2025 MLB Season: Final Analysis & Betting Insights
The Dynasty Is Confirmed
The 2025 MLB season will be remembered as the year the Los Angeles Dodgers cemented their dynasty status. Their Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series made them the first team to repeat as champions since the 2000 New York Yankees, and the first NL team since the 1976 Cincinnati Reds.
But beyond the championship trophy, the 2025 season provided invaluable lessons for handicappers. Let's break down the key takeaways that will inform our 2026 projections.
World Series MVP: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yamamoto's performance in the Fall Classic was nothing short of dominant. Three wins. A 1.02 ERA. Complete command of his arsenal. The Japanese right-hander proved that his regular season dominance translates to October.
For bettors, Yamamoto's postseason emergence reinforced a key principle: aces matter exponentially more in October. His ability to pitch deep into games saved the Dodgers bullpen and gave them a structural advantage throughout the playoffs.
Key Game 7 Moments
- Miguel Rojas - Game-tying HR in the 9th with two outs
- Will Smith - Walk-off HR in the 11th inning
- 51+ million viewers - Largest WS audience since 1991
Clayton Kershaw's Farewell
Three Cy Youngs. One MVP. Three World Series rings. The future Hall of Famer ended his career as a champion. An era in Dodger blue comes to a close.
Betting Market Lessons from 2025
1. Championship Pitching Depth Wins October
The Dodgers' ability to deploy multiple high-quality starters proved decisive. Teams with only one or two reliable arms consistently came up short in the postseason. For 2026 futures, prioritize rotation depth over lineup power.
2. Regular Season Records Deceived
Several teams with elite regular season records flamed out early. The correlation between regular season win totals and playoff success was weaker than usual. Context matters more than raw numbers.
3. Bullpen Volatility Created Opportunities
Teams with unstable bullpens provided live betting value when trailing. The October sample showed above-average conversion rates for trailing favorites in the middle innings.
4. Park Factors Amplified
Home field advantage in the playoffs exceeded regular season norms. Bettors who weighted park-adjusted metrics appropriately found consistent value, especially in totals markets.
Division-by-Division Final Assessment
AL East: The Gauntlet
Toronto, Baltimore, New York, and Boston all finished above .500. This division continues to be the most competitive in baseball, and the Blue Jays' World Series run proves that survival in the AL East prepares teams for October. Watch this division closely for 2026.
NL West: Dodgers Dominance
The Dodgers' payroll and organizational depth created separation that other NL West teams couldn't close. San Diego showed flashes but lacked consistency. Arizona regressed. The gap may widen further in 2026.
AL Central: Cleveland's Window
The Guardians' young core is entering prime years. They represent value in a division without powerhouse competition. Their projection models suggest continued improvement.
Model Performance Review
Our projection models performed well in 2025, correctly identifying several undervalued teams early in the season. Key wins included:
- Blue Jays pennant odds at +800 (hit)
- Dodgers series price improvement mid-playoffs
- Under performance on several overvalued favorites early
Areas for improvement include better handling of injury news and mid-season roster changes. We're refining our algorithms for 2026 to better weight these factors.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Offseason moves are already reshaping the landscape. Check our Offseason Hub and Free Agency Tracker for real-time updates on signings that will impact next season's projections.