Every MLB season has its surprises, but 2025 has been a gambler’s paradise for those who aren’t afraid to put their money on the “wrong” side of the line. The preseason favorites? Some are struggling. The so-called long shots? They’re making bettors smile all summer long.
Here’s a look at five teams smashing expectations.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers entered 2025 chasing the Cubs in the NL Central. Chicago led the division for most of the first half. Since June 1, Milwaukee has gone 33–16 and moved into first place in the National League.
On Friday, they lost Jackson Chourio to a hamstring injury. Chourio is their most exciting young hitter. That night, every player in their starting lineup recorded a hit. It was the eighth time they had done that this season, the most in Major League Baseball.
They have the highest winning percentage in MLB since May 1. They also just took two of three games from the Cubs in Milwaukee. The Brewers own a 2.82 ERA over the past month, second-best in baseball.
The lineup has been boosted by Andrew Vaughn, who was acquired from the White Sox in June. In 16 games with Milwaukee, he is batting .365 with five home runs and 21 RBI. His arrival has added more balance to the offense.
Manager Pat Murphy emphasizes focus and consistent effort. The Brewers’ strong play over the past two months shows the team is ready for the stretch run, which is reflected in their MLB odds.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers opened the second half of the season with a challenging stretch, but they quickly turned it around. They now hold a six-game lead in the AL Central and have the best record in the American League.
Their rotation has gained depth, giving them multiple reliable arms to carry the workload through August and September. The lineup continues to produce, and they have consistently capitalized on opportunities within the division.
Detroit has also shown it can win in different ways — from tight, low-scoring battles to high-output offensive games. The combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and steady defense has kept them ahead of the competition.
A significant division lead and consistent results make Detroit a strong play in most matchups. Their ability to win at home and on the road provides dependable betting value throughout the season.
Houston Astros
It has been 10 years since Carlos Correa made his postseason debut for Houston. In that time, he built a legacy with walk-off hits, a World Series title, and a reputation as one of baseball’s most clutch October performers. Now, he has returned, this time at third base, adding both production and leadership to an already talented roster.
The Astros have been one of the most consistent teams in recent years. They know how to navigate the final months of the regular season and position themselves for a deep playoff run. Correa’s presence strengthens the infield defense, adds a proven bat to the lineup, and reinforces the winning culture that has carried the club through multiple postseason appearances.
Houston’s rotation and bullpen remain strong, and their offense is producing across the order. The combination of experience, depth, and timely hitting makes them a dangerous opponent for any contender.
San Diego Padres
Luis Arraez is one of the toughest hitters to strike out in baseball. He is in the middle of a career-long 16-game hitting streak, and it could grow higher. His contact skills keep innings alive, wear down pitchers, and set up the middle of the order to produce runs.
With Arraez leading the way, San Diego can turn small rallies into multi-run innings. Their high-contact approach works exceptionally well against strikeout-heavy staffs, keeping them competitive and offering underdog value in tough matchups.
Seattle Mariners
Julio Rodríguez is once again delivering in the summer months, a period of the season where he has built a reputation for elevating his game. His recent surge has brought more power and speed to the lineup, and recently, he hit his 20th home run of the year. That milestone made him the first player in Major League history to start a career with four straight seasons of at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Rodríguez’s production impacts the entire Seattle offense. When he drives the ball to all fields and creates havoc on the bases, opposing pitchers are forced to change their approach. This opens the door for hitters around him to see better pitches and contribute to bigger innings. His energy also carries into the field, where his defense in the center keeps runs off the board.
The Mariners have used this boost to stay competitive in a challenging division. Their lineup depth, combined with Julio’s ability to carry the team for stretches, gives them a dangerous mix for the rest of the season. Fans and bettors looking for more insight can Explore MLB Game Predictions on FanDuel to track how Seattle’s odds shift during Rodríguez’s hot streaks.
Lessons from the 2025 Underdogs
If there’s one takeaway for bettors this season, it’s that resilience, timing, and context matter as much as talent. The Brewers and Padres win by committee. The Tigers dominate a soft division. The Astros blend talent with experience. The Mariners ride a superstar’s heatwave to victory. So, if you’re betting on baseball this year, don’t just look at the standings. Watch for depth, streaks, and matchups. That’s where the real money hides — and these five teams are proving it every night.
