Spring Training World Series Predictions
Spring training is underway, so it is time for World Series predictions. Several teams made big moves in the offseason, but only one team can lift the trophy at the end of the season. Pitching makes all the difference in the postseason, but staying healthy is another important factor. I will give my selections in order of confidence and give one long shot. It is a long time until October, but you can get great value by locking in a future now, especially if they make the right moves in the offseason. Read more spring training World Series predictions below.
New York Yankees +800
The Yankees lost Juan Soto in the offseason but upgraded their rotation and bullpen. I wrote an offseason review on them, which outlines the key losses and additions. Max Fried has been added to the rotation with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Luke Weaker has moved back into his role as the setup pitcher with the addition of Devin Williams as the team’s new closer.
Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger are the two key additions to the lineup to try and replace the void left by Juan Soto. Both are former MVPs who should add athleticism and versatility to the lineup. Aaron Judge will assume his role in right field after spending most of last season in center. The Yankees are primed for another run in the postseason but will have to battle in the AL East, which is stacked again.
Los Angeles Dodgers +300
The Dodgers added a Japanese pitcher in the offseason to pair with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, who should be back on the mound this season. Roki Sasaki was one of the most coveted free agents this season, and the Dodgers signed him after adding Yamamoto last season. The Dodgers are fresh off a World Series victory over the Yankees and got even better this season. It is no surprise they are the favorites to win it again. Yamamoto was in the running for AL Rookie of the Year until he got hurt in June last season. He started 18 games last season and posted a 3.00 ERA with 105 strikeouts.
They also added Blake Snell, who completed their rotation with Tyler Glasnow, who played together in Tampa. Mookie Betts is also expected to start at shortstop this season after playing most of the season in the outfield last season. The Dodgers added Michael Conforto to play left field after hitting 20 home runs with the Giants last season. They should have another great season if they can stay healthy.
Atlanta Braves +750
The Braves suffered two devastating injuries last season. Spencer Strider only pitched nine innings last season before suffering an elbow injury, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season. Ronald Acuna Jr. sustained a torn ACL in May last season. He had 73 stolen bases in 2023 but said he will take it easier on the basepaths this season, so I expect him to be well below that number. The biggest addition for the Braves in the offseason was Jurickson Profar. He batted .280 last season with 24 home runs and will likely bat lead-off for the Braves. He will be an important piece for this stacked lineup, which ranked fourth with 213 home runs last season.
Texas Rangers +2500
The Rangers are the best longshot to win the World Series. They missed the postseason after winning the World Series in 2023. Injuries decimated their roster, but they made significant moves in the offseason. They signed Jake Burger, who hit 29 home runs for the Marlins last season. They also signed Joc Pederson, who hit 23 home runs and batted .275 with the Diamondbacks last season. The Rangers overhauled their bullpen, with six new relief pitchers acquired in the offseason, giving Bruce Bochy depth behind his solid rotation. Jacob DeGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Tyler Mahle will look to stay healthy this season and make another run in the postseason.
