As the excitement builds, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face off against the Toronto Blue Jays in the highly anticipated 2025 World Series, starting Friday night at Rogers Centre. Although the Blue Jays did not land Ohtani, they have made a significant impact this postseason, led by their star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Guerrero's outstanding performance and George Springer's game-winning swing in Game 7 propelled the Blue Jays past the Mariners, marking their first appearance in the Fall Classic in over two decades.
This World Series presents a fascinating contrast between the Dodgers, who have aimed for the championship from the outset of the season, and the Blue Jays, who have risen from last place to become serious contenders in October. Rogers Centre will still resonate with the joy of the Blue Jays' Game 7 victory, while the Dodgers will recount Ohtani's historic performance, where he hit three home runs and pitched six shutout innings with ten strikeouts in their NLCS sweep against the Brewers.
As the teams gear up for Game 1 of the World Series, it’s worth noting that historically, the winner of Game 1 has gone on to claim the championship in 76 out of 120 series (63%), and 24 of the last 30 Fall Classics (80%) since the Wild Card Era began in 1995. Fans can catch all the action on MLB.TV in the U.S., while Sportsnet will provide exclusive English-language coverage in Canada. The World Series will also be broadcast in French by TVA Sports and RDS.
For the Dodgers, while an official announcement for their Game 1 starter is yet to be made, it is anticipated that they will follow the same rotation as in the NLCS: Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Ohtani. Snell is coming off a stellar Game 1 performance against the Brewers, where he pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out ten batters. This postseason, Snell boasts a remarkable record of 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA, striking out 28 while walking just five.
On the other side, the Blue Jays will have options for Game 1 after a brief respite. Kevin Gausman, who pitched in both the ALDS and ALCS, could be a viable starter despite having come out of the bullpen in Game 7 on short rest. Additionally, rookie sensation Trey Yesavage may be considered for Game 1, with Gausman slated for Game 2. The Blue Jays are also eyeing Max Scherzer for a potential Game 3 start.
The Dodgers' lineup features Ohtani and Mookie Betts at the forefront, with some adjustments likely based on matchups. Manager Dave Roberts has kept a consistent lineup throughout the NLCS, moving Will Smith up to the three-hole and Teoscar Hernández down to the sixth spot. Meanwhile, if Bo Bichette returns for the Blue Jays, it could significantly alter their batting order, potentially shifting Springer to a corner outfield position.
The Dodgers' bullpen has solidified around Roki Sasaki, who has emerged as a dominant closer. The bridge to Sasaki includes Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, Blake Treinen, and Emmet Sheehan, all of whom have been effective in high-leverage situations. For the Blue Jays, Jeff Hoffman has shown he can close out games, particularly after strong performances in the ALCS, while Louis Varland has been a reliable option throughout the postseason.
Injuries could play a crucial role in the World Series. For the Dodgers, Will Smith is managing a hairline fracture in his right hand but has not missed a game. Tommy Edman continues to deal with right ankle issues, having been placed on the injured list twice this season. On the Blue Jays' side, Anthony Santander was removed from the ALCS roster due to a back injury, making him ineligible for the World Series. However, George Springer appears to be healthy after being hit by a pitch in the ALCS but bounced back spectacularly in Game 7.
The Dodgers will look to Ohtani to build on his impressive postseason performance, while Edman and Smith have also shown promise at the plate. Conversely, the Blue Jays are relying heavily on Guerrero, who has been on fire, batting .442 with six home runs this postseason. Springer is also displaying excellent form, adding to the offensive threat alongside Gabriel Moreno, who has been quietly effective.
As the Dodgers and Blue Jays prepare for this thrilling matchup, fans can expect an exhilarating series filled with talent, strategy, and unforgettable moments. The stage is set for a World Series that promises to deliver excitement and drama as both teams vie for baseball's ultimate prize.
