The 2024 MLB season was one for the books, with the LA Dodgers’ World Series win. It was their second championship in five seasons, cementing their iconic status as an MLB dynasty.

With the official launch of the 2025 MLB season, read on for insights into everything from top contenders to dark horses and game-changing developments for the 2025 season: one that’s firing up to be one of the most competitive seasons in MLB history.

Top Contenders for the 2025 MLB Season

We’ve researched, analyzed, and brainstormed our list of top contenders for the new season which is finally up and running.

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Here are our favorites, with odds and dark horses, right off the bat into the 2025 MLB season.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (+240 odds)

Last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers took their second World Series title in five years, entering the 2025 season as the favorites to repeat this feat. It’s very possible they could pull it off as they boast formidable talent and depth.

With names like Shohei Ohtani returning from injury and back onto the pitching mound for the first time since 2023, along with a career batting average (.274) and 171 home runs, he’s the MLB’s biggest two-way threat. This past offseason also saw record-breaking numbers in new contracts that totaled more than $2 billion—led by Shohei Ohtani’s historic $700 million deal (although this will likely be paid over 10 years). 

Not forgetting Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman who combined for 55 home runs and 200 RBIs in 2024, the Dodgers undoubtedly are imbued with the confidence of being crowned champions, and that’s why they’re favorites to take home another MLB season.

1. Atlanta Braves (+800 odds)

Potent lineup. Strong pitching staff. The Atlanta Braves is rife with talent and poised to show championship potential. However, the proof is in the pudding, and their consistent performance in recent seasons backs this up. 

The Braves have won the NL East for six straight seasons—definitely no simple feat – plus they’re aiming for a seventh consecutive title in 2025.

This ambition is certainly doable. With players like Ronald Acuña Jr., the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in the same season (2023), and Matt Olson who led the majors with 54 home runs in 2024, the Braves could rock the baseball world this season. 

1. New York Yankees (+850 odds)

Despite recent injury setbacks, like Gerrit Cole’s season-ending surgery, the New York Yankees are still among the top contenders with their squad leveraging depth and resilience.

Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs in 2022 tying him for the AL single-season record, and Giancarlo Stanton still managed 27 home runs in 2024, despite injury. The Yankees also led the AL in home runs in 2024, with a whopping total of 233.

With a couple of heavy-handed power-hitters hanging around the squad, among an already stacked roster of elite players, the New York Yankees should never be underestimated.

1. New York Mets (+1000 odds)

The New York Mets have boosted their lineup, recently adding star outfielder Juan Soto to their squad.  With other key players like Juan Soto who, in 2024, hit .312 with 41 home runs and 112 RBIs, and Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso who combined for 75 home runs last season, it’s clear why the Mets could easily pull off something extraordinary in 2025.

Adding to that, the hiring of their new pitching coach, Bryan Price, to help improve their rotation after a team ERA of 4.25 in 2024.

Dark Horse Candidates

Like every season past, all the stats, averages, and data in the world could prove to be astonishingly poor predictors as these all go flying out the window when a couple of dark horses start showing up and showing off. 

And if history is anything to go by, dark horse teams often emerge as serious contenders by mid-season, a great recent example being the Detroit Tigers in September 2024. 

Here are Dark Horse Candidates to look out for who could take the 2025 MLB season by surprise as the season heats up.

1. Baltimore Orioles (+1200)

Emerging from a remarkable 2024 season, the Baltimore Orioles’ young and dynamic roster makes them a team to watch in the championship race. 

A few names come to mind when considering their massive winning potential. Gunnar Henderson won AL Rookie of the Year in 2023 and hit 28 home runs in 2024. Jackson Holliday – MLB’s No. 1 prospect, is also expected to debut in 2025, and greatness could be seen from him right out the gate.

It’s also impossible to ignore their recent major winning streak: with the Orioles winning 101 games in 2024, their most victories in a season since 1979.

Chicago Cubs (+2000)

The Chicago Cubs have made significant offseason moves that position them as a potential dark horse in the World Series.

These include the signing of Kyle Tucker, the heavy hitter who smacked 32 home runs with 108 RBIs for the Astros in 2024. Cody Bellinger is also returning after a .307 batting average and 26 home run season in 2024. The Cubs ranked No. 3 in MLB for stolen bases (167) in 2024, adding an extra dimension to their offense.

New manager Craig Counsell was hired on a record-breaking $40 million deal, making him the highest-paid manager in MLB history, and with that comes performance expectations. We can expect that he’s eager to prove his worth and might just have a few tricks up his sleeve.

Summing Up the Top Contenders for this Season

While the Dodgers are the clear favorites, teams like the Mets, Yankees, Braves, Orioles, and the Cubs are looking good as they gear up to take them on.

With high-profile player moves, historic payrolls, and rising young talent, it’s safe to say the 2025 MLB season could be one of the most exciting in years—and that’s saying something.

These picks provide the ultimate mix of attributes for a baseball season that, hopefully, fans will never forget.