History says one of these 7 teams should win the World Series

With the 2026 MLB season at its midpoint, the New York Times analyzed historical World Series winner statistics to identify seven current contenders most likely to win the title. The Los Angeles Dodgers, as two-time defending champions, are the heavy betting favorites at +180, with Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees also highlighted as a team that checks every statistical box. The pre-All-Star break period saw significant shifts, with previously strong teams like the Braves, Guardians, Padres, and Yankees faltering while the Marlins, Tigers, Astros, Rangers, and Phillies surged.