The baseball world’s buzzing right now as the 2025 World Series gets closer. The Toronto Blue Jays are representing the American League, while the Los Angeles Dodgers hold the National League crown.
CBS Sports took a good look at the matchup, ranking all 52 rostered players. It’s a fresh way for fans to see how each athlete might shape baseball’s biggest stage.
This list covers everyone—from household names to possible breakout guys. You’ll find depth, talent, and plenty of intrigue in this championship battle.
Breaking Down the 2025 World Series Player Rankings
CBS Sports analyzed each player’s 2025 season, postseason work, health, and overall value to their team. They ranked everyone from little-used reserves to game-changers.
It’s a reminder: baseball thrives on individual excellence, but it’s still a team sport. Heroes can pop up in the strangest moments—who doesn’t love a good surprise?
The Low-Tier Players: Depth Pieces and Situational Options
Tier 1 includes players who might barely see the field, but you never know when their number gets called. Veteran Clayton Kershaw sits at No. 52, joined by Will Klein and Myles Straw of the Blue Jays.
They probably won’t rack up many innings or at-bats, but they bring experience and flexibility. Managers love having that insurance for injuries or weird tactical situations.
Just above them, you’ll find mid-tier contributors like Chris Bassitt, Davis Schneider, and Anthony Banda.
These guys might get the call for certain matchups or high-leverage innings when things get wild. Their roles are limited, but if they catch fire at the right moment, everything can change.
Regular Contributors: Steady Hands in the Pressure Cooker
Moving up the rankings, CBS Sports points to everyday players who offer steady production. You won’t always see their names in headlines, but they’re crucial.
Think Teoscar Hernández, Daulton Varsho, and Dodgers slugger Max Muncy. They provide lineup stability and solid defense, which can quietly swing a series.
The Pitching Edge: Arms That Can Decide the Series
Postseason baseball is all about elite pitching, and both teams have ace-quality arms. High-ranking pitchers like Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and Tyler Glasnow stand out.
These guys bring their own styles: Bieber’s precision, Gausman’s nasty splitter, Glasnow’s power stuff. One dominant outing could flip the whole series.
Star Power: The Faces of the 2025 World Series
At the top, you’ll find the true game-changers. For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts offer versatility and proven playoff chops.
Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette lead the Blue Jays’ offense, packing power and skill that can rattle any pitching staff.
The Importance of Veteran Leadership
These stars do more than just put up numbers. They guide younger teammates through the chaos of the World Series.
That mix of skill, confidence, and playoff experience? You can’t put a price on it, especially in those nail-biting late innings.
What Makes This Matchup Special
This isn’t just about two loaded rosters. It’s a faceoff between different organizational philosophies.
The Dodgers blend big-name signings with talent from their farm system. The Blue Jays counter with a homegrown offensive core and some sharp pitching pickups.
Rankings are just a guide, really. Baseball’s wild—sometimes the lowest-ranked player becomes the hero with a clutch hit or a game-saving play. That’s the beauty of October.
Final Thoughts
Both teams bring a wild mix of seasoned players and rising stars to the 2025 World Series. The stage feels set for drama, intensity, and those unforgettable moments that keep us coming back.
Maybe a superstar will grab the spotlight. Or, who knows, someone unexpected might become the hero everyone talks about for years.
Once that first pitch flies, nobody really knows what’s going to happen next. In October, honestly, anything can happen.
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Here is the source article for this story: World Series player rankings: All 52 players, from Ohtani to Kershaw
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