10 long shots who might shock by winning 2025 World Series

As we look ahead to the 2025 MLB season (Opening Day is tomorrow, March 27), baseball enthusiasts and betting aficionados alike (and most of them are going all-in on the heavily-favored Dodgers (+240) to repeat as champions, as well as buying into the Yankees and Mets. No surprise. However, the last time a team had shorter odds to win the title was the 2003 Yankees at +200 odds, according to Sports Odds History. The team with the best preseason World Series odds has won it all only three times in the past 20 years. Meanwhile, other wagerers are eager to uncover the potential underdogs and long-shot bets to claim the crown as MLB’s best. “It’s been all Dodgers this offseason,” Halvor Egeland, trading strategy manager at BetMGM, told Yahoo Sports. “If we put a market up with the Dodgers involved, it takes money. I can’t say I blame anyone — that team could be the best ever assembled.”In this unpredictable landscape, teams that are often overlooked could rise to the occasion, defying the odds and making a surprising run for glory. This listicle explores 10 such teams and what makes them intriguing picks for the season. All odds are courtesy of FanDuel.

Cincinnati Reds (+75000)

The Cincinnati Reds have +10000 odds to win the 2025 World Series, highlighting their underdog status. Despite strong offensive players like Elly De La Cruz, the team faces challenges in the competitive NL Central division. With a projected win total of around 78.5 games, the Reds seek improvement.

Milwaukee Brewers (+5000)

The Milwaukee Brewers offer attractive odds at +5000 to win the World Series in 2025. Despite facing pitching challenges, they have promising hitters like William Contreras and Jackson Chourio, making them a potential sleeper if they address their pitching concerns.

Kansas City Royals (+3500)

The Kansas City Royals, while often seen as underdogs, have promising young talent. With a strong foundation from players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, they aim to channel momentum from their 2024 playoff appearance to build a resilient team capable of challenging expectations.

Minnesota Twins (+4000)

Stabilizing their bullpen could turn the Minnesota Twins into a dark horse. With odds of +4000, they offer a promising long shot. Their talented core, including this future star, Matt Wallner, could go a long way if bolstered by consistent relief pitching.

Arizona Diamondbacks (+2500)

The Arizona Diamondbacks feature talented young players who could significantly impact their World Series chances in 2025. With odds of +2500, they are positioned as an intriguing long-shot bet, offering a promising mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience in the National League.

Seattle Mariners (+3000)

The Seattle Mariners are a promising long shot at +3000. With the best odds to win the AL West and exceptionally strong pitching, they face challenges in infield consistency and overall team batting average, ranking 29th in MLB last season.

Cleveland Guardians (+3500)

The Cleveland Guardians, with odds of +3500, are a promising long shot in the AL Central and also to win the World Series. Their young and talented roster could lead to a surprise run, making them an intriguing long-term bet for those seeking underdog potential

Boston Red Sox (+1800)

The Boston Red Sox are strong contenders for the 2025 World Series, bolstered by a deep offense and promising outfield defense. Key players like Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran lead the charge, so these odds are “Sweet Caroline” great, all things considered.

Chicago Cubs (+3000)

Entering the 2025 season, the Cubs boast promising talent but might need strategic roster enhancements to strengthen key positions, potentially unlocking their World Series potential. Their odds reflect that and the challenges they face. Relief pitcher Ryan Hodge should be great again this season and promising 25-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong could become a star.

Texas Rangers (+2500)

The Texas Rangers enter the 2025 season with a strong lineup but face significant pitching challenges. Despite these concerns, their deep roster from recent years hints at potential for a surprise run. With odds of +2500, they offer an intriguing long-shot wager for World Series hopefuls and 23-year-old outfielder Wyatt Langford is one to watch.

Conclusion

With an array of teams vying for glory in the 2025 World Series, it’s clear that the upcoming MLB season is packed with potential surprises and fierce competition. Whether it’s the underdog spirit of the Cincinnati Reds or the powerhouse strategies of the Boston Red Sox, each team has unique storylines and battles ahead. The Dodgers are huge favorites to win again, but as the season unfolds, fans will eagerly watch to see which of these teams will defy the odds.

2025 World Series Winner on Opening Day

Los Angeles Dodgers
+240

Atlanta Braves
+850

New York Yankees
+900

Philadelphia Phillies
+1000

New York Mets
+1100

Baltimore Orioles
+1600

Houston Astros
+1800

Boston Red Sox
+1800

Texas Rangers
+1900

Chicago Cubs
+3000

Seattle Mariners
+3000

Minnesota Twins
+3000

Detroit Tigers
+3000

Arizona Diamondbacks
+3300

San Diego Padres
+3300

Cleveland Guardians
+3500

Kansas City Royals
+4000

Tampa Bay Rays
+5000

Milwaukee Brewers
+5000

Toronto Blue Jays
+6500

Cincinnati Reds
+7500

San Francisco Giants
+10000

St. Louis Cardinals
+14000

Los Angeles Angels
+15000

Pittsburgh Pirates
+15000

Athletics
+16000

Washington Nationals
+30000

Miami Marlins
+50000

Colorado Rockies
+50000

Chicago White Sox
+50000