"Need a reliable bullpen" – Fans shocked as stats show Chicago Cubs have best World Series odds

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 22, 2025, 15:00 IST

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Baseball Reference surprisingly gives the Chicago Cubs a 17.6% chance of winning the 2025 World Series, overshadowing the Los Angeles Dodgers' 3.1%. Despite a recent dominant win against the Dodgers, concerns linger about the Cubs' bullpen. Fans and analysts question if their inconsistent relievers can handle the pressure of October baseball, needing more depth for a serious title run.

"Need a reliable bullpen" – Fans shocked as stats show Chicago Cubs have best World Series odds

Fans shocked as stats show Chicago Cubs have best World Series odds (Image Source: Getty)

Baseball enthusiasts were left agog after a new statistic stated the Chicago Cubs have the highest probability of winning the 2025 World Series. This shocking information was provided by Baseball Reference, providing the Cubs with a 17.6% chance, while the much power-packed Los Angeles Dodgers managed only 3.1%. The web went into an uproar, with even the Cubs' supporters having difficulty believing it. Numerous are now wondering, can a bullpen-troubled team outlast one of baseball's most star-studded lineups?

How did the Cubs defeat the Dodgers in the odds?

Fans around the MLB universe were scratching their heads when they woke up to see the Cubs leading the World Series odds board. Sure, the Cubs are playing well, but better than the Dodgers?
The Dodgers are loaded. With players such as Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman, everyone was thinking that they would dominate the pack. Baseball Reference's model, however, gave them a 3.1% chance.
In a surprise twist, the Cubs recently humiliated the Dodgers 16-0, one of the worst losses for the Dodgers in decades. Cubs stars such as Michael Busch and Carson Kelly hit multiple home runs, and starting pitcher Ben Brown was almost unhittable. Yet even Cubs fans acknowledged that one solid game does not make for a World Series victory.

Chicago Cubs still have huge issues, especially in the bullpen

Despite the Cubs' success thus far, there is still one thing fans are concerned about, namely, the bullpen. Few would disagree that although the Cubs are improving this year, their bullpen is not trustworthy enough to win in October.

A fan summed it up simply: "Lol Cubs need a reliable bullpen first…" That statement quickly caught fire because it captured what so many fans were thinking. Even if the Cubs do advance, they could easily implode late in games without steady relievers.
While the Cubs have had success in recent times, there remains one great concern among fans: the bullpen. Most believe that the relievers are not good enough to withstand the stress of October baseball. Even as the Cubs keep winning, they may fold in close games if late-game pitching is not consistent. To compete for the World Series, they will require more than a few spectacular victories, they will require depth and consistency.
Also Read: "He Just Couldn’t Keep Going" – Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Shares Major Injury Update On Pitcher Tyler Glasnow

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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