2025 World Series Preview: Dodgers vs Blue Jays, Who Wins it All?

The matchup & context

The Blue Jays return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1993, whereas the Dodgers are defending champions and pursuing back-to-back titles (something no MLB team has done since the late 1990s). On paper, the Dodgers appear to have the edge. As one preview puts it: “on paper, the Dodgers are an overwhelming favorite”. That said, the Blue Jays earned their spot after a dramatic ALCS and will bring momentum, home crowd (for Games 1-2) and determination.

Key storylines

• Starting pitching advantage: The Dodgers’ rotation is viewed as elite and deep, giving them a major edge.

• Blue Jays vs. elite starters: Can Toronto’s hitters solve the Dodgers’ top arms early, or will they find themselves chasing deep into games? A Sportsnet preview emphasizes this point: “If the Blue Jays can stay in games early… It’ll all come down to … the bullpen vulnerability in this series means it has late-game heroics written all over it.”

• Bullpen & margin of error: Neither team has a pristine relief corps historically this season, so deep starts matter.

• Experience vs. first time: The Dodgers have more experience in recent postseason success, whereas Toronto is breaking new ground.

• Momentum & health: The Blue Jays had to battle their way through a tough ALCS; the Dodgers had a smoother path. The freshness, rest, and health of key starters will matter.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Dodgers in 5 Games

• Dodger Started Pitching to Dominate
• Blue Jays Bullpen will struggle
• Ohtani MVP

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Expected Pitching Match-ups

Here’s a breakdown of anticipated starters, what we know so far, and how the series may unfold. Because exact match-ups may shift depending on rest/travel, consider this a likely scenario.

Dodgers’ projected starters

• Blake Snell (LHP): Named as the Game 1 starter for L.A. based on his dominant NLCS performance.

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP): Slated to start Game 2 for the Dodgers. He was excellent in his most recent outing.

• Tyler Glasnow (RHP): A likely Game 3 (or Game 4) starter for Los Angeles, part of the “formidable quartet” referenced by NBC Sports.

• Shohei Ohtani (RHP/DH): The two-way star is likely in the rotation space for a key game (Game 4 or a later elimination game) given the depth of L.A.’s staff.

Blue Jays’ projected starters

While fewer specific starters are locked in for Toronto (based on available public previews), we can highlight:

• Kevin Gausman (RHP): A veteran starter for the Blue Jays noted in previews as a top option for Toronto.

• Additional starters will include Toronto’s second/third options; their depth behind Gausman is viewed as less dominant than L.A.’s.

Game-by-Game Scenario (Likely)

Assuming a 2-3-2 format with Toronto hosting Games 1 & 2:

• Game 1 (Toronto): Snell vs. Gausman — Dodgers establish early dominance vs. Blue Jays’ best.

• Game 2 (Toronto): Yamamoto vs. Toronto’s #2 starter — pivotal to take one of first two on road.

• Game 3 (Los Angeles): Glasnow vs. Toronto’s #3 starter — home field shift.

• Game 4 (Los Angeles): Ohtani vs. Toronto’s #4 (or their rotation turns) — potential pivot game.

• If needed Game 5/6/7: Rotation resets, bullpen usage intensifies, fatigue/health become more crucial.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Ohtani MVP

• Best Player Ever?
• Will Pitch a critical game
• Multiple HRs

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Match-Up Implications

• When L.A.’s top arms (Snell, Yamamoto) are on the mound, Toronto must avoid falling behind early. Otherwise the bullpen will be exposed.

• Toronto’s window likely involves at least one “steal” on the road (taking Game 1 or 2) to shift momentum.

• The Dodgers’ depth gives them flexibility; if one starter falters, they have another high-leverage arm ready.

• Toronto’s offense must be ready to produce early vs. elite starters; if they constantly play catch-up, the margin shrinks.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Dodgers – Strengths

• Elite starting pitching and depth.

• Two-way threat in Ohtani adds a wrinkle.

• Recent championship experience; confidence in big moments.

Dodgers – Weaknesses

• Their bullpen is not bullet-proof; they’ll rely on starters going deep.

• The pressure of repeat may shift dynamics — other team wants to take them down.

Blue Jays – Strengths

• Strong lineup with stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer.

• Momentum and hunger — first WS appearance in decades.

• Home-field early (depending on schedule) gives chance to set tone.

Blue Jays – Weaknesses

• Rotation depth behind Gausman is less proven vs. elite opponents.

• Penalty for falling behind: if behind early vs. Dodgers’ top arms, they may struggle to recover.

• Being the challenger may amplify mistakes under pressure.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Dodgers in 5 Games

• Blue Jays must win both games to start the series
• Dodgers all-time great team
• Dodgers Pitching will be too Much

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Prediction & Key Variables

• Lean: Dodgers in Five games. My view is that L.A.’s rotation edge likely carries them, unless Toronto can disrupt early.

• Key variables:

  1. How deep Dodgers’ starters go (6+ innings consistently) — that lightens bullpen risk.

  2. Whether Toronto can generate early offense vs. Snell/Yamamoto — getting ahead is huge.

  3. Bullpen performance on both sides — a blown late inning could swing a game.

  4. Health/fatigue — especially for high-leverage arms and players pushing through October.

  5. Momentum shifts — e.g., if Toronto wins Game 1 on the road, that changes the series dynamic dramatically.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is compelling: two big-market clubs, star-studded lineups, and contrasting narratives (defender vs. challenger). The Dodgers appear to have the upper hand with their starting-pitching depth and recent success. But the Blue Jays are far from out of it — they have talent, urgency, and the ability to win. If they can take one of the first two on the road and get into the Dodgers’ bullpen early, they could make it a very competitive series.

If I had to pick right now: Dodgers win in Five games.