Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series Predictions: MLB Experts Weigh In

The championship series of 2025 is almost here, and the Toronto Blue Jays are preparing to welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers for the opening game on Friday evening.

Which squad possesses a superior advantage as the series commences? What insights can be gleaned regarding the Dodgers’ pitching strategy, and conversely, how will Toronto’s hitters confront L.A.’s premier pitchers? Furthermore, which pivotal elements will ultimately dictate the champion of this year’s October competition?

ESPN MLB correspondents Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers collaborated to survey nineteen baseball authorities, including executives, scouts, managers, and coaches, aiming to dissect the anticipated dynamics of this year’s climactic showdown. The inquiry begins with a forecast of the ultimate victor.

The Consensus Favors:

Los Angeles Dodgers: 18 votes

National League scout: “The Dodgers’ exceptional starting rotation will secure them another championship in just five games.”

Current manager: “I’m predicting the Dodgers will win in five. Their starting pitchers are currently performing at an incredibly high level, making them a formidable opponent for any team.”

Former manager: “It’s a classic underdog story, but I believe the Dodgers will prevail due to their superior pitching depth. While both teams have bullpen vulnerabilities, the Dodgers benefit from their starters’ ability to pitch deeper into games or at least, they are given the opportunity to do so.”

Former manager: “No one stands a chance against that Dodger rotation. Despite discussions about the financial disparities, the Dodgers have excelled in preparing their players for this critical juncture, strategically managing their workload and providing ample rest throughout the season.”

NL exec: “I’m leaning towards the Dodgers as the winners, although Toronto will undoubtedly put up a strong fight. It could potentially extend to six games.”

Former NL manager: “I don’t foresee the Dodgers being defeated. Their best opportunity to be beaten would have been in a shorter series.”

American League coach: “The Dodgers’ pitching depth is truly remarkable. The Blue Jays’ advantage lies in their resilience, as they rarely strike out, which will challenge the Dodgers’ starters.”

Current manager: “Considering their excellent starting pitching and current momentum, I would favor the Dodgers. They have developed a solid bullpen capable of maintaining competitiveness in the later innings. I find it difficult to imagine them losing four out of seven games… It promises to be a thrilling series, marked by intense fan engagement.”

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Toronto Blue Jays: 1 vote

AL coach: “The Blue Jays seem to have some forward drive, for lack of better term. I’m going with the Jays in six games.”

Current manager: “The Jays have the capacity to create an unexpected result, largely due to their potent offensive lineup; the gradual impact of wearing down the pitchers is a factor.”

AL scout: “Toronto has legitimately reached this point. They were mostly consistent throughout the year. Then came through when they needed to in the postseason. New York and Seattle gave them worthy challenges. Of course, so will the Dodgers. To win, Guerrero Jr. may have to be better than the L.A.’s hitters. He’s been the best hitter this postseason.”

Former manager: “It’s not a guaranteed outcome [for the Dodgers], due to the Blue Jays’ impressive offensive capability. Their ability to make contact is impressive in the baseball atmosphere. Should the Blue Jays manage to fatigue the L.A. starters, they will likely exploit the Dodgers’ bullpen.”

AL scout: “If Toronto can run up the pitch count of L.A’s starters, they have a possibility to manufacture some late-inning runs. They’ll do that just enough to win a game or two, but I don’t think they can win the Series.”

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Dodgers Defensive Strategy

L.A.’s Pitching and Defense Expectations

NL exec: “That starting pitching demonstration in the NLCS is even more impressive because we live in the day and age of bullpens. It’s noteworthy how, last year, L.A. relied on its pen, but this year, it’s their starting staff. Snell and those guys are a high level of player right now. They could have a challenge against Toronto, so the Dodgers’ bullpen will get more activity. That’s the area of vulnerability.”

AL scout: “I was impressed with Roberts’ decision to let his starters go longer. It was a good choice. And now, they’ve all had plenty of rest. I expect exactly the same in the World Series. There’s a chance there’s still doubt in the bullpen, so why not let those guys go long?”

Current manager: “Roki is impactful for the Dodgers. They have problems if he has an off game.”

NL scout: “Mookie’s progress at shortstop makes the Dodgers sufficiently strong on defense. While they are not as proficient as the Blue Jays, it will not prevent them from being victorious in the Series.”

AL coach: “Andy Pages is in need of performing well on both sides of the field for the Dodgers, and Will Smith’s contribution will be important.”

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What to expect from Toronto’s hitters

NL exec: “Their offensive force is real. People are noticing it now, but they’ve been dangerous all year. They have impressive balance from both sides.”

NL scout: “The depth of their lineup is immense. We were leading 5-0 in the second inning of a game, and there was still a sense of discomfort. It’s the combination of five or six top players with power, along with the consistent performance of those at the bottom of the lineup. In summary, it’s a powerful, deep lineup.”

AL coach: “The Blue Jays’ lineup can fatigue formidable pitching, by hitting foul balls off, and putting the balls in play. The Dodger defense is going to be put to the test.”

AL manager: “It’s based on if the Blue Jays can get the Dodger starters out of the game early and get into the L.A. bullpen, which is the Dodgers’ biggest area of weakness. If they can’t, this could be a short Series.”

AL coach: “I’m going to keep my eyes on how the Dodgers face Guerrero Jr., because right now, he’s hitting everything in the zone. He’s performing well in every zone. This is where the star power could negatively affect the Dodgers [starters]; they are stars, and they’re not going to want to back off. And Guerrero Jr. is so hot that maybe you should back off in certain situations.”

AL manager: “There’s no chance the Dodgers let Vlad dictate the results. Kirk and Barger will have to deliver.”

AL coach: “Barger will need to have some big at-bats for Toronto, because the Dodgers are going to work around Vlad as best they can and there are going to be runners on base.”

Former NL manager: “Bichette will be critical, in the Series. I’m expecting he’s going to play and hit behind Vlad. … If he’s hitting behind Guerrero, he’s going to have to be in a position with Vlad being pitched around or walked.”

When the Blue Jays are Defending

Toronto’s Pitching and Defensive Strategy

AL exec: “One aspect of interest is that their key relief pitchers are all right-handed, suggesting that the Dodgers’ lineup is structured to counter this, compared to what the Jays might expect.”

AL scout: “One could suggest the Blue Jays’ bullpen has been more effective as of late, especially given its extensive use. However, in a drawn-out series, facing the same relievers repeatedly presents a challenge. Toronto holds an edge in this area, but the question remains: who can consistently retire Ohtani and Freeman in crucial late-game situations?”

Former NL manager: “I don’t see the Dodger pitching giving up many runs, so Toronto will also have to subdue the Dodger hitters, in order to give themselves a chance.”

AL manager: “If the Jays’ left-handed relievers are dependable, they win this Series. You have to reduce the contributions of Shohei and the other lefties in that lineup.”

AL coach: “Hoffman is a pivotal player in my mind. The Jays will score, but Hoffman will need to pull through to win the close games.”

Current manager: “As always, effective defensive plays without allowing extra outs, combined with productive two-out hitting, will be crucial.”

AL scout: “I’m not sure about Bichette’s health, but moving Gimenez back to second is critical. He’s one of the better second basemen in baseball when it comes to the glove. Toronto’s defense is good, which makes them even better. Up the middle is solid.”

NL exec: “I’d suggest they’re better than solid. They need to make sure they get Bichette back. But with Isiah Kiner-Falefa , they have really good defenders at all positions. Kirk is an asset behind the plate. Every infielder can catch the ball and has a range of ability, then the outfielders can all throw, they can all get it. They’re good players.”

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What to expect from L.A.’s hitters

Former manager: “You can throw pitches to Shohei, because he’ll expand the zone. If you throw lefties against him and Mookie and Freddie, then ultimately you’ll have to deal with Hernandez, who hits lefties well, or Smith, who also hits lefties well.”

NL scout: “It’s as if there are no easy outs. Similar to those Yankees teams, pitch counts run up. They’re not going to chase pitches, and they can hit with power. You have to come into the zone at some point. It’s hard to get through several innings [without scoring] because they stay patient and then seven or eight players have the potential to hit the ball out of the park.”

Current manager: “Mookie is a key player because he follows Shohei. My thought is Schneider won’t allow Shohei to be the one to beat them.”

NL exec: “They have high baseball IQ and awareness. Betts is a quality baseball player. He’ll likely take an extra base or get a jump on when the infield is in or a passed ball that barely gets away. They’ve got players like Betts or Smith, those types of guys that place themselves in a position to make an intelligent baseball play.”

Factors That Will Determine the Series

NL scout: “The obvious point is both teams have spent significantly on starting pitching. Pitching has been key in the playoffs.”

AL scout: “I advanced the Blue Jays a few years ago and questioned a few of Schneider’s calls. Roberts can stay patient with those starters, which gives him less of those tough calls.”

AL scout: “The overall theme to consider is rest vs. experience. The rested team could have an advantage on paper. Has the Dodgers been able to keep their edge while the Blue Jays had to exert themselves more recently?”

AL manager: “It’s one thing to have a day or two off. The Dodgers will have almost a week off before things start. The Jays could surprise them.”