2025 World Series Odds: Dodgers Lead While Rivals Restructure

The MLB trade deadline is always a whirlwind. The 2025 deadline, though, really leaned into bullpen upgrades instead of headline-grabbing trades.

Big names mostly stayed put. Still, teams made sharp moves that could tilt the World Series race in subtle but meaningful ways.

The Dodgers made a couple of tweaks. Meanwhile, the Mets and Yankees went bold with their bullpens.

This deadline didn’t have the usual star drama, but it might prove crucial as the postseason nears.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Hold Steady as World Series Favorites

The Dodgers still top the World Series odds at +250. They barely made a ripple at the deadline, sticking with their core.

They picked up outfielder Alex Call and righty reliever Brock Stewart. Dustin May, who’s injured, went out in a minor deal.

Ohtani, Will Smith, and Freddie Freeman headline an undeniably loaded lineup. But there’s a catch—Mookie Betts isn’t himself at the plate this year.

That’s got some fans and analysts raising eyebrows about their championship chances.

Could Mookie Betts’ Struggles Pose a Problem?

Betts’ slump throws a wrench into the Dodgers’ plans. Even a stacked roster can’t always cover up for a star’s off-year, especially when October rolls around.

Mets Make Moves to Shake Off Slow Start

The Mets came out of the deadline looking like clear winners. They started with +1300 World Series odds but jumped to +850 after a flurry of moves.

Now, they’re tied with the Yankees and Phillies as second favorites. The Mets didn’t mess around—they added Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto to their bullpen.

They also brought in Cedric Mullins for center field. That’s a big boost both defensively and at the plate.

How Will These Moves Change the Mets’ Fortune?

Elite bullpen arms can change everything in tight games. Mullins gives the Mets even more firepower and shows they’re serious about the NL East fight.

Yankees Prioritize Depth and Defense

The Yankees matched the Mets’ focus on relief pitching, grabbing David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. On offense, they went for versatility instead of flash.

They picked up Austin Slater, Amed Rosario, and José Caballero. These moves patch holes and add flexibility as the season winds down.

Sitting at +850 odds, the Yankees seem to trust their core while quietly prepping for a playoff grind.

Philadelphia Phillies: Closer Acquisition Sparks Title Push

The Phillies didn’t sit back at the deadline. They landed closer Jhoan Durán from the Twins, who decided to sell after a rough year.

Durán gives Philly’s bullpen a real boost. That’s been their weak spot for a while now.

Can the Phillies Keep Up in the NL East?

The NL East is a slugfest every year. For the Phillies, their October fate might rest on whether this new-look bullpen can actually shut the door late in games.

Other Intriguing Storylines

A handful of other teams made moves that shook up the odds:

  • Detroit Tigers: After a rough July, the Tigers bounced back to +950 odds by adding bullpen depth and riding a four-game win streak.
  • Houston Astros: Carlos Correa’s return isn’t just for nostalgia. Fans hope he can recapture his old magic, and the team’s odds climbed to +1100.
  • Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays: Both lead their leagues, but the betting markets aren’t convinced. The Brewers sit at +1800 and the Blue Jays at +1500, mostly because they didn’t chase big names.

Conclusion: A Deadline of Strategic Shifts

The 2025 trade deadline showed something interesting: teams are focusing more on building bullpens than chasing blockbuster deals. No MVP candidates or big-name bats switched teams this time.

The Mets, Yankees, and Phillies all improved their chances, hinting that managers value strong pitching for the postseason grind. Is this really the new way to win in October?

The Dodgers still look like the team to beat. But honestly, the gap between them and everyone else is shrinking fast.

Playoff baseball always throws curveballs—so maybe one of those smaller July trades ends up stealing the headlines when it matters most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 World Series winner odds: Dodgers remain favored, but did trade deadline shuffle the chasing pack?

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