The 2025 World Series begins Friday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays meeting for the first time in the Fall Classic. Los Angeles finished the year 102-70, while Toronto ended at 101-72. These teams met back in August, where the Dodgers won two of three games in Los Angeles.
This is a matchup between two deep teams that have built success differently. The Dodgers are making back-to-back World Series appearances, becoming the first defending champions to return since the 2008-09 Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue Jays are in their first World Series since 1993, when they won their second straight title. Toronto went 58-29 at home this season and will look to protect that edge against the veteran Dodgers lineup.
Blue Jays Preview – Rookie Yesavage Looks to Shine on the Big Stage
Toronto gives the Game 1 start to 22-year-old right-hander Trey Yesavage, who has made only three career regular-season starts. Despite his limited experience, he has been strong in the playoffs, showing poise beyond his age. In the postseason, Yesavage has a 2-1 record with a 4.20 ERA. His ability to command the strike zone and limit damage has helped Toronto advance this far.
The Blue Jays’ offense was consistent all season, scoring 5.02 runs per game while hitting .257 as a team. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the way with 37 home runs, and George Springer added key production near the top of the lineup. The team’s biggest challenge remains health — Bo Bichette and Ty France are both sidelined, leaving some gaps in the infield. The bottom of the order will need to contribute for Toronto to keep up with Los Angeles’ power.
Toronto’s bullpen is a strength and has been reliable through October. Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, and Seranthony Dominguez give the Blue Jays late-game options. The pen owns a 3.46 ERA across 525 innings with a 1.17 WHIP. They will be tested early if Yesavage struggles to get through the Dodgers lineup more than twice. Expect Schneider to have a quick hook if pitch counts rise early.
Dodgers Preview – Snell and Experience Lead the Way
Blake Snell will start Game 1 for Los Angeles. The two-time Cy Young winner has been dominant this postseason, going 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts. Over his last five outings, including regular season and playoffs, Snell has allowed just three earned runs in 33 innings with 45 strikeouts. Against Toronto earlier this year, he threw five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in a 9-1 Dodgers win.
The Dodgers continue to feature one of baseball’s most balanced rosters. Shohei Ohtani headlines the offense, while Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith form a deep top four. The team averaged 5.06 runs per game and posted a .338 on-base percentage. Los Angeles is hitting .271 as a team this postseason and has relied on clutch hitting from Ohtani, who already has four home runs in October.
Manager Dave Roberts has plenty of bullpen depth behind Snell. Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia have handled late-inning duties, though Vesia is currently away from the club. Jack Dreyer and Anthony Banda are available as left-handed options, and Brock Stewart remains steady in middle relief. The Dodgers’ bullpen has a 3.63 ERA with 449 strikeouts over 413 innings, showing strong command and late-inning execution. They will try to neutralize Toronto’s right-handed power and limit home runs in a hitter-friendly park.
Betting Prediction
The odds list Los Angeles as a -155 favorite, with Toronto priced at +130. The total is 7.5, with even action on both sides. The Dodgers have gone Under in five of their last seven games, and Snell’s recent dominance makes a low-scoring game likely. Toronto’s rookie starter could feel early nerves, but the bullpen can steady things if needed. The Dodgers’ experience and depth give them an advantage in the later innings.
Expect Snell to control the early frames, while the Dodgers offense grinds down Yesavage’s pitch count. Toronto will look to stay patient and work counts, hoping for traffic against Los Angeles’ bullpen. However, with Ohtani and Freeman both in strong form, it’s hard to fade Los Angeles in Game 1. The Blue Jays’ bats have cooled recently, and Snell’s track record against Toronto (5-4, 2.39 ERA career) supports the Dodgers as the stronger play.
Predicted score: Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 2. The Under 7.5 has solid value, with both starters likely to handle early innings. For the side, the Dodgers’ -1.5 (+115) line is appealing for plus-money backers, given their superior lineup and postseason experience.
Pick: Dodgers -1.5 (+115)
