Naturally, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorite for the 2025 National League pennant. With the largest payroll in baseball, the Dodgers are impossible to ignore with the baseball betting odds. So far, the Dodgers are slightly in the red with a good record that can’t overcome high public prices. Meanwhile, three of the biggest surprises and best values on the board are the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres. By contrast, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are disappointing at the end of April.
2025 National League Pennant Odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +135 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +600 |
| New York Mets | +450 |
| Atlanta Braves | +800 |
| San Diego Padres | +1100 |
| Chicago Cubs | +950 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | +1600 |
| All Other Teams | +1600 or higher |
Dodger Blue Goes Into the Red
Los Angeles started the season with a sportsbook record of 17-10 but was -15 units on the board. Of course, the Dodgers and poor betting value are nothing new to gamblers. Los Angeles is too popular with the casual sector, making losses so costly that they can’t overcome wins.
Namely, Shohei Ohtani leads the Dodgers with 25 runs, six home runs, nine runs batted in, and a .890 OPS. Also, Tommy Edman is an asset with eight home runs, 19 RBI, and a .822 OPS. Los Angeles boasts the most wins from a bullpen in MLB. However, they have blown six saves.
A Giant Leap Forward
At the onset of the season, not much was expected from the San Francisco Giants. However, as the season enters May, the Giants are the most profitable team on the board with the MLB odds. The Giants have flashed impressive balance, ranking 8th for run production and 7th for earned run average. Of great concern is a bullpen that ranks 16th in MLB. The question that gamblers have is whether the Giants can sustain their early success.
Phillies Stumble Out of the Gate
The Philadelphia Phillies are 14-13 and in the deep red at -345 units. Of major concern for the Phillies is a pitching staff that ranks 19th for earned run average. Even worse is a bullpen that ranks 29th in MLB. Additionally, the Phillies are lacking power with a rank of 23rd for home runs. Still, gamblers like the Phillies in the National League race.
New York Mets Finally Live Up to Expectations
At the beginning of the 2025 MLB future market, action was a sense of trepidation regarding the New York Mets. Following flops that followed hype, many gamblers are waiting for proof that the Mets are truly fixed. So far, Pete Alonso is powering the Mets with 16 runs, 11 doubles, six home runs, 26 runs batted in, and a 1.100 OPS. Specifically, the number one-ranked pitching staff is the reason for New York’s success. Run production is merely adequate.
Chicago Cubs Begin to Grow
Last year, the Cubs made headlines with the hiring of manager Craig Counsell, who was lured away from his hometown Milwaukee Brewers. Counsell is considered one of the best managers in baseball. Thus, the Cubs drew a lot of gambling action but failed to produce reliable value. So far in 2025, the Cubs lead the National League Central at 17-11 and are one of the most profitable teams on the board. The Cubs are the top run-producing team in baseball, but rank 22nd for earned run average.
San Diego Padres Arrive to Take NL West Lead
In like manner to the Mets, the Padres have burned gamblers in previous seasons. But in 2025, San Diego leads the National League West at 16-11 with strong profits and wagering value. Second in the majors, for earned run average, is a good sign. However, the ranking of 21st for run production is not.