Dodgers Projected as World Series Favorites Ahead of Yankees-Red Sox Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold a 28.6% chance of winning the World Series, a figure more than double the odds of any other team in Major League Baseball. While the club possesses the highest-ceiling roster in the league, this projection is significantly higher than their odds at the same point in 2025 (16.4%) and 2024 (19%).

Several volatility factors temper the Dodgers’ outlook. Shohei Ohtani has experienced a second-half slide and a late-season stint on the injured list, while closer Edwin Díaz has struggled with performance and a neck injury. According to reporting, Díaz won’t have a ton of innings to right himself after his return. Furthermore, the Dodgers do not hold tiebreakers over the NL East-leading Braves or NL Central-leading Brewers, meaning they could be forced to play in the Wild Card Series. The 2019 Astros (35.2%) were the most recent team to finish a season with odds as high or higher than those the Dodgers have now, yet they failed to win the World Series.

Yankees and Red Sox Rematch in the Bronx

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will meet in a best-of-three AL Wild Card series starting Tuesday, Sept. 29. All potential games will be played in the Bronx. This is a rematch of the 2025 Wild Card series, which the Yankees won after rookie Cam Schlittler threw eight scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts and zero walks in Game 3. Following that performance, the native of Walpole, Mass., spoke about how the harsh social media treatment and threats received by his family from a segment of Boston fans served as further motivation.

The Yankees enter the series with a rested rotation featuring AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, and Max Fried. However, the status of Aaron Judge remains uncertain due to a right calf strain. Other players knocking on the door for the Yankees include DH Giancarlo Stanton and center fielder Trent Grisham, according to manager Aaron Boone.

MLB Postseason Race: Division Titles and Wild Card Battle Explained

Boston’s path to the postseason was erratic. After starting the season 10-17 and firing manager Alex Cora, who led them to a world championship in 2018, the Red Sox went 57-20 following a June 25 sweep of the Yankees. On the morning of June 25, the last-place Red Sox were 32-46, trailing the first-place Yankees by 15.5 games. The Red Sox will rely on first baseman Willson Contreras, who returned Sunday as DH after a hand contusion, and veteran righty Sonny Gray, 36.

Braves and Phillies Clash in the NL

The Atlanta Braves, who secured their first division title since 2023, face the Philadelphia Phillies in a series that begins Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET. The Braves’ season was marked by a change in manager from the now-retired Brian Snitker to Walt Weiss, described as endearingly pugnacious, along with a major refresh of the coaching staff.

The Phillies enter the series after a volatile season that included a managerial firing and a late-season collapse, going 10-14 down the stretch. To advance, Philadelphia must rely on a starting rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, and Aaron Nola. The projected starters for the series are Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) vs. Chris Sale (ATL) for Game 1 at 2 p.m. Tuesday, and Jesús Luzardo (PHI) vs. Tyler Mahle (ATL) for Game 2 at 2 p.m. Wednesday. If a Game 3 is necessary, Aaron Nola (or Zack Wheeler on four days’ rest) will face Grant Holmes (ATL).

Aaron Judge Unlikely to Play in Wild Card Series Due to Calf Strain

Luzardo, who recently returned from shoulder inflammation, expressed his readiness to help in any capacity.

Cubs and Padres Battle at Petco Park

The Chicago Cubs face the San Diego Padres in a rematch of last year’s series at Petco Park in San Diego. The Cubs’ offensive hopes center on third baseman Alex Bregman, who is returning from multiple facial fractures caused by a foul ball. Bregman hit .298 with 19 homers and a 1.000 OPS in his final 60 games before the injury. Bregman will be playing in his 10th consecutive postseason with his third different team.

San Diego’s postseason hopes rest largely on pitcher Michael King, who led the team with 185 innings and a 3.21 ERA. King will start Game 1. If the Padres struggle, they must turn to Nick Pivetta and Walker Buehler. The Padres will also feature 20-year-old Ethan Salas, who will be the youngest catcher to ever appear in the postseason.

Award Winners and Postseason Odds

The 2026 postseason features several players projected to win major awards. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros is expected to win the AL MVP after carrying his team to the AL West title. Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs is projected to win the NL MVP over Shohei Ohtani. Other projected award winners include AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler of the Yankees and NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Dodgers Edge Giants 4-3: Betts and Hernández Homer in Close Victory

Future Hall of Famers are scattered throughout the postseason field, including the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and 37-year-old Freddie Freeman, Manny Machado of the Padres, Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians, Chris Sale of Atlanta, Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Jose Altuve of the Astros, and Bryce Harper of the Phillies. The field also includes aged veterans such as 39-year-old Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar and 38-year-old Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, as well as 22-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio of the Brewers.

Beyond the Dodgers, other teams with a 10% or higher chance of winning the World Series include the Yankees, Rays, and Brewers. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays is expected to finish runner-up for the AL MVP after leading the Rays to the best record in the American League. While the Brewers possess elite bullpen management and starting depth with Jacob Misiorowski, who will pitch Game 1 when the Brewers face the winner of the San Diego Padres-Chicago Cubs series, they rank 30th in MLB in home runs.