Tank's 2025 World Series Preview
Robert Gauthier. Getty Images.- (AL) Toronto Blue Jays vs. (NL) Los Angeles Dodgers
- Dodgers in 5
The Fall Classic is here, and the Dodgers have hit their full stride. It was not an easy season for the defending champions as their bullpen was a weak spot through most of the second half. In the first half, the Dodgers' pitching staff was ravaged with injuries, but Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound, while again having an MVP season with the bat. Once the playoffs began, it's been sheer domination as they crushed the hapless Reds in the Wild Card round. They then took down the Phillies in four and swept the Brewers on the way to the World Series, never even being stressed, as most games were blowouts. It's been one of the most dominant postseasons in baseball history, highlighted by Ohtani's grand Game 4, where he pitched shutout ball for six innings and hit three mammoth home runs.
The Toronto Blue Jays are in the World Series for the first time since 1993. The Blue Jays are the last team other than the Yankees to win consecutive World Series, going back-to-back in 1992 and 1993. The Blue Jays, who finished last in 2024, were one of the biggest surprises in MLB this season, winning the American League East with the second-best record in the regular season. A power-packed lineup leads them with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. winning the ALCS MVP and leading the way to wins over the Yankees and Mariners on the way to the Fall Classic. The Blue Jays dominated their division rivals after a first-round bye in the ALDS but needed seven games to beat the Mariners. The Jays lost the first two games in the ALCS at home and needed to win the final two games to advance, fighting back all the way, with George Springer's dramatic home run providing the difference.
On paper, the Dodgers look unbeatable. They were expected to win again, and they have. They have no peer and are the dominant force, with their cavalcade of stars. The Dodgers are the overwhelming favorite. They are 4-0 on the road in the postseason, winning the first two games in Philadelphia and Milwaukee on the way to the Fall Classic. In both cases, the series was over after Game 1. The Dodgers' comeback win from a 3-0 deficit demoralized the Phillies in the Division Series, while their 2-1 win over the Brewers had the same effect, as the Brewers left the bases loaded in the ninth and never came close to a win again. If the Blue Jays are to win the World Series, they must must must must must win Game 1. They will not have a chance if they lose the opener at home. Often, LCS sweepers come in flat in the first game of the World Series, as they have to sit a week after ending their postseason momentum, which they are unable to regain. The Dodgers' experience gives them the ability to overcome a flat performance in Game 1. However, a win would almost give a feeling of inevitability as the series will be over quickly. The week break has played a role in several World Series: teams that needed seven games to win their LCS are unbeaten in the World Series against teams that swept.
Overall, it's the Dodgers' World Series to lose. The Blue Jays have a strong lineup and decent starting pitching, but their bullpen is a concern. The Dodgers' bullpen woes of September have not appeared in October, as their depth and ability to slot starters into the bullpen have paved the road to a ho-hum playoff run, as they treated their Game 4 win in the NLCS as if it were a game in April. It's hard to see how they lose this World Series. The Blue Jays will find a way to win one game, but the series will not be close, and LA will dominate in five.
World Series MVP
Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers
Luke Hales. Getty Images.
