It's hard, you know -- repeating as the champions of a sport. This is the case for any athletic pursuit, and it's probably fair to say it's especially difficult in baseball, which has some much structural randomness and a related knack for defying expectations.

The next stage of the MLB postseason pits the two World Series betting favorites against each other in the NLDS.

Each of the 12 MLB playoff teams can win the World Series, right? Some are expected to, while others are just relieved to reach October. Each team has plenty of reasons as to why they'll be hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy in five weeks' time – and several for why they'll fall short.

The rotation was inconsistent for most of the season but really settled in down the stretch. The best versions of Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Luis Castillo would mean four frontline starters (think 2005 White Sox ). The back-end of the bullpen is great, too, with All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz leading the way.

The MLB Playoffs are ongoing right now but front offices around the league are devising plans on who to bring on-board to make their team better and strengthen their shot at a World Series title well beyond 2025.

For more sports betting insights, check out BetMGM.com. It didn’t take long for the Los Angeles Dodgers to return to being the World Series favorites. Following a sweep in their National League Wild Card Series,

We're down to eight teams. Here's what Fall Classic matchup you should be pulling for if your squad isn't playing in October.

The Athletic's MLB staff takes a swing at predicting which teams will meet in the World Series ... and which one will come home a champion.

There are pessimissts, too, though — 27% said the Brewers will lose to the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS, which starts Saturday, Oct. 4, at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Another 25% said the Brewers will win the NLDS but lose in the NL Championship Series.

There are eight teams still standing, which equals 16 possible World Series matchups, including a rematch of last year's World Series (Dodgers vs. Yankees). There has not been a World Series rematch since Dodgers vs. Yankees in 1977 and 1978.