Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series: LA’s Title Defense vs. Toronto’s Drought

Should the Los Angeles Dodgers secure their place as the first consecutive World Series victors since the New York Yankees of 1998-2000, their journey will involve facing the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays clinched their participation in the Fall Classic following a Game 7 victory against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night, highlighted by George Springer’s decisive home run. This marks Toronto’s inaugural World Series appearance since 1993, the year they clinched their second successive title.

The Dodgers comprehensively outplayed the Milwaukee Brewers, who held the best regular-season record in MLB, during the NLCS to earn their return to the World Series. They stand as the first defending champions to advance to the World Series the subsequent season since the Philadelphia Phillies of 2008-09, and, in numerous respects, this year’s Dodgers squad surpasses last year’s in quality.

Pitching-wise, Tyler Glasnow is considered L.A.’s least effective starter, yet he remains highly competent. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the exceptional Shohei Ohtani have consistently delivered ace-caliber performances in recent weeks, all while maintaining good health. Ohtani also makes a significant contribution at the plate, demonstrated by his momentous three-home run showing in the NLCS Game 4 victory that secured the pennant.

The Blue Jays, on their part, have capitalized on a powerful offensive lineup to secure seven victories in 11 postseason games. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has emerged as the most dominant hitter globally this month, exerting every effort to bring a championship to Toronto. Contributions from players like George Springer, Ernie Clement, and Andrés Giménez have also been pivotal at various junctures during this postseason.

Toronto’s pitching roster lacks the depth and star power of L.A.’s, but remains competitive. Rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage has demonstrated resilience under postseason duress, while veteran starters Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and Max Scherzer have showcased their postseason capabilities. The bullpen might show vulnerabilities, though the Dodgers face similar concerns.

The Blue Jays (94-68) will host the Dodgers (93-69) in the World Series, owing to their superior regular-season record. Below is the schedule for the 2025 World Series. All games are available for streaming on fubo (with a free trial option).

2025 World Series schedule

2025 World Series odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook

• Dodgers: -230
• Blue Jays: +190

Game 1 key aspects

Dodgers: The Dodgers are aiming to become the first team in Major League Baseball to win consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees accomplished the feat from 1998-2000. Furthermore, the Dodgers possess considerably more experience on this stage. Los Angeles will have now participated in five of the last nine World Series, including three of the most recent six.

Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are making their first appearance in the World Series since 1993, when they secured their second consecutive title. Toronto has become only the third team in the past 20 years to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, joining the Arizona Diamondbacks (in 2023) and the Dodgers (in 2020).

Game 1 forecast

Having predicted Los Angeles as the overall winner before the postseason, I am committed to maintaining that prediction. The Dodgers demonstrated superior performance throughout the regular season, as evidenced by their run differential, regardless of their inferior record. Crucially, the Dodgers now have a fully healthy pitching rotation. I anticipate that this will prove to be the determining factor, commencing with a narrow victory in Game 1. My prediction is a 3-2 victory for the Dodgers. — R.J. Anderson