Dodgers Favored to Win 2026 World Series as MLB Playoffs Begin
With the MLB playoff picture set, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers lead the National League, while the American League race culminated in a late surge by the Cleveland Guardians.
The Major League Baseball playoffs are set to commence this Tuesday with the Wild Card round, marking the beginning of the postseason push for the championship. Entering the playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered the favorites to win the 2026 World Series, with odds of +220 at BetMGM.
In the National League, the Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers secured the top two seeds and will await the outcomes of the Wild Card games. Both teams are the top choices at sportsbooks, with the Brewers at +550 to win the World Series. While the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs have shown strength, the Dodgers and Brewers established themselves as the leading contenders early in the season.
The American League saw a more dynamic conclusion to its regular season. The Tampa Bay Rays held the top spot for much of the summer, with the New York Yankees remaining competitive. The Boston Red Sox solidified their position as the third-best team after a mid-season rally. However, the Cleveland Guardians captured the second bye in the AL after a late-season surge propelled them to the lead in the AL Central. Their recent performance has improved their World Series odds from 17/1 to 11/1 within a week.
The AL landscape offers more potential for unexpected contenders, as two of the league's top teams by record will not advance to the ALCS. The Guardians' strong finish highlights the unpredictability in the American League.
Despite Milwaukee's better regular-season record and winning the season series, the Dodgers are seen as the team to beat. Their experience, combined with a healthy Shohei Ohtani and a strong pitching rotation, gives them an edge. The Dodgers are projected to face either the Phillies or Braves in the Division Series, potentially meeting the Brewers in a later round. The source predicts a repeat of recent postseason success for the Dodgers, highlighting their talent and championship pedigree.
Betting odds as of Sunday, September 27, show the Los Angeles Dodgers at +220, the Milwaukee Brewers at +550, and the Tampa Bay Rays at +750 to win the World Series. The New York Yankees follow at +800, with the Cleveland Guardians at 11/1. Other contenders include the Boston Red Sox (16/1) and the Chicago Cubs (17/1).
The prediction favors the Dodgers to win the World Series at +220.