Six Factors That Could Decide the 2025 World Series

The 2025 World Series has shaped up to be a fascinating clash between two teams with completely different journeys to baseball’s grandest stage.

On one side stands the Los Angeles Dodgers, a powerhouse aiming to cement their place in history as the first back-to-back champion since the legendary 2000 New York Yankees.

On the other side, the Toronto Blue Jays—a surprising underdog who entered the season as long shots with 60-to-1 odds—have defied expectations through disciplined hitting, sharp defense, and timely pitching.

This championship series promises high-intensity matchups, big managerial decisions, and maybe some wild moments that could shape baseball’s next era.

Dodgers Aim for Historical Repeat

The Los Angeles Dodgers show up at the Fall Classic in dominant form, sporting a wild 9–1 postseason record.

Their rotation and bullpen have mowed down opponents, racking up an elite 28% strikeout rate in the playoffs. That’s some serious aggression on the mound.

Led by stars like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ deep lineup has matched their pitching punch.

They’ve been here before, and that experience could matter when things get tense.

Strength in Experience and Pitch Recognition

One thing that stands out is how well the Dodgers handle splitters—arguably Toronto’s nastiest weapon.

All season, LA’s hitters have crushed the pitch, leading the league in run value against splitters.

Freeman and Betts have set the tone, and the rest of the lineup seems to follow.

This knack for hitting splitters could really take away one of the Blue Jays’ biggest advantages.

Blue Jays’ Underdog Journey

Toronto’s path to the World Series feels like a masterclass in discipline, defense, and clutch moments—exactly what you want from a team that wasn’t supposed to be here.

Their hitters cut down on strikeouts and make pitchers work for every out, which should really test the Dodgers’ strikeout-heavy staff.

In the rotation, rookie Trey Yesavage and veteran ace Kevin Gausman have anchored the postseason run, leaning hard on splitters to mess with hitters’ timing.

Defensive Excellence Sets Toronto Apart

For the second year in a row, the Blue Jays led all of MLB in fielding run value.

Their defense features elite gloves like Daulton Varsho, Andres Gimenez, and Ernie Clement—guys who can pull off game-changing plays when it matters most.

This reliability in the field means Toronto can shut down runs, even against the Dodgers’ loaded offense.

Matchups to Watch

Some matchups here could swing the series in either direction:

• Shohei Ohtani vs. Toronto’s lefty relievers—Reggie Fluharty and Ben Little have a real shot at shutting down Ohtani, especially since he’s struggled against lefties lately.
• Pitch Framing Battle—Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk ranks among the league’s best at framing, while Dodgers catcher Will Smith sits near the bottom.
• Bullpen Control—Both bullpens have walked too many hitters in October (Dodgers at 15.1%, Blue Jays at 11.8%), setting the stage for some late-inning chaos.

Offensive Fireworks Likely

Toronto’s knack for grinding out at-bats and LA’s endless offensive depth point toward a series full of scoring and wild finishes.

Both managers might have to make some tough bullpen calls, especially as arms tire and the pressure mounts.

Who Holds the Edge?

The Dodgers’ playoff pedigree and their balanced roster, plus their ability to handle splitters, give them a slight edge in this matchup.

But Toronto’s defense, patient hitting, and elite pitch framing could tip close games their way.

If the Blue Jays’ starters keep rolling, maybe the underdogs pull off something special. Wouldn’t that be something?

Final Thoughts

The 2025 World Series isn’t just another matchup between two strong teams. It’s really a collision of different styles and baseball philosophies.

Will the Dodgers’ power and sharp execution win out? Or could the Blue Jays’ discipline and defense tip the scales?

This one feels like it’ll come down to just a few key moments. Sure, history leans toward Los Angeles, but October always seems to have surprises up its sleeve.

Prediction: Dodgers in seven—though honestly, this whole underdog thing has the makings of something wild.

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