The Boys of Summer will be taking center stage before you know it, so now is an ideal opportunity to discuss the World Series odds and reveal our top two choices in the American and National Leagues. Can the Dodgers three-peat, or will there be another team that vanquishes Big Blue’s loaded lineup?Â
Below, we give our preseason 2026 World Series breakdown, so let’s talk about the future and make it all pay off for us in October!
World Series Contenders to Watch
There is undoubtedly only one team to beat, and everybody knows who it is. The World Series odds show the LA Dodgers as the prohibitive favorites at all of the best online sportsbooks. However, two of LA’s biggest challengers hail from New York, with the Yankees and the Mets installed as a pair of the other favorites in the marketplace.
Let’s talk about our two top World Series picks in each league, beginning with the chalkiest team of them all, the defending World Series champion, the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Top 2 National League Picks
*World Series Odds from BetOnline
Los Angeles Dodgers (+225)
Not only have the Dodgers won back-to-back World Series titles, but they have been winning consistently for nearly 20 years. Since the 2006 season, the Dodgers have only suffered one losing season and have won the National League West 12 of the last 13 years. Ownership cares more about winning than the gate receipts, as evidenced by their massive $400 million payroll.
But, as we all know, success on the field breeds financial prosperity, and therefore, it is not surprising that the best online sportsbooks have installed Big Blue as the betting favorite at odds of +225 at BetOnline. In addition to the 2025 All-Stars Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, LA’s lineup also boasts Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and recently added the top free agent available when they signed right fielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal.
And we haven’t even mentioned the fact that LA signed All-Star closer Edwin Diaz in the offseason while boasting one of the top aces in the game, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Although waiting nearly seven months to double your money on a team tasked with beating out 29 other teams to win a world championship may not seem worth it, the Dodgers make it tough to say no, despite the skimpy odds.
New York Mets (+1200)
Much like the Dodgers, the Mets are not shy about paying their players top dollar, as they have the second-highest payroll, approaching $320 million for the 2026 season. But spending the money isn’t enough; spending it on the right players is the ultimate goal. The Mets got better in the offseason by landing 2x All-Star Freddy Peralta in a deal with the Brewers, while also signing Bo Bichette, veteran infielder Marcus Semien, and MJ Melendez to build around superstars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
This Mets edition looks like plenty of bang for your betting buck!
Top 2 American League Picks
*World Series Odds from BetOnline
New York Yankees (+1000)
You can never count out the Bronx Bombers, and they are poised to make another deep postseason run with the big sticks they have in their lineup. The Pinstripers tied Toronto for the AL East crown last season but lost due to a tiebreaker. They defeated their ancient rivals from Boston in the wildcard round before bowing to the Blue Jays in four games in the ALDS.
But this year, they are projected to win the East and are favorites to win the AL pennant. Aaron Judge remains the straw that stirs the drink in the Bronx, hammering 53 dingers, 114 RBI, and batting at a .331 clip last season to win his third AL MVP. But the Yankees have power up and down their lineup, with seven players smashing 20 or more home runs last year.
Gerrit Cole will eventually return to the rotation after missing last year with Tommy John surgery, while Anthony Volpe and Carlos Rodon will also be sidelined to start the season. Nevertheless, this is a powerhouse offense with a decent pitching rotation, so don’t sleep on the Yanks!
Seattle Mariners (+1400)
The Mariners’ starting rotation is the fulcrum of this roster, with Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Bryan Woo acting as the team’s holy trinity of hurlers. The M’s will attempt to win the AL West again this season, but could be pressed hard by the Astros.
Seattle made an immediate upgrade when the team traded for All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan and will enjoy a full season with Josh Naylor at first base. Cal Raleigh was a monster last year with 60 home runs, while Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena also boast big bats.
Only a handful of teams dominate the American League, and Seattle is one of them. That means they have a decent shot at a World Series appearance, and from there, anything can happen. At odds of +1400, you could do a lot worse.
What We’ve Covered and Next Steps
The Dodgers are the big favorites for a third consecutive World Series title, but we can’t dismiss the prospects of a Subway Series between the Mets and Yankees, while the Mariners are also another threat coming from the West Coast.
As the game approaches, be vigilant regarding any unexpected injuries or late scratches. Also, check out our AI prediction picks right here at OddsTrader.
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
