The Dodgers celebrate after beating the Yankees in the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
These are the teams we believe are most likely to contend for a World Series this season:
1. Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 13: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Comerica Park on August 13, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Great rotation and getting production from young hitters. They have been, without a doubt, the best team in the American League since the season began.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a single in the 3rd inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 20, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
The Dodgers offense ranks number one in MLB, and despite all their pitching injuries, they have held things together.
3. New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 12: Juan Soto of the New York Mets poses with his new uniform after his introductory press conference at Citi Field on December 12, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Their starting pitching has been better than expected, and their lineup is great.
4. Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 01: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after retiring the side in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies during his MLB debut at Wrigley Field on April 01, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The offense is amazing, and they are competing with the best in the league head-to-head. They look to be the real deal.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) reacts after scoring a run during the tenth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The Phillies are going to be great all season long, and should also be a tough out come playoff time.
6. San Francisco Giants
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 23: Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco Giants reacts in the dugout after hitting a three run home run on May 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
They are playing much better than anyone expected and added Rafael Devers on Sunday night.
7. New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees points to the dugout after hitting his third home run of the game against the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Their lineup has struggled lately, and it has allowed other AL East teams to make up ground.
8. Houston Astros
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 16: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros hits a solo home run against Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning in Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
They have taken over the AL West.
9. San Diego Padres
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 21: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a grounder resulting in a fielding error of Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 21, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Have been playing solid baseball all year, just play in a tough division.
10. Tampa Bay Rays
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Junior Caminero #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays at bat during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)
They have closed the gap in the AL East standings with a strong few weeks. They could catch the Yankees any day.
Honorable Mention: Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 04: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers singles during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 04, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Brewers have been playing great baseball lately and their starting pitching has really come together
