Dave Roberts: Blue Jays Mirror Dodgers’ Roster and Approach

The upcoming 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays isn’t just another battle of baseball titans. It’s sparked plenty of chatter about where the sport’s headed.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently pushed back against critics who say his team’s sky-high payroll is “ruining the sport.” He insists baseball’s not just fine—it’s thriving.

This year’s star-studded matchup is set to grab attention across North America and Japan. Roberts’ comments have already helped set the stage for a series that promises drama, talent, and some real international buzz.

Dave Roberts Responds to Payroll Critics

After the NLCS, Roberts’ comments stirred up debate. He later explained on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that his words were mostly a playful jab at the critics.

He likes to “troll back the trolls,” as he put it. The ongoing accusations about the Dodgers’ big spending and their stacked roster giving them a leg up? Well, Roberts doesn’t mind flipping that script.

Turning Criticism into Fuel

Roberts says strong competition and superstar talent actually help baseball grow. He believes the game’s seeing record-high engagement and a growing global audience.

The upcoming World Series proves his point, with fans tuning in from the U.S., Canada, and Japan. That’s not something you see every day in pro sports.

The Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: A Championship Showdown

Both teams come into the Fall Classic with their own strengths. Roberts respects the Blue Jays, calling them athletic and tenacious—a real match for his battle-tested Dodgers.

Toronto’s Offensive Power Surge

The Blue Jays have been on fire this postseason, putting up wild offensive numbers.

• 20 home runs in just 11 playoff games
• Leading MLB in all major offensive categories during October
• Key performances from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Ernie Clement
• Potential return of Bo Bichette for the World Series

Guerrero Jr. has powered Toronto’s lineup with a mix of pop and steady hitting. Springer’s been on a tear, and Clement’s clutch hits have made a difference.

If Bichette returns, that adds another dangerous bat to a group that’s already tough to pitch to. The Blue Jays’ offense is a real force right now.

Toronto’s Weak Spot: The Bullpen

But the Blue Jays’ bullpen? That’s been a problem. They’ve got a 5.52 ERA in the postseason and have struggled to finish games cleanly.

This weakness could matter a lot against a Dodgers team loaded with pitching talent.

The Dodgers’ Pitching Strength

Los Angeles brings a pitching rotation that’s hard to match. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani have been lights out, posting a combined 1.40 ERA in the playoffs.

They control the pace and keep runs off the board, which gives the Dodgers a real edge heading into the series.

A World Stage for Baseball

Roberts thinks matchups like Dodgers vs. Blue Jays show how baseball’s become a global game. Ohtani’s a superstar in Japan, the Dodgers have a massive U.S. following, and the Blue Jays represent Canada.

This World Series brings an international flavor you just don’t see in most sports. It’s got people watching from all over—and that’s pretty exciting, isn’t it?

Game 1 Expectations

When the first pitch flies Friday night at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, the stadium should buzz with energy. Both teams have shown they’re tough under pressure.

The first few innings might set the mood for the whole series. If Toronto’s hitters manage to crack Los Angeles’ pitching, they’ll give themselves a shot.

If not, the Dodgers might just run away with it. Their pitching staff and deep lineup can take over fast.

The 2025 World Series isn’t just about the trophy—it says a lot about where baseball stands right now. With international fans tuning in, big personalities on both rosters, and storylines that spill off the field, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype.

Whether you’re pulling for the Dodgers’ arms or the Blue Jays’ bats, Friday night feels like the start of something that could stick in people’s memories for a long time.

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Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts on Blue Jays: ‘They’re Very Similar to Our Club’