Below is a snapshot of how teams finished in the 2025 regular season (from the official MLB standings) — this determines playoff seeding and reflects overall performance across 162 games:
American League
- AL East
- Toronto Blue Jays – 94-68 (division champions)
- New York Yankees – 94-68 (tied but lost tiebreaker)
- Boston Red Sox – 89-73
- Rays, Orioles below .500
- AL Central
- Cleveland Guardians – 88-74
- Detroit Tigers – 87-75
- Royals, Twins, White Sox follow
- AL West
- Seattle Mariners – 90-72
- Astros, Rangers, Athletics, Angels trailed them
National League
- NL East
- Philadelphia Phillies – 96-66
- Mets and others follow
- NL Central
- Milwaukee Brewers – 97-65
- Chicago Cubs – 92-70
- Reds, Cardinals, Pirates behind
- NL West
- Los Angeles Dodgers – 93-69
- Padres second, then Giants and Diamondbacks
Key takeaway: The AL was competitive with three division champions and strong wild cards, while the NL saw classic contenders like the Brewers, Phillies, and Dodgers atop their divisions.
Postseason Recap 2025
The 2025 MLB postseason concluded with the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the World Series, adding to their emerging dynasty:
- Dodgers vs. Toronto Blue Jays – World Series
- Dodgers won in seven games, highlighted by Miguel Rojas and Will Smith heroics in extra innings.
- Dodgers’ championship capped a strong season and highlighted their consistency — first back-to-back titles since the late 1990s Yankees and third in six years.
Postseason notes:
- NLCS: Dodgers swept Brewers to advance.
- ALCS: Blue Jays reached the World Series.
Top 3 Favorites (2025 / Entering 2026)
Now let’s look at the teams widely regarded as the top favorites for championships — both in the 2025 season and as projected for the coming 2026 season:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Status: 2025 World Series champions & heavy favorites heading into 2026.
Why they’re favored:
- Championship pedigree: Most recent World Series champs and repeating favorites.
- Star power: Big bats and elite pitching, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
- Payroll investment: One of the richest rosters, reflected in a record competitive balance tax payment.
Outlook: With sustained success and deep resources, the Dodgers are the gold standard of MLB contenders.
2. New York Yankees
Status: Consistent AL power and perennial threat.
Why they’re contenders:
- Deep lineup: Mix of power hitters and seasoned veterans.
- Regular-season strength: Dominant record and playoff qualification.
- Offseason moves: Always competitive in free agency and trades.
Challenges: Intense AL competition (e.g., Jays, Mariners) means they must peak late. Still, odds typically keep them near the top (Yankees often ranked second or third among favorites) — as seen in early futures markets.
3. Philadelphia Phillies / Milwaukee Brewers (Co-Favorites for Third)
Both the Phillies and Brewers have proven they can compete with elite teams; which one you rank third depends on context:
Philadelphia Phillies
- Strong regular-season performance topping NL East.
- Balanced roster blending offense and pitching.
Milwaukee Brewers
- Best regular-season record in 2025 MLB.
- Deep roster with pitching depth and a balanced lineup.
Why this matters:
- Some analysts and futures markets put Brewers very close to Phillies and Yankees in odds, showing how closely matched the contenders are behind the Dodgers.
Favorites Explained
Dodgers – Dynasty in the Making
The Dodgers combine the rare blend of resources, star talent, and winning culture necessary for sustained success. They overcame strong opposition in 2025 and are widely expected to repeat in 2026 as favorites.
Yankees – AL East Powerhouse
The Yankees typify elite baseball: a blend of offense, depth, and playoff experience. While they fell short in 2025, they are perennial favorites due to roster shape and organizational expectations.
Phillies & Brewers – Dark Horse to Elite Contender
Both teams are legitimate contenders:
- Phillies with balanced attack and leading NL East.
- Brewers with best regular-season record and playoff potential.
Their position as third or fourth favorites in odds platforms reflects depth across MLB’s top tier.
Looking Ahead – 2026 and Beyond
Futures outlook:
- The Dodgers are favored to win the 2026 World Series in early odds markets, followed by Yankees and Phillies.
- Teams like the Blue Jays and Mariners bring exciting narratives and could challenge in the AL.
Trends to watch:
- Roster changes (signings, trades) could shift favorites.
- Injuries and breakout stars each season make MLB futures dynamic.
Summary
In 2025, MLB showcased intense competition across leagues, with:
- Strong division winners like Blue Jays, Brewers, Dodgers, and Mariners.
- A thrilling World Series victory by the Dodgers in seven games.
- Futures markets and expert opinion solidifying Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies/Brewers as the top favorites in the near future.
These teams not only represent powerhouses now but also the best positioned to contend for championships in the seasons ahead.
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