Every MLB team is tied for first on Opening Day, but only a few are worth betting on to win the World Series. With every team priced to win it all, the challenge is cutting through the board to find the right plays.
Futures betting isn’t just about picking a winner. It’s also about identifying value. That’s especially true early in the season, when teams are still finding their footing. The edge comes from acting before the market corrects itself.
When it comes to MLB futures, most value bets fit into one of three distinct categories: favourites, contenders and longshots. Each one reflects a different type of bet, from safer plays to high-upside swings.
As we turn our attention towards this season and the 2026 World Series, here are the best bets in each category.
World Series Favourites
Los Angeles Dodgers +210
There’s only room for one team in the favourites tier this year, and it’s not particularly close. Coming off back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers are looking to complete baseball’s first three-peat since the Yankees’ historic run from 1998 to 2000.
Los Angeles was the talk of the offseason yet again. They added prized free agent Kyle Tucker to a batting order that already includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. They also brought in closer Edwin Diaz to stabilize the bullpen. However, they may not need him with a starting rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Ohtani.
Their current World Series odds may not offer the biggest return, but it’s definitely the safest option to start the season. With the best roster money can buy, they offer the highest floor of any team on the board.
World Series Contenders
Seattle Mariners +1100
After coming within one game of last year’s World Series, the Mariners enter 2026 with real momentum. They’re the odds-on favourite to win the AL Central, yet remain severely undervalued by oddsmakers.
The strength of this team rests with its pitching staff. Led by Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Luis Castillo, Seattle has one of the deepest and most consistent rotations in baseball. They also have plenty of power at the plate, including franchise centrepiece Julio Rodriguez and last year’s home-run king, Cal Raleigh.
In spite of all that talent, the Mariners are not priced like a top-tier contender. Often overlooked due to inconsistent results in the past, Seattle stands out as a value play heading into the season. If they can recapture the magic they found during last year’s playoff run, don’t be surprised if the Mariners finally reach their first World Series in franchise history.
Toronto Blue Jays +1300
Even after all these months, the sting from last year’s World Series loss to the Dodgers still hasn’t fully faded for Blue Jays fans. Canada’s team came about as close as you can come to winning it all last season. You can be sure they’ll be fully focused on getting back and finishing the job.
Toronto should have one of baseball’s better lineups this year, anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of the order. They also have several supporting pieces that can provide power and run production, including George Springer, Ernie Clement and Alejandro Kirk. While the loss of Bo Bichette hurts on offence, you can make the case that it improves the team’s overall defence.
The Blue Jays starting rotation is equally intimidating, with Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage all returning. The addition of high-priced free agent Dylan Cease is a headline grabber too. Entering 2026 with a clear “unfinished business” mindset, Toronto could deliver a solid return on investment if everything goes according to plan.
World Series Longshots
Baltimore Orioles +2100
With one of the most talented young cores in all of Major League Baseball, the Orioles lineup is loaded with potential. It’s true that Baltimore struggled to a last-place finish in the AL East last season. However, don’t forget that they’re just two years removed from a 91-win campaign and Wild Card appearance.
The Orioles have a deep, balanced lineup, including Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and the recently acquired Pete Alonso. Their starting pitching may be far from a finished product, but they’re trending in the right direction. While they could benefit from a true ace at the top of the rotation, Baltimore relies more on depth and flexibility than dominance.
This team may still be young, but they’ve gained some valuable experience over the past few years. They are absolutely better equipped for sustained success. The Orioles are still a longshot to win the 2026 World Series, but their current odds offer tremendous value for anyone looking to cash in on an up-and-coming roster.
Milwaukee Brewers +3300
Despite their long odds to win the World Series, the Brewers are far more dangerous than they get credit for. They rarely beat themselves and outperform expectations year after year. With this in mind, they’re an excellent longshot pick.
Milwaukee will need to rebuild their starting rotation after trading ace Freddy Peralta in the offseason. Brandon Woodruff remains their most proven arm, but they also have several young pitchers with high upside. At the plate, the Brewers have quality hitters like Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio, and plenty of depth to spread production across multiple bats.
Considering the fact that this team had the best record in baseball just last season, Milwaukee’s 33-to-1 World Series odds offer incredible value and the chance to score a massive payout. If you’re looking to back a longshot, the Brewers are your best bet.
If bigger prices are your thing, our bold predictions for the 2026 MLB season is the next read for you.