The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 MLB season as the defending back-to-back World Series champions (from 2024 and 2025). Now they are chasing a historic three-peat—the first in the National League since the 1972-1974 Oakland Athletics, and the first for any NL team in the modern era. With an elite mix of superstar talent, deep pitching, and significant offseason reinforcements, they remain the clear online betting favorites to win it all.
Indeed, the Dodgers are built to dominate the NL West and cruise through the postseason. With their resources, talent, and track record, anything short of another deep playoff run would be a disappointment. Their rotation and lineup give them the highest ceiling in baseball. Spring training (starting mid-February) and health updates will be key as Opening Day approaches.
Overall, the Dodgers’ key offseason moves netted major additions. The Dodgers were aggressive in free agency, landing two of the winter’s top MLB odds prizes. Consider that closer Edwin Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal in early December 2025. This directly addressed the bullpen’s postseason struggles in 2025, where starters (including Roki Sasaki in relief) were overtaxed. Díaz, a former All-Star with elite stuff, shores up the ninth inning and provides a reliable high-leverage arm.
Outfielder Kyle Tucker agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract (with opt-outs after 2027 and 2028) in mid-January 2026. Of course, he is widely viewed as the top free agent hitter available. Tucker adds elite power, on-base skills, speed, and defense (former Gold Glove winner in right field). He slots into RF, shifting Teoscar Hernández to LF for better balance and defense.
2026 National League Pennant SBG Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +120 |
| New York Mets | +700 |
| Atlanta Braves | +750 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +850 |
| Chicago Cubs | +950 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | +1600 |
| San Diego Padres | +1700 |
| All Other Teams | +2200 or Higher |
The New York Mets entered the 2025-2026 offseason coming off a disappointing non-playoff finish in 2025. Correlate that there were significant MLB wagering departures of longtime fan favorites and productive players. Namely Pete Alonso (1B, signed with the Orioles), Edwin Díaz (closer, to the Dodgers), and Brandon Nimmo (OF, traded to the Rangers).
Under the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, the team executed one of the most aggressive roster overhauls in recent franchise history. Specifically, they were focusing on upgrading run prevention (pitching and defense), adding star power, and reshaping the lineup and rotation for a bounce-back 2026.
The Mets turned over roughly 30% of their 40-man roster, increasing payroll to around $365 million (up ~$25M from 2025). In turn, they prioritized flexibility, defense, and high-upside talent, resulting in a revamped core.
The Atlanta Braves entered the 2025-2026 offseason focused on rebounding from an injury-plagued 76-win season. Accordingly, key moves have focused on fortifying the bullpen and middle infield, highlighted by the addition of high-leverage reliever Robert Suarez and the re-signing of gold-glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim.
The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the 2025-2026 offseason prioritizing continuity, re-signing key franchise anchors. At the same time, they are making targeted upgrades to the outfield and bullpen. After winning 96 games in 2025, the club enters 2026 with a “run it back” strategy aimed at finally securing a World Series title with its veteran core.
The Chicago Cubs have had a transformative 2025-2026 offseason, earning an “A” grade from many analysts for landing a marquee free agent and aggressively rebuilding their pitching staff. Following a return to the postseason in 2025, the club enters 2026 as the projected favorite to win the NL Central.