Right now, if you walk into any sportsbook or open a betting app, there is really only one name on everyone’s lips: the Los Angeles Dodgers. It sounds repetitive. Honestly, it almost feels unfair at this point. After clinching back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, the Dodgers aren't just sitting on their rings; they are actively trying to break the sport.
We are currently in the thick of the 2026 offseason, and while no one is "winning" a game on the field today, January 17, 2026, the battle for the next trophy is being won in the front offices. If you’re asking world series who's winning in terms of momentum, it’s the guys in Dodger blue. Just two days ago, they reportedly landed Kyle Tucker on a massive four-year, $240 million deal. It’s the kind of move that makes other fanbases want to throw their phones.
The Dynasty is Already Here
The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in a wild seven-game stretch last November. Game 7 was a heart-stopper—5-4 in 11 innings. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was basically a god on the mound, inducing that final double play to secure the repeat.
Now, they are the heavy favorites to pull off a three-peat. The last time that happened? You have to go back to the Yankees at the turn of the millennium (1998-2000).
- Current Odds: Most books like FanDuel and BetMGM have the Dodgers at +220 or +225.
- The Probability: That gives them roughly a 30% implied chance to win the whole thing before Spring Training even starts.
- The Competition: The Yankees (+750) and Phillies (+1300) are the closest "threats," but the gap is a canyon.
Why the Blue Jays Might Still Have a Say
Toronto is hurting after that Game 7 loss, but don't count them out. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the ALCS MVP for a reason. They played the Dodgers tighter than anyone else could, and their core is still very much in its prime.
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People forget that the Jays had a 3-2 lead in that series. They were one win away from their first title since '93. If you’re looking for a "value" pick for who’s winning the World Series in 2026, Toronto at +1400 or +1500 is where the smart money is sniffing around. They have the hunger that comes with a fresh scar.
The Sleeper Teams for 2026
It’s easy to look at the top of the list and call it a day. But baseball is weird.
The Seattle Mariners are sitting at +1300. They have the pitching to shut down anyone, and they took Toronto to seven games in the ALCS last year. Then you've got the Mets. They’ve got the second-highest payroll in the league, trailing only LA, and with Juan Soto leading that lineup, they can outslug anyone on a good week.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The undisputed kings.
- New York Yankees: Always in the mix, especially with the pressure to finally get back to the top.
- Philadelphia Phillies: They have the "it" factor and a rotation that thrives in October.
- Seattle Mariners: The "best team to never win it" narrative is fueling them.
The Road to October 2026
The schedule for this upcoming season is already out. Mark your calendars for March 25th. The San Francisco Giants are hosting the Yankees for Opening Night. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day we’ve ever seen.
The Dodgers won’t even be playing that night; they’ll be waiting for their own banner-raising ceremony on the 26th against the D-backs. That’s the moment the 2025 season truly ends and the 2026 race begins.
Basically, the "who's winning" question right now is a matter of projection. If the season started tomorrow, the Dodgers' lineup—now featuring Kyle Tucker alongside Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman—looks like an All-Star roster from a video game. It’s a $575 million payroll. That is a staggering amount of money, roughly 1.5 times what the Mets are spending.
What You Should Watch For Next
If you're tracking the 2026 World Series race, the next big milestones are Spring Training arrivals in February. Watch the injury reports for the Dodgers' pitching staff. While they look invincible, an arm injury to Yamamoto or Glasnow is the only thing that really levels the playing field.
Keep an eye on the trade market as well. Several mid-market teams like the Orioles and Tigers are flush with young talent but need one more veteran arm to actually compete with the "Death Star" in Los Angeles.
Check the updated futures odds once Spring Training games actually start in late February. You’ll see the biggest shifts then, especially if a dark horse team like the Mariners or Braves shows dominant pitching early on. Focus on the National League West standings particularly; it’s going to be a bloodbath between the Dodgers, Padres, and a resurging Giants squad.