NL Pennant: As October approaches, all eyes turn to the National League, where the race for the pennant is shaping up to be as unpredictable as ever. The Phillies sit atop the hype charts, and the Padres attract endless attention, there are still questions about which teams can perform when the stakes are at their highest. The National League is stacked with talent, but also with risk-several favorites have glaring flaws that could derail their October dreams.
For those looking to identify true contenders, it is about looking past the narratives, the flashy names, and the headline-grabbing moments, and focusing on who has the combination of talent, experience, and consistency to survive a grueling postseason. In this piece, we break down the teams that matter, the sleepers worth watching, and where the real value sits for the NL pennant this fall.
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NL Pennant Odds

Is it the Dodgers again in 2025?
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- Phillies +200
- Dodgers +300
- Brewers +300
- Padres +650
- Cubs +650
- Reds +1600
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I have said for months that whoever comes out of the National League is likely to take home the World Series. I do not trust a single American League team to show up against a deeper and more talented National League. However, there are still plenty of teams I do not trust-more than half of the list above.
I think the current odds are way off in having the Phillies as the favorite to represent the National League. I would argue this is their last real chance with the core they have, as the front office will likely need to rebuild this offseason. They are in a now-or-never spot this October. Their road struggles have improved late in the season, but I remain skeptical. The same goes for San Diego-they are not as flashy as the hype suggests. Every fall, people fall for the Padres, and they tend to falter in big moments. At +650, I am still out despite the solid price.
Where is the Value?
Where would I lean? For fans who dislike repeats, I think it is once again the Dodgers. Getting them at three-to-one is a nice value. I am surprised they are not the odds-on favorite to win the National League, but I will take the value. I have been leaning on the Dodgers ever since Mookie Betts finally found his footing. Over the last 30 days, he is slashing .309/.353/.548/.902. His turnaround makes this team as dangerous as last year, and the pitching staff has stepped up tremendously.
Another possible lean is the Brewers at the same price. Their rotation is excellent, and their offense has been clicking all second half. I truly hope Milwaukee can make a strong October run. I dislike that their price matches the Dodgers, but I am out on nearly every other team on the list.
At the end of the day, the National League feels like the place to be this October. While the Phillies and Padres carry big names and hype, there are still lingering doubts about their ability to perform under pressure. For those seeking value and reliability, the Dodgers and Brewers stand out. Los Angeles has the experience and star power to make a deep run, while Milwaukee’s pitching and hot offense could carry them far. The rest of the league feels too volatile to trust. This October, it is about picking the team that can deliver when it matters most.
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