Major League Baseball is back—and after an offseason filled with noise, drama, and the usual “it’s not fair” complaints, it’s finally time to play ball. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear team to beat in 2025, but history has shown that being the best team “on paper” doesn’t always mean lifting the trophy in October.
In fact, MLB hasn’t had a repeat champion since the Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000. And though the Dodgers might look like a juggernaut, even the best MLB teams have no more than a 25% shot at winning the World Series.
Why It’s Still Anyone’s Game
If you’re wondering how many teams can really win the World Series this year, the answer is: just about all of them. Sure, three teams—White Sox, Marlins, and Rockies—are firmly out of the picture, but nearly 24 teams have a realistic shot, including past surprise champs like the 2023 Rangers and 2021 Braves.
Remember, MLB’s playoff system is unpredictable. It only takes a hot month for a team to go from Wild Card to World Series champs. Just ask the 2019 Nationals, 2014 Giants, or even the 2004 Red Sox.
MLB 2025 Power Rankings (Opening Week)
Here’s a look at where all 30 MLB teams stand to start the 2025 season:
Top Contenders
1. Dodgers (2-0)
They didn’t even need to be at their best to sweep the Cubs in Tokyo. With Mookie, Freddie, and now Ohtani, they’re stacked.
2. Phillies (0-0)
A deep bullpen, solid rotation, and power-packed lineup make Philly a serious threat.
3. Braves (0-0)
Even without Strider and Acuña Jr. to start the year, this team has the talent to finish on top.
4. Rangers (0-0)
Last year’s champs got stronger. A little too much hype? Maybe. But they deserve it.
5. Diamondbacks (0-0)
They led MLB in runs last year. Don’t underestimate this offense.
Strong Playoff Contenders
6. Mets (0-0)
Risky rotation, but if things click, they’ll be dangerous.
7. Astros (0-0)
Still elite, still deep. Don’t count them out just yet.
8. Red Sox (0-0)
Massive jump up. Bregman helped, but this is more about the overall upside.
9. Orioles (0-0)
Loaded with young talent again. Rotation’s a concern, but they’re still scary.
10. Yankees (0-0)
Cole’s injury hurts, but Max Fried softens the blow.
Playoff Dark Horses
11. Mariners
Great pitching, but offense needs to show up.
12. Cubs
Two losses to the Dodgers aren’t a big deal—still a dangerous team.
13. Padres
Cease and King need to lead the way. Rotation is the X-factor.
14. Royals
Could win the AL Central in a tight, fun race.
15. Guardians
Don’t sleep on them—especially in a balanced division.
16. Tigers
Improved, but will they sustain last year’s hot finish?
17. Brewers
Always competitive. They find ways to stay in the race.
18. Twins
Injury woes strike again with Royce Lewis. Worrisome.
19. Blue Jays
Tough division, but bounce-back potential is strong.
20. Rays
Still scrappy, but a weak home setup and depth issues could hold them back.
21. Giants
Veteran pitching could carry them. Verlander and Webb look strong.
22. Reds
Plenty of talent, and now Terry Francona. Long shot, but not impossible.
23. Cardinals
Ignore Sonny Gray’s bad spring. This team still has fight.
24. Pirates
Promising arms, but injuries already creeping in.
Unlikely But Not Impossible
25. Nationals
Young talent is developing, but probably not their year—yet.
26. Angels
Until they prove otherwise, trust is gone.
27. Athletics
They’ve improved slightly, but are still bottom-tier.
Sorry, Not Happening
28. Marlins
Once Sandy’s traded, what’s left?
29. Rockies
NL West is a nightmare. They might lose the most games this year.
30. White Sox
Sean Burke is interesting, but this is likely the worst roster in baseball.
Yes, 24 teams can win the World Series in 2025. The Dodgers might be the favorite, but MLB’s chaotic playoff system makes anything possible. This is why baseball fans everywhere should be excited—your team might be in it more than you think. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild season.