Baseball fans, are you already dreaming of next season? The World Series may be over, but the hot stove season is just heating up! And while Thanksgiving is traditionally a football holiday, it's also the perfect time to gather with family and rehash that incredible Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series. Remember that epic seven-game showdown? It was exactly what baseball needed to capture our attention and build momentum heading into the offseason.
But what are each of the top contenders actually thankful for as they head into this crucial period of player acquisitions and strategic planning? Using DraftKings' 2026 World Series odds as our guide, we're diving into the heart of each team's current situation. So, grab a plate of turkey and let's explore! And for you fans of the Guardians, Tigers, Padres, and Cubs... well, the gambling community may not believe in you, but that just means you can surprise everyone next year!
The Los Angeles Dodgers: Thankful for the Pipeline to Japan
The Dodgers are currently sitting atop the baseball world. Fresh off a repeat World Series victory – the first since the Yankees' dynasty at the turn of the century – they've built a powerhouse through shrewd spending, smart infrastructure investments, and, crucially, a direct line to the incredible talent coming out of Japan.
Is Shohei Ohtani already the greatest baseball player ever? It's a debate for the ages, but his four MVP awards certainly bolster the argument. But this year, it was Yoshinobu Yamamoto who truly captivated us, earning World Series MVP honors with a dominant performance for the ages. And let's not forget rookie sensation Roki Sasaki, who, despite an injury-plagued regular season, transformed into a shutdown closer just in time for the playoffs.
The Dodgers would be a force to be reckoned with regardless, but their ability to consistently land the best Japanese players has cemented their status as heavy favorites for years to come. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this an unfair advantage? Or simply a testament to the Dodgers' superior scouting and player development?
The New York Yankees: Thankful for Aaron Judge, the Unstoppable Force
Yankees fans of a certain age grew accustomed to near-annual championship celebrations. Now, it's been since 2009 since they've seen a parade. That's an eternity for the most storied franchise in baseball history, leading to constant criticism of ownership, GM Brian Cashman, and manager Aaron Boone.
However, there's one thing Yankees fans can unequivocally celebrate: Aaron Judge. He's doing everything in his power to restore the franchise to its former glory. He's not just hitting monster home runs (over 50 for the fourth time!), he's also winning batting titles, as evidenced by his career-best .331 average.
Judge is the player opposing teams must pitch around, even more so than Ohtani. He's consistently led the league in walks, slugging percentage, and total bases, earning three MVP awards in the process. The Yankees have made moves to bolster the team around him, like signing Max Fried, but as long as they have Judge, they'll always be in contention for their 28th World Series title. The question is: Is Judge enough? Can one player truly carry a team to a championship in modern baseball?
The Philadelphia Phillies: Thankful for Old-School Starting Pitching
The Phillies captured their second consecutive NL East title this year, and their success was built on the back of the league's most dominant starting rotation. They threw over 41 more innings and struck out 98 more batters than any other team, defying the trend of early hookups and proving the enduring value of quality starting pitching.
Whether it was Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, or Ranger Suarez, the Phillies consistently sent quality arms to the mound. Wheeler is currently recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, but is expected to be back early next season. The rest of the rotation is also expected to return, with the possible exception of Suarez, who is a free agent. Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto also need to be re-signed. Either way, once Wheeler returns, the Phillies should again have one of the best rotations in the game as they take aim at their fourth straight 90-win season. The Phillies are a team built for October, and their rotation is the key.
The Seattle Mariners: Thankful for the Big Dumper, Cal Raleigh
The Mariners have plenty to celebrate after one of their best seasons ever, including stellar pitching, passionate fans, and the dynamic Julio Rodriguez. But at the top of the list? Cal Raleigh, who took the league by storm, leading in home runs and winning the Home Run Derby.
Raleigh made a compelling MVP case. He set the single-season record for home runs by a catcher and a switch hitter (60). It resulted in an AL West title, a Silver Slugger award, and the franchise's first Game 7 ALCS appearance. Mariners fans, and baseball fans worldwide, are eagerly awaiting his next act. But can he replicate that success? Or was 2025 a career year for the Dumper?
The Houston Astros: Thankful for a Decade of Dominance
The Astros have been the model of consistency in MLB over the past decade. They haven't finished below .500 since 2014, boasting four 100-win seasons and six seasons with at least 90 wins.
Tied with the Mariners for the fourth-best World Series odds, the Astros face an uphill battle to meet those expectations. Ace Framber Valdez is likely headed elsewhere in free agency, and the recent trade of Mauricio Dubon suggests ownership may be tightening the pursestrings. With the Mariners on the rise and the Astros missing the postseason for the first time since 2016, questions are being asked. Is Joe Espada's team ranked so high based on past glory alone? There are reasons for optimism, like rookie Cam Smith and James Hicks, but also reasons for skepticism. The Astros have had a tremendous run, and whether it's nearing its end or not, their fans should be thankful for a decade of success. They've secured two World Series titles and have been the standard-bearer in the American League. But here's the thing: Is this dynasty truly over, or can the Astros find a way to reinvent themselves and compete for years to come?
The New York Mets: Thankful for Motivation Born from Failure
Mets fans had less and less to be thankful for as last season progressed toward its disappointing conclusion. The team's starting pitching faltered in the second half, and the magic that carried them to the NLCS the year before vanished. Instead of thrilling comebacks, the Mets found themselves on the losing end time and time again.
However, there's reason for optimism. Mets fans can be thankful for owner Steve Cohen's deep pockets and his willingness to spend. Juan Soto is locked up, and Cohen will undoubtedly break the bank this offseason to surround him with more talent. Combined with David Stearns' vision for the team, this should result in significant changes. The Mets are motivated after their disappointing season, and they've already traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien. This is just the beginning, as fans eagerly await updates on Pete Alonso's future and the team's plans to build a rotation around their young trio of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat. Failure can be a powerful teacher, and the Mets will use the lessons of 2025 to ensure a similar disappointment doesn't happen again. It didn't feel like it as the division title and then the Wild Card slipped away, but one day Mets fans will be thankful for the kick in the butt coming up short provided. The big question: Can the Mets learn from their mistakes and finally build a sustainable contender?
The Atlanta Braves: Thankful for a Clean Slate
The Braves' 0-7 start to the 2025 season foreshadowed the end of their seven-year playoff streak. Despite a brief rally, they never truly contended in the NL East. Injuries and suspensions plagued the team, sidelining key players like Jurickson Profar, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Spencer Strider.
The Braves need to put 2025 behind them and embrace a fresh start in 2026. They hope their best players can stay healthy, Acuña can regain his MVP form, and Strider and Chris Sale can form a dominant 1-2 punch. Alex Anthopolous has already been active, re-signing Raisel Iglesias and trading for Mauricio Dubon, and he's not stopping there. But is this enough? Can the Braves overcome their injury woes and return to the top of the NL East?
The Boston Red Sox: Thankful for a Promising Future
While the Yankees continue to rely on veteran players, the Red Sox are embracing a youth movement. Led by generational prospect Roman Anthony, the Sox kids made their mark last year as they were called up one by one. Boston went on a tear and made the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell are all expected to be Opening Day starters in 2026, while Ceddane Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu already feel like seasoned veterans. Garrett Crochet was a Cy Young contender, and Craig Breslow's trade for Sonny Gray signals that the front office believes their young core is ready to win now. But will this youth movement pay off? Or will the Red Sox need to add more veteran talent to truly compete?
The Toronto Blue Jays: Thankful for Validation After Years of Near Misses
Before their World Series run this year, the Blue Jays were known for falling short. They had lost 10 of their past 11 playoff games and consistently missed out on coveted free agents.
But the vibes are now immaculate as Toronto came within a single run of winning its first World Series since 1992, so maybe the team will have better luck attracting outside talent going forward. Max Scherzer credited this team with reinvigorating his love for the game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left no doubt that he's a transcendent superstar, while rookie Trey Yesavage looked like a potential anchor for the pitching staff. Shane Bieber liked Toronto so much that he exercised his player option.
The Blue Jays are for real. They won the AL East and knocked the Yankees out of the playoffs, and whether they keep Bo Bichette, sign Kyle Tucker, or none of the above this offseason, they'll be a major factor in next year's pennant race. Every team in the league will now have to take them seriously. The big question: Can the Blue Jays build on their success and finally bring a championship back to Toronto?
The Milwaukee Brewers: Thankful for Organizational Competence, Despite Being Overlooked
The Brewers finished with the best record in baseball last year and reached the NLCS, despite lacking big-name superstars. This team excels at managing in a small market. They consistently outperform more expensive and highly-regarded teams.
Milwaukee finished second in the National League in hits and first in steals. They've lost key players like Craig Counsell and Corbin Burnes, but they still managed to win the division again in 2024. After a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Mets, they saw Willy Adames leave in free agency and traded Devin Williams. Yet, they somehow got even better.
Having the 10th-best World Series odds is a slap in the face, but they're used to it. Count them out at your own risk. This team plays a winning brand of baseball year in and year out. Even in their only season missing the playoffs in the past seven years, they still won 86 games. The Brewers will likely be overlooked because they lack big names, but don't be surprised if they're playing deep into October again because they're run so well. And this is the part most people miss: The Brewers' success is a testament to their scouting, player development, and organizational culture. Can they continue to defy expectations?
So, baseball fans, what are your thoughts? Which team is best positioned for success in 2026? Are there any teams being unfairly overlooked? Let us know in the comments below!
