The Stage is Set: 2025 World Series Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays are ready to face off in a series that promises to be a clash of monumental talent. Each roster is packed with skillful players who are no strangers to the spotlight, making this matchup as thrilling as it gets.
Top Talent on Display
The Dodgers continue to be the favorites, eyeing their chance to become the first team to repeat as champions in a quarter-century. Yet, the Blue Jays are far from outmatched. Let's dive into who I believe are the top players making waves in the series.
1. Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Dodgers
Ohtani is not just a superstar; he's a phenomenon. His combined 9.4 WAR this season highlighted his dual-threat ability, and he's coming off a postseason-performance that has set the bar incredibly high. Six scoreless innings with ten strikeouts, paired with three home runs—if anyone can sway the series, it's him.
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, 1B, Blue Jays
Guerrero is heating up at the perfect time. Despite a challenging regular season, he's exploded in the playoffs, leading all hitters with a staggering offensive performance. His power and plate discipline make him a candidate to steal the spotlight.
3. George Springer, DH, Blue Jays
Springer is another wild card. He led the Blue Jays in WAR this season and recently delivered one of the most iconic moments in this postseason with a clutch homer in ALCS Game 7. His ability to come up big when it matters will be crucial.
Breaking Down Other Key Players
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, Dodgers: Dominated the regular season and has consistently been a top pitcher.
- Blake Snell, SP, Dodgers: With a sizzling 0.86 ERA in playoffs, he's a dark horse to take over the mound.
- Mookie Betts, SS, Dodgers: A veteran presence that still holds sway over the game, Betts' experience will be invaluable.
- Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers: Known for his hitting prowess, Freeman's performance in critical situations will be under scrutiny.
- Kevin Gausman, SP, Blue Jays: Tremendous during the regular season; how he performs in the World Series could mark a turning point.
Projected Superlatives
Throughout the series, many will speculate on who will land impressive honors:
- Fastest pitch thrown by: Roki Sasaki, capable of reaching upwards of 100.8 mph. Watch out for that velocity!
- Most whiffs: Blake Snell is likely to lead this category given his recent form.
- Hardest hit ball: It's a toss-up between Guerrero and Ohtani; both lead in max exit velocities and are poised to make contact counts.
A Glimpse into Strategies
Both teams have unique strengths that will shape their strategies:
- The Dodgers are known for their depth in starting pitching; it could be their greatest asset against a potent Blue Jays offense.
- The Blue Jays will rely on their explosive hitters like Guerrero and Springer, needing to capitalize on every scoring opportunity.
What's Next?
This World Series isn't just about showcasing the best players; it's about who can translate their talent into victory on the grandest stage of all. I'm looking forward to seeing how these elite athletes rise to the occasion, revealing more than just stats—but also the heart and tenacity that makes baseball captivating. Gear up for an electrifying showdown!
Source reference: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46665752/2025-world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-ranking-top-players-ohtani-betts-vlad-jr-springer




