The Atlanta Braves are in for another thrilling ride in the 2025 season, and let’s be honest — the expectations are soaring as high as ever. Despite a 2024 season that felt like a twisty, unpredictable roller coaster, Vegas isn’t flinching.
The Braves still hold the third-best odds to win the World Series, and that says a lot about how much faith people have in this team. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about sneaking into the playoffs and hoping for some October magic.
The Braves are expected to come out swinging, dominate the season, and march their way to a deep postseason run.
Let’s break it down using the odds from DraftKings as of December 19, 2024, to see how high the bar is for this squad.
The Wins Over-Under: Setting the Bar High
Last season, the Braves finished with an 89-73 record, a significant drop-off of 15 wins compared to their stellar 2023 campaign. But hey, teams stumble.
The important question is: What are they expected to do now? The over-under for Braves’ wins in 2025 is set at 94.5. That’s the second-highest in the league, trailing only the ever-intimidating Los Angeles Dodgers pegged at 102.5 wins.
To put this into context, only five teams have an over-under above 90 wins. Alongside the Braves, the New York Yankees sit at 93.5, while the Mets and Phillies both hover at 91.5. Now, remember the Yankees just made it to the World Series, the Mets broke the bank to sign Juan Soto, and the Phillies practically waltzed away with the division last year.
But if the Braves can stay healthy? They’re more than capable of surpassing that 94.5 mark and erasing the memory of last season’s inconsistencies.
Retaking the NL East Crown: Odds Are In Braves Favor
Six straight division titles. That was the Braves streak before last season’s wild-card stumble. Now, they’re in a prime position to reclaim the throne. DraftKings gives the Braves the best odds to win the NL East at +145, just edging out the Mets, who sit at +170.
The division is no cakewalk — especially with the Mets and Phillies lurking — but the Braves have been here before and know how to win when it matters most. They may have had a number of players leave this offseason, but they are very much still in it.
The Pennant Race: A Tight Squeeze
Now, this is where things get a bit more interesting. The Braves have +450 odds to win the National League Pennant, putting them behind the Dodgers (+205) and just behind the Mets (+425). So, while they’re the favorites for the NL East, the Mets are seen as slightly more likely to go the distance in the postseason.
Why? Well, the Mets made it all the way to the NLCS last season before falling to the Dodgers in six games. Momentum matters. But keep in mind how well the Braves did in interleague play last season.
They crushed it, going 31-15 against American League opponents, while the Mets managed a more modest 24-22.
If Atlanta does make it to the World Series, the odds tilt in their favor. They’ve been there, done that — winning it all in 2021 — while the Mets haven’t lifted the trophy since 1986.
High Expectations Despite a Quiet Braves Offseason
What does this all boil down to? Even with a relatively quiet offseason, the Braves are still considered one of the teams to beat.
They defied expectations just to make the playoffs last year, and that determination has left a lasting impression. Counting them out? That’s a fool’s game.
The Braves are a team with sky-high potential and a chip on their shoulder. The odds speak loud and clear: this team isn’t just looking to participate but to dominate. If things go according to plan, 2025 could be another unforgettable ride in Atlanta.