Expert Picks for the 2025 World Series: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Preview
As Major League Baseball’s autumn showpiece approaches, all eyes turn to the 2025 Fall Classic: the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Toronto Blue Jays. Experts across outlets have weighed in — and the verdict is largely in favour of the Dodgers, though the Blue Jays bring enough firepower to make things interesting.
The field: Why these two
The Dodgers enter with a dominant postseason run. Their starting rotation has been historically strong, with the quartet of Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani racking up an ultra-low ERA and shutting down opposing hitters.
On the other side, the Blue Jays arrive with the best hitting profile in the American League — deep lineup, low strikeout rate, and the recent surge of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in October.
In short: Dodgers pitch, Blue Jays hit. That sets up a compelling contrast.
What the experts say
Across several sports media platforms predictions cluster around a Dodgers victory — yet not unanimously, and not without caveats.
- On CBS Sports, most of their panel picked the Dodgers, though one analyst favoured Toronto. For instance:
- R.J. Anderson: Dodgers in 7.
- Mike Axisa: Blue Jays in 7.
- Julian McWilliams: Dodgers in 6 (but noted it could be five).
- According to NBC Sports, Dodgers in five or six is the consensus, with MVP picks ranging from Ohtani to other Dodgers stars.
- In a high-stakes betting preview, one publication estimated the Dodgers to win 4-2 with individual prop bets such as Ohtani hitting a leadoff home run.
Key storylines and tipping-points
- Dodgers starting pitching versus Blue Jays lineup depth
The Dodgers’ aforementioned rotation provides a huge edge. But Toronto’s contact-oriented lineup may shorten games and force the Dodgers into reliance on their bullpen — an area where LA has shown some vulnerability. - Bullpen as a potential crack
Several analysts point out the Dodgers’ relievers are not as reliable as their starters. If Toronto can extend games and force the bullpen, they may grab a game or two. - Momentum & pressure
As defending champions, the Dodgers come in with confidence, while the Blue Jays are chasing their first World Series title since the early 1990s. The weight of expectation and postseason experience could tilt the balance. - Which star shows up?
- Ohtani: If he brings his two-way brilliance (batting + pitching) like he has in recent games, he could be Series MVP.
- Guerrero Jr.: If he keeps his October red-hot form (.442 AVG and multi-home-run pace) going, the Jays could make noise.
My projected outcome
Putting everything together, I align with the majority of experts: Dodgers in six games. They have the rotation, the experience and the edge. Yet I expect the Blue Jays to grab at least one home game and stretch the series — perhaps they steal Game 2 or force a Game 7 if the Dodgers’ bullpen falters.
If I had to choose an upset scenario: Blue Jays win in seven — but that would require near-perfect hitting and the Dodgers’ bullpen to collapse. Not impossible — but less likely.
