The Toronto Blue Jays enter the 2025 World Series having exceeded expectations on multiple fronts, but they will be tested to their limit as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers, a juggernaut built for October. The Blue Jays earned their spot by turning a sluggish start into a tremendous season, improving from a 74-88 record in 2024 to clinching the American League East and riding a wave of momentum into the Fall Classic.
Toronto’s resurgence is anchored by their deep lineup and an all-in team culture. The team boasts slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the heart of the offense, and veteran George Springer delivered a dramatic Game 7 three-run homer to clinch the pennant. The Jays’ identity this postseason has leaned heavily on making contact, putting the ball in play, and benefiting from timely hits rather than just power swings. Their strikeout rate has been among the best, and their slugging numbers impressive among recent postseason teams.
But the Dodgers present a very different challenge. Led by Shohei Ohtani — arguably the game’s most dominant two-way talent — and backed by a deep rotation including Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles has steamrolled its way into the World Series with minimal resistance. Their pitching staff has posted historic numbers in the postseason in suppressing slugging and preventing quality contact — exactly the kind of counterbalance to Toronto’s strengths.
The matchup thus sets up a classic strength vs. strength scenario: the Jays’ offense against the Dodgers’ pitching. One major question is whether Toronto’s hitters can wear down L.A.’s starters and force the game into the bullpen, where the Dodgers are still formidable but perhaps more vulnerable than their rotation. According to analysts, if the Blue Jays can “raise the pitch count” of Dodgers’ starters and escape into the later innings, they stand a chance. On the flip side, the Dodgers will look to stay ahead early, dominate with their starters, and avoid giving Toronto’s lineup the opportunity to chip away. Their bullpen-depth and rest advantage give them a measure of control.
Toronto also carries the weight of a national expectation. As Canada’s sole Major League Baseball franchise, their advancement to the World Series marks their first appearance since their back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are chasing history — aiming to become the first team in a quarter-century to win back-to-back titles, with the payroll and roster investments to support that ambition.
Despite all the momentum for the Blue Jays, the odds tilt heavily toward the Dodgers. Betting markets and analysts alike favour L.A. based on roster, health, depth and recent performance. Toronto may have the spirit and narrative behind them, but history and structural advantage lie with the Dodgers.
Ultimately, this World Series may come down to marginal gains: the timing of big hits, the depth of bullpen arms, the ability to stay sharp under pressure, and whether Toronto’s offense can avoid coming undone against elite pitching. For the Blue Jays, it may be their toughest test yet — but also their greatest opportunity. With a resilient season behind them and a belief in their roster, they won’t go quietly. For Dodgers fans, the task is to maintain their dominance and show that this team is built not just to return, but to win again.
