2025 MLB National League: What to Expect

The 2025 MLB season kicks off on March 18 with the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. For the rest of the National League, Opening Day is set for March 27, with the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays starting their campaigns a day later. Every team enters the season with a clean slate, but what do the odds say about their chances?

The Favorites: Dodgers Dominate the NL

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear favorites in the National League, with a projected win total of 103.5 and the best odds to win the World Series at +300. Their offseason additions, including elite arms like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, have only strengthened their roster. However, surpassing 103.5 wins is a monumental task, as only 42 teams in MLB history have achieved it.

NL East: A Tight Race

• Philadelphia Phillies: Predicted to win 91.5 games, the Phillies are poised to take the NL East, with strong odds to win the division at +200.
• Atlanta Braves: Projected at 93.5 wins, the Braves face uncertainty with the health of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider.
• New York Mets: With a win total set at 91.5, the Mets' offseason moves, including signing Juan Soto, make them a wildcard in the division.

NL Central: A Wide-Open Battle

• Milwaukee Brewers: After overachieving in 2024, the Brewers' win total is set at 82.5, with questions about their pitching depth.
• Cincinnati Reds: With a projected 78.5 wins, the Reds are a dark horse in a competitive division.
• Chicago Cubs: The Cubs' win total of 86.5 reflects their potential to contend, but they may not need that many wins to take the NL Central.

NL West: Dodgers’ Dominance

• San Diego Padres: Despite winning 93 games in 2024, the Padres face challenges with key departures and injuries, leading to a projected 89.5 wins.
• Arizona Diamondbacks: With the addition of Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks are expected to exceed their 83.5 win total.
• Colorado Rockies: At the bottom of the NL West, the Rockies are projected to win 60.5 games, but history suggests they could surpass expectations.

Expert Analysis and Best Bets

Experts at ESPN BET have weighed in on the best bets for the season. The Phillies to win the NL East and the Reds to go over their win total are among the top recommendations. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' under at 103.5 wins is seen as a smart play given the historical rarity of such high win totals.

As the season unfolds, these projections and odds will evolve, but for now, the National League promises an exciting and unpredictable journey.