by Sean Murphy
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025The Dodgers and Phillies sit atop the World Series odds board for good reason. At +350 and +550 respectively (odds courtesy DraftKings), they offer the best blend of current form, roster strength and October upside.
The Dodgers remain the class of baseball - even if there have been a few more bumps in the road than expected. The defending champs haven’t shown any signs of a hangover, carrying their 2024 championship momentum into this season. Shohei Ohtani continues to do things no one else in the sport can, the middle of the order has been relentless, and they’ve gotten key contributions up and down the lineup. On the mound, Clayton Kershaw’s milestone summer has been backed by a rotation and bullpen that simply don’t give much away. It’s hard to find a hole in this roster, and even at a short price, the Dodgers are certainly worthy of top billing.
What makes the Dodgers such a dangerous futures bet isn’t just their star power — it’s the sheer number of ways they can beat you. The lineup has shown an ability to manufacture runs when the long ball isn’t there, the bullpen has multiple reliable late-inning options, and their bench depth allows them to absorb injuries without much of a drop-off. That versatility matters come October, when matchups tighten and managers are forced to pull every lever they have. For bettors, it’s that stability and adaptability that makes them worth paying the premium price again this year.
The Phillies, meanwhile, are the rare second choice on the board that actually feels underpriced. They’ve spent most of the year near the top of the N.L. East, fending off a strong push from the Mets, and they’ve done it with a balanced attack and one of the league’s better rotations, which was only bolstered by the return of Ranger Suarez after a season-opening stint on the injured list. This is a group that’s been there before in October and knows how to win those tight, pressure-packed games. If they stay healthy, the path back to the Fall Classic - or at least an NLCS date with the Dodgers - is wide open — and a +550 ticket could look awfully good in a month or two.
Philadelphia’s case is built on more than just experience. Their starting pitching has been one of the most consistent units in baseball this year, routinely working deep into games and keeping the bullpen fresh for the stretch run. Offensively, they’ve shown the power to change games in one swing but also the patience to grind out at-bats and wear down opposing starters. In a postseason environment where one hot stretch can carry a team, the Phillies’ combination of pitching depth, lineup length, and playoff-tested leadership makes them as dangerous as anyone in the field — especially at a number that still offers value compared to the Dodgers’ shorter price.
Bottom line: the Dodgers are the safe play, the Phillies are the value play, and both deserve a spot in your World Sereis futures portfolio.
