Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: World Series Preview Highlights Key Matchups

TORONTO, Canada — The 2025 World Series kicks off Friday night at Rogers Centre, featuring a matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. MLB experts are weighing in on which team holds the advantage going into this year’s championship series.

ESPN MLB reporters queried 19 baseball executives, scouts, and managers about their assessments. Many believe the Dodgers have a strong edge, particularly due to their starting pitching. One National League scout noted, “The Dodgers will ride their starting pitching to another title in five games.” Current Dodgers manager expressed confidence as well, stating, “Their starting pitching is just so good right now that it’s going to be tough on anyone.”

Contrarily, a coach from the American League remarked on the Jays’ momentum, saying, “The Blue Jays seem to have momentum, if that is even a thing. I’ll take the Jays in six games.” Most agree that to stand a chance, Toronto’s batters must capitalize on L.A.’s bullpen, which is considered a vulnerability.

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract, is expected to be a pivotal player this series. He made a significant impact in the NL Championship Series, showcasing his batting and pitching prowess. “I hope he brought back the Blue Jay hat that he took from us in our meeting,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider, referencing Ohtani’s previous discussions with Toronto. “But I think that we have a great team and just an unbelievable cast of characters.”

As for pitching, Toronto’s manager signals the need for his players to challenge the Dodgers’ starters effectively. “It’s all about whether the Blue Jays can get the Dodger starters out of the game early and get into that L.A. bullpen, which is the Dodgers’ biggest weakness. If they can’t do that, this could be a short Series,” he warned.

The World Series umpire crew chief Mark Wegner will make his debut in this year’s series alongside several other umpires who are also working their first World Series. The matchup promises to magnify the competitive spirit as the Dodgers aim to defend their title against the Blue Jays, who seek their first championship since 1993.

As the drama unfolds, both teams will rely on their respective strengths to secure victory in the September showdown. “It should be interesting to the end, with amazing crowd intensity,” predicted L.A.’s current manager. The stage is set for an exciting World Series that highlights baseball’s best in a fierce contest for the championship.