line mean for bettors?
A sub‑even line (negative odds) indicates the sportsbook expects the team to win; bettors must risk more than they stand to win. For the Dodgers at -200, a $200 wager would net a $100 profit if they clinch the title.
Which players could be the X‑factor for the Dodgers in the World Series?
Analysts point to pitcher Julio Urías and shortstop Freddie Freeman as pivotal. Urías’ clutch postseason experience and Freeman’s consistent offense give the Dodgers a balanced edge against any AL opponent.