Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are the heavy favorites to win the 2026 World Series, with the shortest preseason odds of any team in over 20 years. Coming off back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers are being viewed as in “a tier of their own” in terms of talent compared to the rest of MLB. No other team has World Series odds in the single digits, and the Dodgers’ win total projection of 103.5 is significantly higher than the next highest teams.
Why it matters
The Dodgers’ dominance and short World Series odds reflect their sustained excellence and the perception that they have separated themselves from the rest of the league in terms of talent and roster depth. This makes them an intriguing betting option, but also raises questions about parity and competitiveness in MLB if one team is seen as so far ahead of the pack.
The details
The Dodgers’ World Series odds of +225 at BetMGM are the shortest they’ve been since at least 1985. They were +350 in 2024 and +240 last year. No other team has single-digit World Series odds, with the next closest being the Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays and Mets all at 10-1 or higher. The Dodgers also have a projected win total of 103.5, well ahead of the next highest teams at 90.5 wins. Bettors have flocked to the Dodgers, making them the team with the most wagers and highest handle at multiple sportsbooks.
The Dodgers won the 2024 and 2025 World Series.The 2026 MLB season begins in April 2026.
The players
Los Angeles Dodgers
A professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball’s National League West division. The Dodgers have won the National League West division in 12 of the past 13 seasons and made the playoffs every year.
New York Yankees
A professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball’s American League East division. The Yankees have the second-best World Series odds at 10-1.
Seattle Mariners
A professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball’s American League West division. The Mariners have the third-best World Series odds at 13-1.
Toronto Blue Jays
A professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball’s American League East division. The Blue Jays have the third-best World Series odds at 13-1.
New York Mets
A professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball’s National League East division. The Mets have the fourth-best World Series odds at 14-1.
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What they’re saying
“There’s a significant gap in talent as well. The Dodgers are in a tier of their own.”
— Halvor Egeland, BetMGM trading strategy manager (Yahoo Sports)
“The Dodgers are definitely the most bet team with the most handle and one of the teams we do most poorly on, even though they have the shortest odds. People are also putting Los Angeles to win the World Series in futures parlays with Scottie Scheffler to win the Masters, Oklahoma City to win the NBA title, etc.”
— Eric Biggio, MLB trader at Caesars Sportsbook (Yahoo Sports)
What’s next
The 2026 MLB season will begin in April 2026, with the World Series expected to take place in late October/early November.
The takeaway
The Dodgers’ dominance and status as heavy World Series favorites reflects their sustained excellence and the perception that they have separated themselves from the rest of MLB in terms of talent and roster depth. This makes them an intriguing betting option, but also raises questions about parity and competitiveness in the league if one team is seen as so far ahead of the competition.