The Race to the Crown
The Top Contenders for the 2026 World Series
Every year, a time rolls around where sports fans all over are pumped to watch baseball, and with the World Series right around the corner, that time is now. The World Series is approaching which means big wins, upsets and ride or die fans. Any team in the playoffs technically has a chance of hoisting the Commissioner Trophy; however, some teams have better odds than others. As it stands, the top five teams with the best odds of winning are the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox.
“Still, there's a massive gap between the Dodgers and the next closest team on the championship odds board,” ESPN sports betting writer Doug Greenberg said. “That being the New York Yankees, at +750.”
Odds to win determines how much profit a bettor wins if their wager is successful. For example, with the Yankees at +750 odds, if a bettor were to put down a dollar, they would profit $7.50 if the Yankees win the World Series. According to DraftKings, the Dodgers have the best odds to win at +170, while a team like the Red Sox are only at +1400 odds.
The Dodgers have won the previous two World Series and are looking to win again, which would mark the first three-peat in 26 years. A major reason for the Dodgers’ success is their front office making big deals. The Dodgers have two time American League MVP and two time National League MVP Shohei Ohtani at the helm. Along with Ohtani, the Dodgers have other superstars such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and the recently acquired Tarik Skubal.
“By now, you know exactly what the Dodgers are all about. They've embraced being a superteam and the organization that everyone loves to hate,” Yahoo sports writer Jake Elman said. “Combine their spending with Shohei Ohtani's dominance and their three World Series championships since the start of 2020, and you have a franchise that people actively want to see fail.”
Outside of the top contenders, there are several underdogs that have a shot at winning it all. Some sneaky contenders include the Atlanta Braves at +1400, the Philadelphia Phillies at +1400 and the Chicago Cubs, who are also at +1400. These teams will most likely make the playoffs, but making it past the Dodgers will be their true challenge.
With the World Series just around the corner, everyone will be excited to watch the playoffs unfold. Viewers hope that this series will live up to its high expectations.
Comments