We have seen multiple projection systems, oddsmakers, and analysts disrespect the Cleveland Guardians at various stages of the offseason and spring training.
It seems that what they achieved last season by reaching the American League Championship Series, and over the winter with underrated moves has been completely ignored by the rest of the league.
The latest publication to snub Cleveland is MLB on FOX, specifically the Bear Bets Podcast.
They, unsurprisingly, have the Los Angeles Dodgers as the team with the best odds of winning it all.
With Spring Training games starting today, it's the perfect time to look at 2025 World Series odds!@BearBetsPod pic.twitter.com/3oDvMdKpfv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 20, 2025
After that, they have the Atlanta Braves, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, and the Philadelphia Phillies completing the top five.
While the Braves and the Phils didn’t make it to the last four teams last year like Cleveland did, one can at least understand the reasoning behind them being considered more likely to lift the trophy than the Guardians.
However, Cleveland doesn’t even appear among the top 11 squads on the list.
Four American League teams follow the Phillies from sixth to ninth: Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are tenth, tied with the Minnesota Twins!
The Guardians were kings of the AL Central last season, yet they aren’t even ahead of Minnesota in these odds.
Lots of factors come into play when calculating World Series odds, but it appears the Guardians are being punished harshly for trading Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez.
They are both replaceable, though, and they secured the return of Shane Bieber.
That’s a real difference-maker, even if he is back by June and not April.
The Guards focused on shedding pricy contracts and adding upside (Luis L. Ortiz and Slade Cecconi fit the bill), and people fail to realize they have an impressive contingent of young prospects ready to contribute.
While people continue to sleep on the Guardians, they keep moving quietly, but firmly toward another deep postseason run.
NEXT: MLB Insider Offers Key Details Of John Means Deal With Guardians
