Dodgers, Padres, Braves, Mets, Cardinals Are Odds-On Favorites to Make NL Playoffs

• With Spring Training getting underway, the National League playoff odds have been released
• The defending World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way at -1400, followed by a young, hungry San Diego Padres team at -595
• Get our full NL postseason odds and a preview below

The 2021 Major League Baseball season is slowly approaching, with Spring Training action beginning on Sunday. Opening Day is scheduled for April 1st as we get back to a traditional 162-game season, barring any COVID-19-related disruptions.

As for the postseason, the MLB will return to its ten-teams league format (five from each league) with the Fall Classic set to conclude in November.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who soared to their first World Series title since 1988 last season, have the shortest 2021 MLB playoff odds at -1400, by no surprise.

2021 NL Playoff Odds

Odds as of Feb 22nd

Dodgers Open as Heavy Favorites

After several years of disappointment in the Fall Classic, LA was finally able to win it all in a condensed 2020 season in six games over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers electric lineup went off in the postseason, hitting 30 bombs in just 18 contests. During the regular season, Los Angeles had the best pitching staff in baseball, compiling a team ERA of just 3.02.

Except for the departure of Joc Pederson to the Chicago Cubs and Kike Hernandez to Boston, the Dodgers roster remains essentially the same in 2021 as they open as heavy favorites to win another World Series.

However, you can’t forget the biggest signing of free agency. Andrew Friedman was able to ink last year’s NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer to a three-year, $102 million deal.  LA’s rotation will be absolutely lights out again with numerous top-tier arms who can pitch deep into ball games.

They also won’t be short of support at the dish with a Dodgers offense who scored an MLB-best 5.7 runs per game in 2020, led by Mookie Betts. Playoffs are a sure thing for this team.

San Diego Ready to Do Damage

After getting swept in the NLDS by Los Angeles last year, the Padres made sure to bolster their roster in every way possible. They were certainly the busiest team this offseason, bringing in a couple of quality bullpen arms in Keone Kela and Mark Melancon.

As for their rotation, San Diego pulled off two blockbuster trades to acquire both Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, who instantly give this team one of the best staffs in the big leagues. A solid number four starter in Joe Musgrove rounds it out, who posted a 3.86 ERA with Pittsburgh last season.

To top it off, the Padres committed their future to Fernando Tatis Jr, signing the phenom to a 14-year, $340 million deal. With numerous studs on the bump and Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado headlining the offense, San Diego has made it crystal clear they’re here to compete and give the Dodgers a serious run for their money in the NL West. Whether it’s a Wild Card or not, the Padres are certainly a postseason contender.

Mets Could Make Some Noise

New York also had a brilliant offseason, signing several notable free agents. They acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and veteran righty Carlos Carrasco in a big trade with the Cleveland Indians, while also keeping Marcus Stroman and signing Taijuan Walker to strengthen the backend of their rotation.

He’s here and he’s perfect. 🧡💙@Lindor12BC pic.twitter.com/O5V9IlkG7E

— New York Mets (@Mets) February 23, 2021

Noah Syndergaard is still recovering from Tommy John Surgery, with a return likely by June at the earliest. That’s certainly a blow to their staff, but the likes of Jacob deGrom, Stroman, and Carrasco should be able to keep the Mets afloat on the mound.

The bats were solid last year, with New York hitting an impressive .272 as a team. Pete Alonso will be looking to bounce back after clubbing just 16 homers in 57 games. But the key for this organization will be pitching. Their lineup has tons of potential to score runs. It will come down to just how consistent the Mets will be on the bump. The Braves are solid, but New York could very well compete with them for the NL East crown.