Three Perennial Underdogs that Are Still in World Series Contention at MLB's Midway Point

The 2025 MLB season is reaching its midway point, and it's a familiar face that the bookies make the favorites for glory. That, of course, is the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that romped to the World Series last year following a blistering campaign from Shohei Ohtani, although he has had some hiccups at times. The Japanese superstar had a record-breaking campaign last term, becoming the first man in history to complete a 50/50 season before going on to lead his team to the championship.

This term, he has been in scintillating form once more. The former Los Angeles Angel has slammed a whopping 25 home runs already this term, the third most in the league behind Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, prompting online MLB betting sites to sit up and take notice. The latest MLB betting at Bovada odds make the reigning champions a +240 betting favorite to successfully defend the World Series this season, and if those odds are anything to go by, they will certainly take some stopping.

But another thing that catches the eye when looking at the betting charts is the sheer number of perennial underdogs that remain in contention at the halfway point of the 2025 season. Who are they, and do they have any real hope of ending the campaign by shedding their underachievers tag? Let's find out.

Cubs

Since breaking their century-long championship curse in 2016, the Chicago Cubs have stumbled back into obscurity. They reached the playoffs three times in four years following that triumph, but since then, it has been four long years since the Windy City outfit graced the postseason with its presence. This term, though, things could be set to change.

The Cubs are riding high this year, leading the NL Central with 44 wins - five more than the second-placed Milwaukee Brewers - and are currently projected to have a 91-win season. The offseason acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker has been a revelation, with the 28-year-old sporting a .289 batting average. He is supported by young standout Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has been a spark in center field and at the plate, smashing 18 home runs to prove that he’s ready to shine under the Wrigley Field lights.

On the mound, Justin Steele has cemented his role as an ace, while Shota Imanaga boasts an impressive 2.91 ERA in his sophomore year. Complementing their rotation is a defense led by Gold Glove-caliber shortstop Dansby Swanson and outfield wizardry from both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki.

With a versatile offense and an improving bullpen, the Cubs look poised to clinch the NL Central comfortably. However, their reliance on a few key players raises concerns. Tucker’s impending free agency makes this a do-or-die season for the Cubs, and whether their young players can handle the postseason pressure remains a critical factor.

Mets

The Mets’ history of heartache almost makes their occasional brilliance all the more painful. Between financial controversies, player underperformance, and bewildering collapses, they've often struggled to fulfill their lofty aspirations and remained firmly in the shadow of their illustrious cross-city rival Yankees.

This year, though, things feel different. The Big Apple's overlooked side is defying their doubters with a resurgent campaign that keeps them in contention in the stacked NL East. They currently top the quintet, sitting three points clear of the Philadelphia Phillies, with the 2021 champion Atlanta Braves 11 wins further back.

A healthy Kodai Senga anchors the Mets' pitching staff, boasting an impressive 2.93 ERA, while veteran Max Scherzer has provided a steady helping hand. Offensively, Francisco Lindor is leading the charge with a .312 average, while Pete Alonso continues to provide the big hits, amassing 17 homers already this term.

The Mets’ playoff mantra of "just get in, and anything can happen" feels apt in 2025. Their bullpen depth remains a concern, but their mix of veteran leadership and postseason experience could make them a sneaky threat come October.

Detroit Tigers

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers have been one of the league’s most consistent dwellers in the cellar over the past decade. However, much like other sports teams in the Motor City, the Tigers are enjoying an almighty renaissance. In the NFL, the Lions have emerged as one of the NFC's heavy hitters, while the Pistons also shone in the NBA last season.

The Tigers could be set to blow both of them out of the water by marching toward the World Series. However, most onlookers are struggling to take them seriously.

After a decade in the doldrums, they finally showed signs of life last season. They reached the postseason to snap a ten-year drought, and this term, they are looking even better. They currently have 46 wins under the belt, ten clear of the Minnesota Twins, and they look set to win the division for the first time in 11 years in convincing fashion.

Riley Greene has carried the team offensively, batting .275 with 49 RBIs. Spencer Torkelson, once thought to be a bust, has racked up 16 home runs, forming a potent duo in the heart of Detroit’s lineup. They're supported by the maturing Kerry Carpenter, who has also slapped 13 homers.

On the pitching side, Eduardo Rodriguez has been indispensable, boasting a 3.11 ERA and mentoring a rotation that includes developing arms like Jackson Jobe. If they can continue that kind of form into the postseason, then Detroit may well end its 41-year wait for a World Series victory.